Larry Garza

An audience member will feel entertained, they will relate to what I say, they will feel better about themselves, and most importantly they will crack up laughing. If I am performing in my comedic duo, as myself, or in character, as an audience member, you will feel like you've known me for years because I remind you of your brother, cousin, best friend, high school buddy, and at times, your dad.

To be honest, I couldn’t tell you anything about Transformers, GI Joe, or Thundercats. But I can talk your ear off about Saturday Night Live, Laugh In, Rodney Dangerfield, and Eddie Murphy. Comedy held my interest more than cartoons. I grew up on the Southeast side of San Antonio, raised by my mother, grandmother, and aunts and uncles. I realized very early in life that being brought up in a house full of movie quotes, quick-witted jabs, and mean-spirited comebacks meant that I had to hone my skills and toughen my skin. At a very young age I was able to keep up with my family, making them laugh, especially my grandmother. My grandmother was my biggest fan and supported me in everything I did.

In high school, I was the quintessential class clown, but after one too many times in the principal’s office (and getting kicked out of a college preparatory school), I learned how to not only make the class laugh, but the teacher as well. There is a fine line between being disruptive and “participating” in a humorous way. Doing this gave me a skill that I still use to this day, “Knowing Your Audience.”

At San Antonio College in 2002, I met Regan Arevalos, Jess Castro, and Joel Settles in the Radio Television and Film program. Together we formed Comedia A Go-Go, a no-holds-barred, uncensored sketch comedy troupe. Heavily influenced by Mr. Show, Kids in the Hall, and classic SNL, we (at one point 11 cast members strong), infiltrated the stages of bars and theaters across the city of San Antonio until we landed at Sam’s Burger Joint. Earning a monthly show every third Thursday, we developed a strong fan base and, using our degrees in film, started to incorporate video sketches. It was during this time period that Regan Arevalos and I formed the Larry&Regan Comedic Duo.

Because Comedia A Go-Go was so big in terms of scale and presentation, Regan and I decided to venture into the world of stand-up comedy to take advantage of a smaller stage and still spread the Comedia A Go-Go name. Being fans of Cheech and Chong, Bob and David, and Abbot and Costello, we felt that the comedic duo was a lost art. Plus, how were two chubby, Mexican guys going to stand out in San Antonio? Paying our dues at open mics and restaurant shows, Larry&Regan Comedic Duo have graced the stages all over the country, headlining and opening up for acts such as Pauly Shore, Bryan Callen, and Gabriel Iglesias.

During this time period, Comedia A Go-Go was at its peak. Earning many Reader’s Choice Awards in the San Antonio Current for our live and public access shows, we decided to concentrate on our videos. We entered many short film contests in San Antonio and Austin winning 2007 “Bloodshots” 48-hour Film Contest, Filmmaking Frenzy’s “Unnecessary Sequels” Film Contest, and the “Pimp My TV” film contest. Riding on the wave of those wins, Comedia A Go-Go decided to venture into the world of feature-length film. In 2009, we independently funded, wrote, produced, and shot our first feature-length film, “Blood Cousins.” With the money made from Larry&Regan’s live taping, and sales of the DVD “Big Red and Barbacoa,” production of the film began. After production was completed in 2010, we returned to the stage for another monthly show at the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in San Antonio, rebuilding our fan base and our material. With our new fans, we were able to win San Antonio Current’s 2011 Best Comedic Group.

In 2012, after 3 years of editing and life interruptions, “Blood Cousins” premiered in San Antonio. The film was an official selection in Austin’s Cine Las Americas Film Festival, the San Antonio Film Festival, and just recently in the South Texas Underground Film Festival.
In the middle of all of this, I have still managed a 14-year relationship with my wife Andee and our beautiful children. My daughter Mykee Day (8) and son Gunnar James (3) are my inspiration in life. Because of them, I have been able to get over my fear of performing by myself.

About 2 or 3 years ago, I created a sketch character who was a retired plumber interested in “living his dream” as a stand-up comedian. After 10-plus years in comedy, I started to notice a trend in older men gracing stages with cheesy one-liners and “blue collar” humor. They reminded me of my uncles growing up, and I’ve always thought these guys were funnier off stage with their strong opinions and life lessons. So, Jesus “Who Farted?” Mendoza was born. Finally able to utilize my love for old school one-liners and corny humor, my “uncle” would storm any stage that would have him. Committing comedy crimes like reading notes on stage, comparing himself to better-known comedians, and being very rude and crass, the audience, for some reason, loved him.

After having been on stage with a group, with a partner, or as a character, it was finally time to get on stage as myself. For over a year, I have been working on a set that was just about me and my life. Finally able to be a pure stand-up, I have headlined and hosted clubs and events all across Texas. In 2013, I entered the Funniest Person in South Texas Comedy Competition and so did my uncle, Jesus “Who Farted?” Mendoza. My schizophrenic style of comedy got media attention and I was featured on Fox 29’s Street’s Corner. I, Larry Garza, was able to make it all the way to the semi-finals, but my uncle got runner-up in the whole contest. Funny how life works sometimes.

So now you can catch me every Friday night at The Blind Tiger Comedy Club, I am a regular at the Rivercenter and Laugh Out Loud Comedy Clubs, and you can listen to Comedia A Go-Go’s podcast “Public Axis” on itunes or at (link hidden) . I am also almost done with a new stand-up DVD I did with my uncle Jesus “Who Farted?” Mendoza entitled “Living My Dream.”

I learn something new in comedy every day. Being funny isn’t something that can really be taught, but discipline can. There is more to comedy than just stand-up, humor is all around us. Evoking laughter is an art form and there are many variations. I would recommend to anyone wanting to try it, don’t limit yourself. Break out of your comfort zone and push yourself. Always be funny, not just on stage. Never mind the politics and drama and be a chameleon. Know your audience, adapt, and never give up. A writer writes, an actor acts, and a comedian never stops being funny. Listen, live, and LAUGH.

When performing as a duo, we do require two microphones. Other than that, let us entertain you.