Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Dave Chapelle have not only paved the way for young African American comedians, but also inspire one of East Coast’s top funny man, Mike Yard.
As a child his dream was to play for the N.Y. Mets, but for some reason that dream didn’t last long, “I was young and I don’t wanna say I was lazy, but it started feeling like work and I’m not a fan of that. Baseball was fun but I was too young to take it seriously.”
Well thank goodness for Yard’s lack of work momentum because soon after that he decided to give comedy a chance. It was 1993, in an uptown comedy club in Harlem, N.Y. when Yard signed up for his first comedic performance. The New Jack Segment, a 2-3 minute time slot for new talent to showcase their skills and get the audience laughing. Although his name was on the list, when it came time for Yard to perform he was no where to be found, “I left because I was too nervous. I felt like a punk because I quit before I event started.”
But Yard didn’t let his nervousness get the best of him, “I went back the next week and did really well. I’ve been hooked since then.”
Well it’s been years since his first performance and Yard has performed at some of the hottest venues like Apollo Theatre, and for one of the most influential celebrities, Rev. Jesse Jackson, not once, but twice. “I was contacted by Jessie’s agent to perform at the Rainbow Coalition. This was a big deal for me. He [Jackson] asked me how I do what I do. I was moved.”
Being a comedian not only takes talent but also hustle, good thing Yard has both qualities, “the most important thing to do is work on your craft; after that you get to a level where people want to watch you. It’s all about word of mouth. Make people say ‘I gotta get him.’ Get on the phones and call people. It’s always a grind. Getting yourself on TV helps.”
So what can you expect form a Mike Yard performance? “I don’t talk about my friends, but I may talk about my son and how people interact with each other; as well as President Obama and how America is changing. Everyone thinks you’ll be like a Def Jam comedian and talk about black and white stuff [just like they think female comedians will] just male bash.”
Yard’s determination and hard work has paid off with much success, but don’t think his skills only lay in comedy. Not only does he write jokes, but Mike Yard is also a screen writer. “I’m most interested in being considered one of the best comedians and screenwriters.” And he is well on his way of accomplishing his goal. Comedy Central, Apollo Theatre, Bad Boys of Comedy, he’s done it all and is still not finished, “ I want to perform at the Radio City Music Hall and for President Obama. I would love to do a show at the white house.”
Trying to get on Yard’s level? Well get out a pen and pad and take note on the best way to improve your craft, “get on stage, that’s how you get better. There’s no class, no advice, just trial and error. Try something new and make the stage your home. You won’t know if your jokes are good until you set foot on that stage.”
He may not be swinging for the N.Y. Mets, but Mike Yard has made many hits as a funny man. Stay updated on Mike Yard performances on his Facebook: www.facebook.com/MikeYard
Recently Mike Yard became a regular correspondent for Larry Wilmore’s The Nightly Show on Comedy Central. His dreams continue to come true.
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