As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Vince Acevedo. The Chicago, IL native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Vince Acevedo
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @Vinceacevedo
Years in Comedy: 18
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Bill Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes” & Martin Lawrence “First Amendment”
Comedic Influences: Andrew Dice Clay, Don Rickles, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Deon Cole, and Jim Carrey.
Favorite Comedy Album: Eddie Murphy “Delirious”
Favorite Comedy Special: Patrice O’Neal “Elephant In The Room”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Ace Ventura
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Martin
Favorite Comedic Character: Jim Carrey “The Mask”
Favorite City to Perform In: Chicago
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Love talking with the audience and bringing them into the show to make it more interactive and engaging.
Favorite Comedy Club: Zanies
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I didn’t realize I had a passion for it until a customer at a show pulled me to the side to say what a relief it was to have a moment to laugh and just forget about their bills and day to day problems. Being a positive force for others without realizing it ended up being the driving force for me to really lean into being a comedian.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember making strangers laugh at my first show and getting an incredible high/rush from the crowds energy. It’s an amazing feeling that can’t be duplicated.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I definitely enjoy doing my material but when it comes to style I love being able to have moments with the crowd where they become apart of the show. I feel like it’s not genuine to talk at the crowd so I prefer to talk with them. I want them to feel like they are just as important with how successful the show is as I am. Having people drop their guard and offer up details about themselves to then weave it into funny material is a very intimate way to connect to the audience.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
When it comes to writing I am more of an “in the moment” writer. Normally I am working stuff out on the fly on stage and if it gets the reaction I’m looking for I lock it in, for me it’s a smoother process to have some small topics and build on stage.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Being from Chicago the city is rich with comedic history. The clubs are amazing and there is amazing talent everywhere from all different neighborhoods of the city. It’s also a city that will let you know if you’re doing a good job on stage or not. It’s a blue collar city so the customers that spend hard earned money to see performances are ready to laugh, if you’re not bringing the laughs you’re going to feel it immediately. Chicago also makes you understand that you have to be universal in making people laugh, we’re a big city with many different ethnicities who want to laugh just as much as anyone else.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Success comes in many forms but for me personally if you are able to pay the bills, travel, maintain your mental health/happiness and enjoy getting on stage to make people laugh than you are already a huge success. Comedy is a marathon not a sprint so you have to work for longevity.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I have few friends that I love watching on stage but as a quick run down it would be Alex Ortiz, Frank Townsend, Andy Beningo, Happy Cole, Manny Acosta and Lucky Luciano.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
The best moment for me was probably getting my first standing ovation after a show. To have the entire crowd get up in unison to show their appreciation of the laughs they got was the best moment ever.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
I think what I’ve learned the most is knowing that you’re always going to make mistakes and you also aren’t going to win everyone over. You have to be ok knowing that sometimes things aren’t going to work out and other times that things will work out.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
A lot of people are normally pretty surprised that im a comedian since I’m regularly a pretty quiet person in public.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Building a career in stand up is a long process, there is no overnight success and sometimes it’s all about being at the right place at the right time. It’s a lot of work and you have to be committed to it like any other job. Not for the weak of heart.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
I was told that the only way for you to make it is to just be ready. Take a minute and just relax, sometimes you’ll be ready for the moment and other times you won’t. Only thing you can do is attack the stage and leave it all out there for the crowd.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“ConVINCED”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I ran into Bill Murray on a flight to the Bahamas and spoke to him. He was really nice and I asked if it would be weird to grab a selfie together and he said it would be weird but he still wanted to do it anyway!!
A Vince Acevedo Fun Fact:
I’m a huge Star Wars nerd!
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d like my laughs to just take me where it’s supposed to. If all I get to do is just make people laugh I will be absolutely happy with that since it makes me fulfilled to do it. Not everyone loves what they do but I’m lucky enough to be in a spot where I do.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Best advice I would give is to know that it’s not about owning the laughs, it’s about living in the moment while you’re performing. That’s when you will be able to truly feel free to connect with the audience and have an honest performance every time.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
The future of comedy is bright, amazing people and talent is all over the world. Everyone has something to offer and with social media and YouTube, being able to showcase funny moments has become something everyone can be a part of. Sharing laughs is the best way to spread some good vibes.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
I’d probably write an episode for All in the family, it’s a throwback show for sure but they always found ways to incorporate different cultures in ways you wouldn’t expect. If Sammy Davis Jr was able to make Archie Bunker blush then I’m sure some Puerto Rican neighbors would definitely give him a run for his money!
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Perfect show for me would be with Don Rickles, George Lopez and Dave Chappelle performing at the Sands Casino in Las Vegas.
What’s next for you:
Next thing for me is having my first comedy special being done in May with Dry Bar Comedy.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
You should always laugh at life because it’s too short, there’s no reason to let things drag you down because you are losing precious time for the wrong things. Smile and keep it moving.
Follow Vince Acevedo’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Vince Acevedo
Youtube: Vince Acevedo
Personal Website: Vince Acevedo
