Why Grady Pruitt Makes Me Question Whether Houston Is Worth Visiting
Blame it on the humidity, the unrelenting traffic, or the rise of the Slab Car culture, but I'll admit that I've often viewed Houston only as the place I pass through on my way to the Gulf of Mexico. When asked about what I enjoy most in this sprawling city, my response has typically revolved around a cool, almost famous punk band from the late '90s and early 2000s called 30 Foot Fall.
As an admittedly snobbish Dallasite, I haven't shown any interest in the past to venture into the heart of Houston to unearth its hidden treasures. However, there's one aspect of the city that might just convince me to pack my bags and make the occasional weekend trip down south—the comedy scene.
Time and time again, I've stumbled upon Houston comedians performing at shows in the DFW area. Their clips frequently pop up in my social media algorithm, and DFW comedians have personally recommended Houston acts.
The latest offering on my radar is the stand-up comedy album "What Happened to Shame?" by Houston's own Grady Pruitt.
Grady's album is a testament to the incredible power of comedy as a coping mechanism. With fearless storytelling, he transforms life's lemons into lemonade and invites us to laugh alongside him, and occasionally at him, as he delves into his life's vulnerabilities and insecurities.
One of the defining features of a true professional in the world of comedy is the ability to not only be aware of their flaws but to shamelessly showcase them to strangers without any visible fear of judgment.
I've had the pleasure of watching Grady perform in various settings, from barroom open mics to feature sets in clubs around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Each time, he's been a standout performer.
One memorable night, he took the stage near the end of an empty bar open mic—a notoriously challenging slot—yet managed to elicit the heartiest laughs of the evening from both his fellow comics as well as the unsuspecting patrons who had wandered in for a drink, only to find themselves at a low production comedy show.
Despite the fact that I've heard most of Grady's material several times over, it's always delivered so well that even knowing the punchlines in advance doesn't diminish my laughter.
One of my personal favorites is the punchline, "…do you think I'm made of Plasma?" I can practically recite the joke leading up to this one, but I still laugh just as hard as the first time I heard the joke. Now you’ll definitely have to listen to the album just to know what I’m going on about with this one punchline.
What consistently fascinates me about Grady is his likability, despite the realization that on paper, he actually shouldn’t be that likable at all. His act explores everything from contracting STDs to barely holding onto a sandwich shop job to bragging about DUIs as a Texan rite of passage.
On paper, he may come across as someone I wouldn't typically get along with, but in real life, he's charming. You find yourself fully under his spell, both as a person and as a performer. It doesn't take long to think, "I could totally hang out with this dude" or "I wonder if he needs a new best friend."
Grady's charisma is a testament to his talent. Whether it's part of his on-stage persona or his everyday personality, it doesn't really matter. He portrays himself as someone whose life isn't quite in order, yet you can't help but like him and want to be around him. He's the quintessential underdog in a movie who keeps getting knocked down but somehow manages to win you over.
As a performer, there's no reason Grady shouldn't be gracing larger clubs and stages across the country. While the comedy world is undoubtedly competitive, Grady consistently proves that he has what it takes to ascend to the next level of his career.
But Grady is just one shining star in Houston's comedy constellation. His passionate advocacy for fellow Houston comedians has convinced me that I need to pay more attention to the city's comedy scene. With Houston being the fourth most populous city in the United States and boasting the title of the most ethnically diverse metropolitan area (yes, more diverse than New York), there's no reason it shouldn't also be home to some of the best comedic talent and some of the largest potential audiences at comedy shows.
So, whether you're a seasoned comedy enthusiast or a curious newcomer like me, it's high time to take notice of the Houston comedy scene. Catch Grady's new album, attend one of his shows, and make an effort to explore the rich tapestry of comedic talent that Houston, Texas, has to offer. You might just discover that, like me, you've been missing out on an unforgettable comedic experience right in your own backyard.
Travis Wright is the host of the “I’m a fan of…” podcast. If you enjoy music and comedy, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out the You Tube Channel. Thanks!
