Portfolio: Ricky Gonzalez to Record Comedy Album (2015)

Written by Gary Miller – Originally published on BestComedyTickets.com, November 19, 2015

Chicago comedian Ricky Gonzalez is set to record his debut live comedy album this weekend. Ricky is an associate producer and regular performer at Comedians You Should Know (CYSK), the powerhouse of a weekly showcase that’s been holding it down at Timothy O’Toole’s since 2010. With a new branch now in Los Angeles, CYSK continues to spotlight top-tier talent from both cities, along with rising stars and national acts.

Recording the album at O’Toole’s was an easy choice.

“We were talking as a group and we’ve had about 10 album recordings done there,” Ricky says. “This will be my first and it’s the perfect venue.”

The anticipation is high—one of the four tapings has already sold out. Remaining shows are Friday, November 20th at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., and Saturday at 10:30 p.m.

Ricky is a staple in the Chicago comedy scene. In addition to CYSK, he also produces shows at The Lincoln Lodge, the city’s longest-running independent comedy venue. He performed at the TBS Just For Laughs Festival in 2013 and has since taken the stage at top venues like Zanies and The Laugh Factory.

Outside of comedy, Ricky also works as a wedding DJ—though that wasn’t always the plan.

“At first I didn’t want to do it. I was so adamantly against it. Then [my best friend’s wife] told me what they make and I was like—definitely, yes, I can press play,” he laughs. “It’s the biggest con racket of all time to press play. It’s nice to get paid, but it’s terrible when you’re a comedian killing yourself working hard on this material and getting paid in PBR tickets.”

Comedy, however, has always been part of Ricky’s DNA.

“I was a comedy nerd as a kid. Loved comedy. Growing up, all I cared about was comedy and sports. I loved SNL, especially the bad boy era. Loved Chris Farley. Right now, I love Eddie Pepitone. There’s a running joke that I don’t know anything about music.”

When asked what pushed him toward the stage, Ricky names two pivotal specials: Dave Chappelle’s Killing Them Softly and Jim Gaffigan’s Beyond the Pale.

“I saw those and thought, I should seriously start to follow this. At first what terrified me was not being able to remember a joke. I thought there’s no way I’m going to be able to do this. I never had a performance background. Then I started doing stand-up. It’s like a muscle—you train it. Now I can tell a ten-minute joke without a problem.”

Originally a collegiate and semi-pro baseball player, Ricky turned to comedy after stepping away from sports. He began with writing and comedy classes at Second City and iO, and eventually started hitting open mics.

“I was nervous, but then realized it’s okay to be new. Everyone is just trying to get better. Eventually people start inviting you to do their shows. I’ve been doing it for about six years now.”

The album is the result of a personal goal—something he set for himself a year ago.

“Most of the stuff on the album was written in the last year. Not all of it, but a majority. I told myself by next November, record an album. It was good pressure. It forced me to fill the time, to push myself to get 45 minutes to an hour of strong material. Honestly, it was the healthiest year I’ve had. It gave me tunnel vision. I wasn’t bummed about not getting into festivals or certain shows. I just stayed focused.”

As for what to expect from the recording?

“If you love comedy, come out. If you’ve worked with kids, hate kids, enjoy kids—you’ll enjoy this. Honestly, you’ll enjoy it regardless.”

The album will be released on iTunes, Spotify, and all major platforms.

“Being a part of this scene in Chicago and of Comedians You Should Know—it opens a lot of doors. I hope to make a name for myself. It’s special.”

From 2015