Latin comedians share punchlines, insights

link Comedian Roberto Rodriguez receives a handshake and pat on the back in appreciation from Tucumcari resident Michael

Arellano after the Latin Comedy Jam Saturday at the Tucumcari Convention Center. Rodriguez and the other comedians of the show took time to thank area residents for attending the event.

QCS Senior Writer

Area residents enjoyed a night of laughter Saturday night from the punchlines and life experiences of four performers at the Latin Comedy Jam at the Tucumcari Convention Center.

Nothing was off limits as the comedians observed personal, social and world events, each adding a unique insight and spin.

“I wanted to know more about Tucumcari, so I looked on Google, ‘What to do in Tucumcari,’” said comedian Joe Rodriguez, as he started his routine. “It said ‘Turn around and leave.’ I thought, ‘well, that’s not nice.’”

Rodriguez quickly followed that joke with a “thank you” to the community for coming out to watch the show.

“I’m just kidding with you, Tucumcari, though some of you tonight might be agreeing with Google,” Rodriguez added.

Second act Javi Luna, of Corpus Christi, Texas, expressed his excitement about flying into New Mexico and getting a chance to travel the state.

“After I landed in Albuquerque I was like, ‘All right! New Mexico!’” Luna said. “As we left town I began to think they built Albuquerque and then said, ‘Forget it.’”

Luna joked that the drive to Tucumcari reminded him of his tio’s (uncle’s) house.

“My uncle began remodeling the house and adds a little more every 20 years or so,” Luna said. “He’s been building it one two-by-four at a time.

When his income tax came in he’ll get a sink for the kitchen. So don’t worry Tucumcari eventually you’ll be part of the whole house.”

Luna even made jokes about being overweight.

“Man I want to give a shout-out to the stage crew,” Luna laughed. “I mean they did a great job on the set. I’m going to be a real stress test for this stage.”

The attendance for the second performance of the Latin Comedy Jam in Tucumcari was on par with the first show in September, which attracted about 300 comedy fans.

“I actually feel this was better than our first time around,” said Mike Acquisto-Gotti, the show’s producer. “We get such an amazing vibe from the community and we fully intend to come back.”

The first show featured three performances. but with the success Acquisto-Gotti decided to add a fourth comedian for the second performance.

Luna and Rodriguez performed in Tucumcari for the first time Saturday. Return performers were Roberto Rodriguez and Jerry Garcia.

Roberto Rodriguez said Tucumcari audience is receptive, accepting and tolerant of occasional teasing or hazing from the comedians, and that makes he and the other performers eager to come back.

“This was an awesome show,” said Melissa Foster, Tucumcari resident. “The production of this show was very professional and the comedians were hilarious and catered to the locals and our small-town living.”

Garcia said the comedians travel weekly to different states and towns to pursue their chosen profession. What makes it all worthwhile, he said, is seeing the audience have a great time and enjoy a good laugh.

“If you didn’t make it out for the first or second show then you really missed out on something great,” said Joseph Loradeo, Tucumcari resident. “This comedy show totally impressed me both times it has come to our town.”