Song: Calm Like a Bomb by Rage Against the Machine
Why: Seemingly patient, yet impatiently volatile at the same time. Flouting the system upon which they are unwillingly dependent. Complex message delivered via simplistic basis. Relatable to a broad spectrum of fans without pandering or appearing neutral.
Imagine watching an NBA game and knowing that you could be playing if somebody would just give you a shot. You would have a chip on your shoulder. You would be quickly defensive and a heavy self-promoter. And you would probably get your shot eventually because that’s how basketball works. It is not, however, how comedy works. And that can spawn as much angst as it does inspiration. Or in John Bruton's case, frustration.
Comedy can be the most bitter-sweet addiction. It will tease you. Anyone can attempt comedy. Anyone can carve their path. There are no height, weight, speed, strength or age restrictions or requirements. No combine. This sounds alluring to many. But there is a catch.
To get a small dose of success in comedy is easy. To attain the longevity and professional status that Bruton has acquired is as labor intensive as it is talent dependent. From a dreadlocked newbie performing on hostel rooftops and in corner bars to a tightly-cropped, smiling antagonist dropping jaws at Hilarities and the late Cleveland Improv to a presently smooth-headed vet headlining clubs and national venues… John has paid his dues and learned his lessons. He’s ready to go. And more aerodynamic than ever.
As both a professional graphic designer and comic, John has already carved his own niche into the Cleveland comedy scene over what is quickly becoming a long-endured road to bigger things. He's won numerous Cleveland Comedy Awards. His fingerprints are all over Make ‘Em Laugh Mondays. 50ish First Jokes. Step Brothers Lounge. Jokes On You. March (comedy) Madness. Oh yeah, and what about touring with Ali Siddiq?? Numerous appearances at Hilarities, Improv, Funny Stop and every/any place with a mic These are his stepping stones as much as they are his contributions.
John can be moody. And controversial. He will sometimes vent when he could quietly reflect. He can seem to be a lot of things. But to watch John’s comedy is to get to know the real person….if you know what you’re seeing. The words he speaks can’t always be taken at face value. You have to consider where he’s going and why he’s taking you there.
John doesn’t sit by and watch others succeed. He grinds and grinds and watches others succeed. He is successful in his own right, no doubt there, but he has bigger goals envisioned. And he wonders when he’ll stumble into that opportunity he can capitalize on. When will someone open that big door just enough for him to stick his sneaker in it and tell them a joke? The unfortunate reality is that there is no guarantee that the figurative big door will ever open. Many things have to come together beyond just talent and drive. Comedy is not a complete meritocracy. Luck and nepotism play huge roles in almost any rise to fame. They can often eclipse hard work and professionalism. This to the frustration of many very solid comics that have long been ready to level-up. Count John Bruton among them.
So for now, John gets to headline professional clubs and tour around the country. He gets to reap the rewards that his level of craftsmanship rightfully provides. An already-fulfilled dream for many. But he wants more than that. He's not after the Sixth Man Award. He's MVP hungry.
It could be argued that if John's new half-hour special "The End Is Near" got the same push as the specials by mega-famous comics, he would have the level of fame that he really wants. Will he get it? Only time will tell. But if he doesn’t, it won’t be due to lack of effort, ability or aerodynamics.
Catch John Bruton and his March Madness comedy lineup March 9th at Hilarities. And check out his half hour special "The End is Near" available here.
Written by: Brent Gambrel
March 5, 2025
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