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I do not want to mislead anyone; I am not a writer. If anyone knows the name Charles Waybright in Barstow, it is from all my complaining via posts on the Desert Dispatch online.

From seven years of living in Barstow, I have developed low expectations. When I saw an event notice on Facebook promoting Origami Mustache Productions’ “Local Comic Nite” produced by Cameron Dougherty, I was expecting a handful of amateurs who might provoke a couple courtesy laughs.

As it turns out, I was wrong, and if there was an amateur there, it was me.

Scott Figueroa (“Scott Fig”) was the evening’s host, and the lineup of comedians included Tommy J. Maes and Donald Thomas of Barstow; Matt Piccione and Travis Tapleshay, who had an exceptionally large business card, of Hesperia; Adrian Lopez of San Bernardino; and headliners Randy Liedtke and his side kick Davey Johnson from Los Angeles.

The show was as good, if not better, than any comedy show I have seen down the hill or in Los Angeles.

Scott Fig was very personable and full of energy. Before the show began, he invited me to sit and talk with him. Fig, who has lived in Barstow since 1981, began telling me about his career in comedy as I tried feverishly to keep up with my note taking.

Fig described his career progression from the beginning, when he worked on his craft in front of a mirror at home, to being mentored by David Chappelle, performing at the Apollo and touring with DMX – Ruff Ryders. At one point, Jo Jackson invited him to the Neverland Ranch.

As I listened to Fig talk, two things went through my mind: One, I can’t believe this guy actually lives in Barstow, and two, I can’t believe he thinks I can write!

I was introduced to the other comedians, who were equally colorful. As I spoke to each one, I pleaded with them to do something on camera. I began feeling like one of Howard Stern’s interns sent out on an impossible assignment.

After enjoying the show – which I can’t possibly do justice since I’m not actually a writer – a few of them agreed to talk on camera. I don’t know if it was my persistence that broke them down or the fact that I was sitting there after the show like a pitiful groupie waiting for an autograph.

The next time I hear about any event happening with Origami Mustache Productions and producer Cameron Dougherty, I will definitely want to attend!