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Caustic Comedy
Topics: Jim Trino, Dane Forst, Mike Croney, Russ McGaffin, comedy, Nile, Bakersfield, Bakotopia, march, 2008, Stand-up
Posted by matt Wed Mar 19, 2008 15:35:39 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments Location: 1721 19th St., Bakersfield, CA 93301

Caustic Comedy
Local funnymen combine talents for a night of adult laughs at The Nile on March 28!


Above from left: Jim Trino, Dane Forst, Mike Croney assume the position at The Nile on 3/10/08. Photo by Orlando Galvan

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia.com editor

Comedy is not pretty.

Especially in the case of Bakersfield’s Jim Trino, Dane Forst, Russ McGaffin, and Mike Croney, the local funny foursome on a mission for laughs.

Appearing together at The Nile Bar on Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m., this unlikely bunch wants you to know - their cause is truly caustic.

“I do every show as if it’s my last,” said comedian Dane Forst of his stand-up material during a noontime break inside The Nile Bar. “I like to write career enders.”

Forst, 23, who by day works as a local graphics artist, got his comedic start as a member of The Spotlight Theatre’s Major League Improv troupe in Bakersfield. Although his wild comedy chops were honed on a weekly basis, it just wasn’t enough - even in an improvisational setting.

“I didn’t like the idea of being boxed in,” explained Forst.


Comedian Dane Forst talks fecal funny at the Nile on 3/10/08. 

“Being boxed in” can probably best describe headliner Jim Trino’s segue way into comedy.

Trino, who also boasts a degree in Theatre from the Cal State University Northridge, finds the best way to getting laughs is to talk about his colorful past - which includes a stint in the California Corrections system.

“The recovery process is funny,” smile Trino of his former life behind bars. “I have my degree in from CSUN, but a degree in hard living from Cal Corrections.”

The animated Trino, whose live act has been seen on various California stages, is a joke-filled therapy lesson about his personal life - something Trino believes can all relate to.


Inmate of the month: Comedian Jim Trino shows of his comedy wares at The Nile on 3/10/08. Photo by Orlando Galvan

“I talk about prison, sex, growing old, kids…,” said Trino with his ever-present joker smile. “I even love to talk about how my farts have changed over the years - something all couples can relate to in life!”

While Forst is the straight man, and Trino the wild one, Mike Croney is the complete opposite of them both.

A former student of Clownology from Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College, Croney, 35, exhibits no signs of “clownin’ around” during the interview - but that’s what makes him so funny. Nervous and uncomfortable - at least during this interview, Croney is a genuinely nice guy who provides laughs just by being himself.

“I bottomed out as a clown,” said Croney.


This is my brain on comedy: Comedian Mike Croney at The Nile on 3/10/08.  Photo by Orlando Galvan

Croney isn’t looking for pity. As a firm supporter of comedy, he understands the talent required to get the job done, especially during his days back in Chicago in the ‘90s, where jokes equaled a cheap meal. Once again, comedy was not pretty for Croney.

“There was a place called McMurphy’s who offered a free ham sandwich with a five-minute set,” he remembered. “I’d only last about three minutes.”

So what is it that makes a good joke successful?

“I try to be topical,” said Forst. “Something like abortion. It’s the worst thing ever, but if you try to bring humor into it, you get laughter and gasps of disgust, which are equal in my book.”

Indeed, comedy tastes are different for everybody, and no one knows that more than a stand-up comedian, where nerves only add to the energy onstage.

“I did my first show at The Empty Space here in Bakersfield, and it was a 90-minute set,” said Trino of his stress-filled debut at the tiny theatre. “It was more nerve wracking then getting off the bus at Wasco State Prison - you’re all alone.”

Then there are the hecklers, who can test even the biggest sense of humor.

“I’ve been lucky,” said Croney. “I haven’t had any problems with them.”

Trino agrees.

“I guess with my self-deprecating humor, people don’t feel comfortable heckling,” he laughed. “The audience vicariously laughs at themselves through me.”

Forst knows a thing or two about the chronic heckler, especially the guy who always mysteriously shows up for his shows.

Known only as “Bigfoot” among the comedians, the elusive party crasher attends Forst’s shows much like the creature for whom the troublemaker has been dubbed.

“Almost every show, the same heckler shows up,” said Forst. “We called him Bigfoot because of his chest hair. One of these days I’m going to invite him onstage.”

Comedian Russ McGaffin, also on the March 28 bill, is recognized as one of the driving forces in giving local comics a stage to perform. Calling from his very busy day job, McGaffin briefly, but sincerely expressed his admiration for local comedians.

“It’s always great to see new people do comedy, especially the local guys,” said McGaffin, 44 of cultivating local talent inside venues like The Nile, Syndicate Lounge, and Fishlips where he’s performed and produced shows. “It’s also a whole energy to sit 5 feet away from the stage. Anyone who has the guts to get up on stage like that has my respect.”


Above: comedian Russ McGaffin

Trino, Forst, and Croney were also adamant about the love for their boy Russ.

“Seventy-five percent of the shows we’ve done have been due to Russ,” said Forst of McGaffin’s proactive involvement.

All four comedians agree you're bound to find something to laugh or cry about, should you choose to attend their March 28.

Just ask Jim Trino.

“We live in the prison capital of the work,” laughed Trino. “I want people to know some us are doing alright. Besides, I’m onstage not at your house stealing you r s**t!”


JIM TRINO ALIVE! Featuring Dane Forst, Russ McGaffin, and Mikey Croney!
-Friday, March 28th, 2008
-7pm
-The Nile Bar & Grill - 1721 19th St, Bakersfield - (661) 323-8575

Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, issue 24, 3-20-08

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