Been There Done That | By Kathleen McGee
— ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER 2016 —
This column is usually advice from me but this month I’m going to share some advice that I received from one of the funniest comics working today, he didn’t even know he was offering advice. Hannibal Buress is one of the calmest comics I’ve ever worked with. A few years ago I opened for him at The Comic Strip in Edmonton, he was still mainly a cult hit, a comic that comedy fans knew of but wasn’t the mainstream sensation that he is now.
Watching him work was a real education in how to be comfortable with your material and who you are. He was and is a comic that makes comedy look effortless. I took him to one of my favourite bars in Edmonton after the show. These are the things I learned from him that night.
Filthy McNasty’s had the arcade version of Street Fighter. I didn’t know how to play so I just watched. About 30 seconds into his 50 cents a fight broke out. A pool cue flew right past my head and the fight was heading its way towards us. I started to move out of the way and told Hannibal to move as well. He said “nah I just put my money in” and continued to finish his game while a real fight went on next to him. The lesson here is always finish what you’ve started and have no fear.
That night was also the first time I tried a pickle back. Hannibal ordered one, I had never heard of this but I’m always on board for anything pickle related. If you have no idea what I’m talking about it’s a shot of Whiskey followed by a shot of pickle juice. It blew my mind. Never be afraid to try something new, you’ll probably love it and it will probably contribute to your already out of control drinking problem.
In memory of Kathleen McGee, RANGE Magazine is re-publishing a column that her and RANGE editor-in-chief Glenn Alderson worked together on over the span of two years in 2015 and 2016 while she was living and performing stand-up comedy in Vancouver, BC.
Kathleen McGee passed away on Nov. 3, 2024 and we will always remember her “questionable advice” that she imparted on the world through her lens as one of the most genuine and hilarious comedians we’ve ever met.
