Did Coronavirus Kill Live Comedy AND New York City?

During this quarantine, I've thought a lot about whether to stay in New York or leave. For years, I watched generations of real New Yorkers - those with roots here - move out, as Manhattan and much of Brooklyn became long-term corporate housing with a mall. Young, transient dreamers from across the US and the world, come here to 'make it' and play "New Yorkers". But in three to five years, many find a mate and move back home - or commute in from a Beyonce-adjacent suburb.

Some linger, under the insipid theory that careers matter more than family. And they watch that theory morph from rationalization to lifeline. And a paltry proxy for purpose. I speak from experience.

What hasn't changed is New York's energy. I am an energy vampire. I feed off of it. It drives my creativity and competitiveness. But it's relentless and unforgiving. It leaves no room for error. Few can afford to live here if they decide to re-calibrate, explore, change professions, or pursue new passions.

What I'd miss most about New York is it's a magnet for creativity. The sheer volume and diversity of dining, concerts, events and experiences is unlike anywhere else. And to me, it's music and comedy. Especially COMEDY. I performed it in my teens and twenties. I sneak it into my writing, videos and podcasts. But mostly I love going to clubs to see it live - The Comedy Cellar, The Stand, Gotham. Every night, the voices are different, but the game is the same. Like sports, comedy is a complete meritocracy. Laughter is the score. The more there is, the better the comedy. Even the cringey quiet performances can be fun.

Not only does Coronavirus threaten comedy and other live events, but it threatens the last vestiges of New York's soul. Its energy, its creativity, and its hold on me.

So I invited one of my favorite comedians (and former Lockheed Martin engineer!) Alonzo Boden on The McFuture podcast to discuss the future of this industry. In this short clip, his response on why live comedy isn't going away, gave me some comfort:

You can watch my full uncensored conversation with Alonzo here or subscribe to The McFuture on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. and get member bonus episodes on Patreon.

So what did I decide?

I'm leaving New York. For now. I know that's what they all say. I'm moving to the burbs for the first time. It's an hour away, but it might as well be days. On The Mayflower. With a leak.

No sirens, no crowds, no subways. No stimulus. Or much less of it. I'm worried. Sometimes, it's the quiet that kills you.

I plan to make the best of it - enjoy the parks, the beaches and roomy Trader Joe's. Most important, I plan to build a studio in the basement - something no one in Manhattan can do - so I can make lots of great video and audio episodes of The McFuture podcast. Just hoping once I press <RECORD> I still have lots to say... What if New York stimulus was my fuel and this truck can't run on sand and square footage..?

As for NYC... For at least a while, there will be no FOMO, only MO.

Here I explain why New York restaurants and events can't survive under social distancing, unless four things happen. Difficult things.

If you enjoyed this, share it & follow me: The McFuture Podcast, Newsletter, LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter.