Today we have a funny story to share with you. Not one of our own, but it's a gem of a tale from the comedy world. Picture this… You're Dani Zoldan, the guy running the show at the legendary Stand Up NY. You're doing your thing, putting on shows in parks during a pandemic because, let's face it, everyone needs a laugh, right?
But here's where it gets interesting. You've got a critic. Not any ordinary critic, but a blogger from Boise, Idaho, who's made it his life's mission to nitpick and "cancel" comedians. Interesting passion, right? Well anyways, now it's your turn in the hot seat. And this “critic” claims you're "putting comics in harm's way…" ah, the drama of it all!
Now, you could write a scathing reply. Or you could even ignore him. But no, you're Dani freaking Zoldan, and you've got a better idea.
"Why not host a comedy festival right in the critic's backyard?"
Yeah, you heard me right. The Idaho Comedy Festival, a three-day laugh riot, right in Boise, as a tongue-in-cheek response to the critic.
Here's where it gets even better. Despite no market research, no groundwork in Boise, the festival is a hit. Even the critic can't ignore the humor echoing in his own backyard, and he dubs it the "Revenge Festival".
Zoldan, looking back, couldn't help but chuckle at the success of it all, "Yeah, it was amazing. It was great." An unconventional reply to a critic, sure, but hey, it worked.
Now, for all the up-and-coming event hosts out there who've managed to read this far without getting distracted, here's the lowdown:
When life gives you critics, make comedy festivals. That's a saying, right? Well, it should be. Dani Zoldan took criticism and made it into a successful, hilarious event.
No one knew how a comedy festival in Boise would turn out. But sometimes, you just gotta take the leap. When the dust settles, you could be standing in the middle of your own "Revenge Festival."
In the comedy business, humor isn't just for the stage. It's a way of life. Zoldan took a situation that could have been stressful and made it into a punchline. And guess what? It worked.
You know the old saying. Instead of going on the defensive, Zoldan created something that not only retorted his critic, but brought joy to a whole city.
So folks, remember, next time someone tries to bring you down, invite them to your next big success. It might just be the sweetest "revenge" you'll ever have.
Want to hear more stories from Dani? Check out our exclusive interview with him here:
