I met the stand up comedy artist known as Steven Marcus Releford long ago, when he was hitting his stride performing on both American coasts in addition to Los Angeles, California and cities in the midwest known for stand up comedians like Chicago, Illinois and Boston, Massachusetts. Since then he's moved on performing for film, making big crowds laugh even bigger onstage, and being interviewed for podcasts and real life publications audiences respect.
When I last saw him perform at his sold out show The Improv in Hollywood, there were so many people there just to see him I realized he wasn't just a big part of the professional Hollywood stand up scene...that night, talking quietly to his friends after the show in front of a legendary location, Marcus was the scene. People laughed sincerely and stayed long after, because he's his true authentic self, on stage or off.
His latest show that we're all going to is WELCOME TO A.A., an ongoing extravaganza of jazz, improv, comedy, storytelling and that little bit extra, worth more than platinum, that is artists socializing, creating a true cultural scene. The show has been going on for some time, generating a loyal following in a town where anything on the regular could get disrupted. The fact that WELCOME TO A.A. persists shows true dedication...a quality every human wants when they enjoy a good night out.
Don't miss this. Tickets are still available.
It's been my honor to work with Steven Marcus Releford...Marcus, when it's not business, and the shows we've done together benefit from his spirit. He is the casting director for many of my projects. Because of Marcus I've met real living legends and real comedy artists like Ben Hurwitz, Malik Bazille, Vanessa Jeha and Dave Moon. That's an additional benefit of working as a professional comedian in a city like L.A. where reputations matter. He's the businessman to consult when real talent is needed.
Nobody will ever forget the unique success of our first THIRTEEN.
Marcus has organized a show called WELCOME TO A.A. It's on June 27th at Culver City. You have to RSVP on his Instagram to get the real location, though! It's going to be worth it. Here's even more good news...I was able to interview Steven Marcus Releford and ask some real questions about his life and the pursuit of art. Just like his comedy, any conversation with Marcus is a real professional talking, not some memorized script for maximum profits. Like I've said, he's his true authentic self. No surface performance detected.
Direct words from the man, himself!
HUNTING SZN is his latest comedy construction project, a mixtape of his best delivered as an, "A.S.M.R. Comedy Experience." After you read this interview, please follow those links and give them a listen. It's worth your time. If you'd like to truly enjoy your evening in L.A., go ahead and R.S.V.P. for WELCOME TO A.A., ok?
Marcus in motion, manifesting what's funny.
Why is "Hunting Szn" unique, compared to previous comedy albums?
This is more of a comedy mixtape. It's just a compilation of my favorite jokes that will be more refined and flushed out on the upcoming album. I think the presentation will be unique and the material will stand the test of time.
I've seen a wide diversity of audience members all laugh together at your jokes. Why is it that so many different people can relate to your humor?
I'm not sure. I keep a balance of simple day to day observational stuff mixed with deeply, absurdity, thoughtful silliness people enjoy.
Steven Marcus Releford has also worked with
living legends like Tom Rhodes.
When should a stand up comic release an album?
I don't know...I guess when you have a voice and a unique idea combined with the access to equipment, editing...go for it. I've yet to release an album though I'm planning on recording a catalog of stuff soon.
I've seen examples of your film acting in THE LOVE OF REASON. You have an undeniable stage presence. What other acting projects are you involved in?
I'm working on producing my own shorts and web series, keeping my ear to the acting streets and auditioning as well though I'm eager to work on creative projects, I'm more interested on building something myself.
Steven Marcus Releford flies high in THE LOVE OF REASON.
What's the best advice you can give a young, new comic, now that you are a respected veteran?
I don't know about that. What makes a veteran, I guess? One who's been at with the system, small or large? And yes in that sense I could be...though more measurements would be success and there is small wins and big wins...me treading water is like a soldier crawling for safe cover a small win, as art is both peace and war with one's self, have fun and enjoy the journey...though the best advice I can give is your environment is A and your material is B though your material must be in your DNA.
Steven Marcus Releford, as himself.
These days stand up comedy is a modern interface of social media, physical locations, and the comedian working for an audience, or to find one. If you truly love stand up comedy, please follow Marcus on social media, as well as other comedians you like. It's the fastest way to find out about shows and benefit the artist, straight to the source.
It's good times for stand up comedy in L.A. This is the only city where you can see the future of comedy, right now. If you are feeling lonely, if you feel like you don't socialize enough, or meet enough new people, go see live comedy in your city, if you can't make it here. You'll feel better. Laughter isn't just the best medicine, it is also the healthiest narcotic.
Follow Steven Marcus Releford on Instagram for more updates, and to DM for an RSVP to his shows, right here: STEVEN MARCUS RELEFORD
Check out "Hunting SZN" right here: HUNTING SZN
If you like Steven Marcus Releford you'll love his podcast! FOLLOW HIS PODCAST HERE
Get tickets to WELCOME TO A.A. with Steven Marcus Releford here: WELCOME TO A.A.
