Today we’d like to introduce you to Raul Hernandez.
Hi Raul, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I always think, when you want to understand where you currently are; you need to think about where it started.
When the pandemic began in 2020, it was a very scary time. There were numbers coming out from institutions that made it seem that it would be catastrophic.
During that time, I lost a lot of work; and had a chance to reflect on things. I thought “if the world was coming to a close, let me at least try the one thing that I always wanted to do.”
I love to make people laugh. It’s the fastest way to put a smile on someone’s face. It’s meant to bring joy and positivity. While other kids would fall asleep to cartoons or music videos; I would watch Comedy specials and variety shows. My dad used to tell me and my brother Eddie Murphy jokes all the time. Ever since I found out about standup comedy, I wanted to try my hand at it.
I went online, looking for a comedy open mic. Luckily, the great booker Sean Mullins was running one out of a Kava Bar near Wynwood. I did 3 minutes, caved under pressure, and ran off the stage.
But by then, I was hooked. You start wanting to do better your next chance up, even when you know you won’t get a laugh.
About a year in, I was driving all around south Florida, just to have 5 minutes on a mic. It was interesting around that time, because comedians from California and New York were coming to Miami; their cities were shutdown during the pandemic. So, as an open micer trying to break through; there was a ton of competition you had to crack through.
During that time, Comedian Sergio Mendez gave me a shot on a feature line-up. I did good, listened to other comedians in the Miami scene. But I wanted more time, more places for other comedians to flourish, to show that Miami has an up-and-coming comedy scene.
One night, me and a crew of comics were pushed down and down an open mic list. This is common, but this was not the usual. That open mic didn’t start until 12:30 AM. I saw other people, who were waiting to tell jokes, give up. Funny people who weren’t even given the time.
It was too much. There were only 3-4 comedy venues in Miami at that time. Limited space and preferential treatment is not a good equation for growth. So I went on a mission, to find venues, get time for myself and others to do comedy.
My first room was (and is) literally on the edge of Miami-Dade County. But that room flourished, people came to laugh, and new comedians started coming down there. From there, me and my squad just started growing with rooms.
Now, we run a few rooms a night. But what I do love is that other comedy rooms started popping up; the Miami comedy scene is truly starting to take root. From 4 comedy venues, we probably have 30-40 comedy rooms now. On any night, you can catch a show.
I never thought this could be a real job for me, I never thought I’d be in the spot I am now. But I love it, I’m not at the level I want to be; but I do see myself getting there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I will say the comedy road was a struggle. I used to drive to 3 hours: just to be able to get on an open mic around 11 PM. I would say a horrible joke, that would make me cringe from shame. I have performed at family arcades, farms, in front of a whole squad of firefighters; and every warehouse you can think of.
When I was looking for a venue; I sent proposals to hundreds of venues, and didn’t get one reply.
I would practice bits in front of a mirror, so I could work on controlling my hand from shaking; and cooling my nerves. I’ve been attacked on stage, I’ve stopped fights, and I’ve had equipment break in the middle of a show.
I just had to laugh about it. Everything is funny, just with a different perspective.
Nothing is easy, especially the things you want most.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I hope I’m funny. I may have imposter syndrome, but I always go up on stage hoping to bring some happiness to the audience. I’ve performed comedy in a ton of places, and I hope to keep that going to bigger and better moments.
Me and some comedians began a group, Dade County Comedy. Our goal was to put on good standup comedy shows, but to also give everyone a chance to perform. It’s been a wild ride, but I work with some of the best and funniest people around.
Man, if I can one day create a comedy club in South Florida; that’s as close to mission complete as it gets for me.
What do you think about happiness?
Any comedian would tell you that having a room fill with laughter because of your joke is the TOPS. Making people laugh in general is our reward.
The only thing I can compare it to is in professional wrestling; there’s a term called a “Pop”. It means when a wrestler appears, or an exciting moment happens in a wrestling match, and the crowd fills the hall or arena with cheers at once.
It’s like that.
The secret best thing about comedy is the hang. When all the comedians are together, riffing on each other. That comradery is rare in a workplace.
I’m lucky about the support system I have.
My family has always been behind me, and even more so, patient with me. My group of friends have also been just amazing. That’s my true happiness, seeing my family and friends grow. I only hope to be a part of that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DadeCountyComedy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rdhito87
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rdhito
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/rdhito87
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ldaxDFiSjLEjWkFwqmblS?si=W8dCdUuPR4i804pSOxxLgg
Image Credits
Angles by Alex
