23 Apr

Chicago’s Comic: Vince Carone

Chicago’s Comic: Vince Carone

Vince Carone
Chicago’s Comic
Week of April 23rd, 2018

Meet Chicago’s own comedian to watch—Vince Carone.

Q: What inspired you to start stand-up comedy?

A: I used ‘being funny’ as a way of fitting in. My quick wit allowed me to get past my insecurities growing up. As time went on, I started to realize and understand that my brain was wired different than most. My family loved to laugh and introduced me to George Carlin’s work at a young age. The older I got, the more I started to understand the science behind standup comedy and the more it seemed like a feasible option. I was always good at exaggeration and painting a picture through my words (two key elements in comedy), now all I needed to do was get on stage and suck for a long time.

Q: Describe your first performance?

A: Ah yes – now begins the period of “sucking for a long time”. I first went on stage for stand-up comedy in May of 2001 at a place called The Red Lion or Red Lion’s Pub (I can’t remember) in Lincoln Park. My buddy and I went to the gig and got signed up “1st” and “2nd” on the list in a room full of comics. He went first and got a laugh or two. Then I went up and did a few jokes (using that loosely) and a comedy song on guitar. The only thing I remember getting a reaction was that I did a 20-letter acronym for something and got recognition for the memorization of it, but that was it. On the way home my buddy and I talked about how we bombed, but we were excited about it. Everything we ready or saw said that you would bomb for a long time, so we just assumed it was a rite of passage and that we were on the right path.

Q: Do you have “pre-show” rituals? If so, what are they?

A: I do one of three things, sometimes all three. 1. Take a shit 2. Annoy Jim Flannigan 3. Listen to my previous sets

Q: Where in the world is your favorite place to perform stand up? Why is this your favorite place?

A: This is hard to answer, because my favorite place always changes based on the reaction I get when I’m there. Some places go from my favorite place to my most hated place in the same weekend. If I think back, I’d have to say the Comedy Cafe at it’s original location in Milwaukee, WI was my favorite room consistently. They had amazing crowds, I loved the staff, and they took a chance on me and allowed me to headline for them when I was 25.

Q: What shows, podcasts, blogs do you produce or co-produce?

A: I don’t do any of these – but have immense respect for those that do. It’s certainly not easy. I’d like to start a podcast but have no clue what it’d be about (which doesn’t seem to stop most people from starting one).

Q: What are three of your favorite things?

A: Being with my family, playing music, and going to Las Vegas.

Q: What is your favorite sammich?

A: The Viking Quest – Epic Deli

Q: What’s one thing people assume about you, that is or isn’t true?

A: Most people assume that I was a “cool kid” growing up – it’s not true

Q: If you weren’t a comic, what other job would you love to do?

A: Motivational Speaker

Q: What are some comedy goals/dreams you have on your To Do List?

A: I would love to play on the Las Vegas Strip someday – I’ve played all around it, but never on it. My goals are to release a new comedy album every 2-3 years. This documents my progress in this industry and my life. I would love to leave behind a big body of work when I am gone – one that my family generations can look back on and get a good glimpse of where I was at that point in my life.

Q: What quality, trait &/or body part do you really like about yourself?

A: I like that I don’t really stress out – I am pretty adaptable and good at taking things as they come and problem solving fast.

Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?

A: I wish more people knew that I am an introvert by nature, but I’d still love to fit in with them. I may come off as standoffish, but it’s not a judgment from my end. I just am not good at putting myself out there to meet new people. Say hi to me, I’ll never stop talking to you!

Q: How will you know you “Made It?”

A: In my opinion, I made it. When I was 17-years old I told my high school that I wanted to be a comedian and I’ve done that. I’ve headlined around the country, I’ve put out 4-comedy albums, I’ve worked with some amazing comedians, and I’ve received some amazing compliments from individuals about how my comedy has personally helped them… I made it

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