Before taking the stage at Grumpy Dave’s Pub, Frank Gutierrez reviews his comedy act for the night. Looking over his notes, he smiles and chuckles at his jokes.
“You can come up with some pretty good lines when you’re half Black and Mexican,” he says.
He finishes his gin and tonic, looks in the mirror and takes a deep breath. It’s a routine he’s been doing since he started comedy 14 years ago.
But tonight he knows it isn’t just another show. It’s a full house, and the audience is nearly 20 years younger than himself; he’s anticipating a rough crowd.
“You have to adjust,” he says. “Your act should always be changing. It’s a challenge getting a good response from a different generation, especially college kids.”
Gutierrez is just one of the hundreds of comedians who have taken the stage at comedy night hosted every Tuesday at Grumpy Dave’s. For the past 10 years, the Main Street pub has been welcoming different comedy acts from across the country.
“We try to bring in a variety of performers,” said Tim Hoyt, Grumpy Dave’s assistant booking agent. “Frank (Gutierrez) is the definition of a Midwest comic. His jokes are hilarious and relate to everyone.”
Born and raised in Detroit, Gutierrez has been in the business since he was 28. His start in comedy began during his days working on the assembly line at Ford Motors.
“My supervisor gave me the idea to pursue my comedy, but I never thought much about it,” Gutierrez said. “For as long as I can remember, I was always ‘Frank the funny guy’. Now I’m 40 years old and have toured all over the world doing what I love.”
From his first show at Marc Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oaks, Michigan, to Japan, England and Ireland, Gutierrez has opened for some of comedy’s biggest names.
“I met Chris Rock, George Lopez and Carlos Mencia,” he said. “All real good people. But an early inspiration I never got to meet was Richard Pryor. He went way before his time.”
Coming from a biracial family of three siblings, Gutierrez jokes are about family, ethnicity and growing up in the 1980s.
“His style is cool because he’s not afraid to say the things people are thinking,” said Steve Sabo, booking agent for Inside Joke Productions. “Some people may be offended but don’t go to an adult comedy club expecting PG comedy.”
And while his act may be controversial to some, many of his fans appreciate his ability to take the edge off serious issues.
“I thought Frank was hilarious, and Grumpy Dave’s exceeded my expectations,” said senior Nicki Bollini. “This is my first time ever seeing comedy live or checking out Grumpy Dave’s. It was a nice mix up for a Tuesday night, and for $3 I can’t complain.”
When the show is over, Gutierrez takes a bow, and the audience erupts with cheers and applause. He goes back stage to reflect on the evening’s performance.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “Not going to lie, you young kids had me nervous for a minute. But as a comedian I always try and remember, if you can make one person laugh you did your job. I do this because I enjoy making someone’s day that much better with just one joke.”