Serving the High Plains

Comedians bring the laughter

QCS Senior Writer

Hearing the laughter of the crowd and knowing they were having a good time was all that mattered to three comedians as they took the stage Saturday during the Latin Comedy Jam at the Tucumcari Convention Center.

Saturday’s crowd of more than 100 was smaller than those drawn in by the comedy show's two previous performances.

Despite the lower numbers, the comics, staff and coordinators all said they were committed to putting on a top-notch show.

“I’ve performed in front of crowds of five to 20 people; it’s what I do,” said Omar Tarango, a comedian from El Paso, Texas.

Tarango said he was excited to perform for those who came out to the show.

“They wanted to be here, they chose to be here and that makes me want to give them the best performance possible,” Tarango said. “The size of the crowd isn’t important; making sure they have a good time -- that’s what matters.”

Tarango said from the start of the show the crowd’s feedback and reaction to the material helped set the tone for the night. “As the first act you’ve got to feel the crowd out, get them laughing and ready for the next act,” Tarango said.

The second act was no stranger to Tucumcari. In fact, Corpus Christi, Texas, native Javi Luna said he requested to come back to Quay County to perform.

“It’s good to be back, I had such an awesome experience last time I just had to be here,” Luna said.

Luna said much has changed since his last time in Tucumcari and he was ready to share what had been going on with the crowd. He said while there are some aspects I won’t go into I’m not going to be shy. “Since I’ve been gone, I’ve lost 185 pounds. It might not look like it, but it’s true,” Luna said at the start of his act. “I got divorced and that’s 185 pounds I don’t have to deal with anymore.”

The shows final act, El Paso, Texas, comedian Iggy Samaniego wrapped up the night with tales drawn from life experiences. Samaniego used comedic insight to make light of hardships while relating to the crowd.

“I use this as a way to improve myself,” Samaniego said. “I don’t let what I’ve been through drag me down. I learn from it, overcome it and use it as part of my show.”

Samaniego said while he performs his routine someone in the crowd might be able to relate to his experiences. He said it might help that person to know there are others that have been through the same thing.

Although, Samaniego said drawing your fighting techniques from "West Side Story" might produce mixed results.

He quipped that the film "wasn't the documentary on gangs I thought it was."

 
 
Rendered 02/28/2024 16:53