www.ambiente.us JUNE / JUNIO 2008
THE PRETTY COMEDY OF KEITH PRICE
by Herb Sosa
Cover photo by Jeff Eason
Keith Price is co-host of OUT Q IN THE MORNING
SHOW w/ LARRY FLICK on SIRIUS Satellite's
OUT Q station. The hugely successful Price lets
all of us know his viewpoint on life, the arts, politics,
humor and all goings on in the world around us.
His interviews with movers and shakers from all
walks of life are talked about and listened to
internationally. His most recent one man show,
"EBONY CHUNKY LOVE: Bitch Can't Get a Date!"
will be the subject of an upcoming documentary.
Now AMBIENTE gets to ask him all the
questions...
HS: As a first generation American and son of
Honduran immigrants, how has this influenced
your work? Has it helped or hindered your abilities
to get into the entertainment world?
KP: I was conflicted for many years as a child -
Growing up in Texas, looking like a black person,
yet having Latino roots, made for a confusing time
for everyone around us. Now it serves for some
of the best stories. So, on my crazy journey that
resembles a career, I have found that accepting
who I am, has allowed me to move through the entertainment scene more honestly. It also helps me keep
my art honest. However, many times in entertainment, people still have a problem with too much honesty.
HS: What does your family think of your shows? Do they listen/attend?
KP: The majority of my family has a special place in my act, so NOW they like it. My parents are deceased,
but my father started to really enjoy the attention that my shows had been getting, because he realized he
might become as famous as Margaret Cho's parents. They were both really proud of me. It used to make
me laugh because when I was younger, he was way more stoic. As he got older, he became so
demonstrative with his emotions around only me. My sister says that it totally makes sense that I eventually
became a comedian, because I was always insane when we were kids, and my niece wants her 10% in
either jewelry or trips. That's why she and I get along so well.
HS: You are very vocal about your life, sexuality, and many other things many may consider too personal to
discuss in public, much less on an international radio show. Have you always been this open and
comfortable? What was the turning point & why?
KP: I donâ't think that everyone who is out and proud, came out of the womb draped in rainbows. It happened
to me in stages just like everyone else, but at 26, a little late by today's standards, I started the process. It
actually happened during a 90's Oprah show where she really first looked at the now publicized "Down Low"
phenomena. I watched this married man who had been hiding in the closet and indulging in risky behavior,
during his 20 year marriage just destroy his wife. The wife was hearing it for the first time, and I vowed to not
lie anymore, especially to myself. I started to apply that practice in my comedy when I moved to New York from
Texas.
HS: You did a lot of your earlier work in comedy clubs in Texas and later in New York... What was that like?
Are the crowds different in each city? How?
KP: I started with improvisational comedy. I was in a troupe back in Austin called Comedy Sportz. To really
do improv comedy well, it requires you to be honest and open when you are onstage with your team taking
audience suggestions, especially if you want to have fun. Those crowds were GREAT. It was a different thing
to be gay onstage as a stand up comic, especially in the clubs in Texas, back in the "good ole days". That
kind of honesty was a new territory, so I waited until I moved to New York, to feel safe enough to be out as a
comic. It's still a crap shoot in the clubs how they receive you, but at least I can run to the subway if things get
dicey after a show in New York. It used to seem like it would have been a long, vulnerable walk to the car
back in Texas.
HS: What other jobs have you had on your way to "success" as a comedian and entertainer? Tell me about
working at a strip club, hospital, etc...
KP: I began working as a Unit Clerk at a hospital in Austin while I was pursuing comedy. I did not realize that
as time went on that it would actually be the best job skill to have. I always love to thank my charge nurse,
Ruthie, for teaching me how to be a great clerk. However, in between securing another hospital gig in New
York, I worked as a Bouncer, DJ, House Mother, Emcee, janitor, and sometimes choreographer in a strip club
with women. It was like being the eunuch in the harem doing Fosse moves. I never had to wait tables, but I
did have a brief stint as a host at a restaurant. I loved working there, but my feet to this day still hate me for
that job.
HS: If you had not found an audience and following for your talents, what would you have done professionally?
KP: Believe it or not, being a clerk in the hospital is a great job that I actually liked. Before finally deciding to
take my current "day" job, I finally found a clerk position with fantastic benefits and truly fun, fabulous co
workers. I could have been content still plugging along with that great supportive team, and then spend the
rest of my gay days with a rich doctor. Before my father passed away, it was also his hope that I find a rich
husband, because he was really nervous about me wanting to be a comedian.
HS: Tell me about your personal life? Got a man? Does fame help of hurt your dating abilities? What about
friendships?
KP: Oh Chile! I am still single. I used to lament the notion, but now I have embraced it. Please do not think I
would not trade singledom in for a relationship. If he was the right one, I would drop it like a hot rock. In
making new friendships or dating, I do feel that I have to be a little more guarded, because I have to separate
fans of the career from people who are genuinely interested in who I am as a person. However, my real
friends who were with me when only they knew me are mostly still around.
BE NICE. You never know who you meet today and what they will be
doing a year from now. Don't be insincere to people, or a doormat.
Just be nice. My grandfather used to say "You get more places with
kindness than money will ever buy." I want them to continue to be out
and open. Work on their material, and remember that any and all labels
are yours to draw on, as long you keep it honest and funny. - Keith Price
HS: How do you identify most? As African-American, Gay, Latino, etc? ...And why?
KP: I identify as just Keith Price, the guy who is all of those labels. If I only acknowledge just one, then I have
to ignore the others. I think those are things that make me special and afford me the opportunity to look at
situations and conflicts from many points of view, and I love being all of them. As for my comedy, it helps that
I have had different experiences based upon being perceived as one of those labels at any given time.
HS: You have a hugely successful radio show. Tell me what you think makes it so popular? How/where can
we hear your show?
KP: I think that people love the idea that our show can go from speaking with major figures in politics, pop
culture, and entertainment in one segment and fart jokes in the next. The fact that we are gay is most times
secondary. We have a huge fan base that also includes tons of straight people. I strongly recommend
getting a subscription with a radio, but if you want to be like a non-committal boyfriend visit us online
http://www.siriusoutq.com
HS: Your performance of EBONY CHUNKY LOVE: Bitch Can't Get a Date! will be the subject of an upcoming
documentary. When will that be out, and how did this come about?
KP: Lonnie Renteria, the film's director, and I, met in Montreal a few years ago. He was a scholar working on
his master's at the time. Now he is on his way to finishing his Ph.D. We had become fast friends.
Remember my rule about being genuinely nice. So when I did my one man show, I sent him a copy of it. He
and his colleagues watched it together with a few glasses of Chardonnay. They sociologically deconstructed
my show, because for some reason scholars don't play Pictionary. Lonnie was looking to do something
different for himself, and the next thing you know I am the subject of a documentary.
Now we are just trying to get more people to see the film. Right now it has been submitted for more film
festivals since its west coast debut in the Seattle Lesbian Gay Film Festival and its east coast debut at the
Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival. http://www.myspace.com/ebonychunkylove
HS: What is next for you... Professionally, personally....
KP: Professionally, I want to learn and grow in this new medium that employs me, and I would love to get the
chance to do a really funny play or musical on Broadway. Personally, I eventually want to be in a calm but
groovy relationship with someone where we both just get each other and can really have fun.
WORD ASSOCIATION
Honduras - beautiful
New York City - fabulous
Laughter - healing
Fame - seductive
African-American - Visible
Latino - ever-present
Men - elusive
Fame - misleading
Success - variable
Favorite item of clothing - olored tees
Favorite Food - comfort
I want to be remembered... - as the blessed guy who really loves being different.
Read more about Keith and his work & contact him at : www.comedydaddy.com
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
HERB SOSA herb@ambiente.us
Cuban-American, community activist, Miami historian, preservationist and freelance writer, Herb Sosa is a
founding member and Director of Unity Coalition/Coalicion Unida, a non-profit focused on minority political &
social empowerment. He is also Editor-In-Chief of Ambiente Magazine, a Latino/Hispanic focused LGBT
publication and regularly offers public speaking, leadership and political empowerment training workshops.
Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's Historic Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on
the Board of Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Dade Heritage Trust, Miami Beach
Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other
organizations throughout South Florida.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-BalU Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, celebrating
Cuban heritage thru art, cigars, music and unique giftware, and earning the store the unique distinction of
being named one of Conde Nâst Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciones Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.S.
and in 2005 was named one of OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV.
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
THE PRETTY COMEDY OF KEITH PRICE
by Herb Sosa
Cover photo by Jeff Eason
Keith Price is co-host of OUT Q IN THE MORNING
SHOW w/ LARRY FLICK on SIRIUS Satellite's
OUT Q station. The hugely successful Price lets
all of us know his viewpoint on life, the arts, politics,
humor and all goings on in the world around us.
His interviews with movers and shakers from all
walks of life are talked about and listened to
internationally. His most recent one man show,
"EBONY CHUNKY LOVE: Bitch Can't Get a Date!"
will be the subject of an upcoming documentary.
Now AMBIENTE gets to ask him all the
questions...
HS: As a first generation American and son of
Honduran immigrants, how has this influenced
your work? Has it helped or hindered your abilities
to get into the entertainment world?
KP: I was conflicted for many years as a child -
Growing up in Texas, looking like a black person,
yet having Latino roots, made for a confusing time
for everyone around us. Now it serves for some
of the best stories. So, on my crazy journey that
resembles a career, I have found that accepting
who I am, has allowed me to move through the entertainment scene more honestly. It also helps me keep
my art honest. However, many times in entertainment, people still have a problem with too much honesty.
HS: What does your family think of your shows? Do they listen/attend?
KP: The majority of my family has a special place in my act, so NOW they like it. My parents are deceased,
but my father started to really enjoy the attention that my shows had been getting, because he realized he
might become as famous as Margaret Cho's parents. They were both really proud of me. It used to make
me laugh because when I was younger, he was way more stoic. As he got older, he became so
demonstrative with his emotions around only me. My sister says that it totally makes sense that I eventually
became a comedian, because I was always insane when we were kids, and my niece wants her 10% in
either jewelry or trips. That's why she and I get along so well.
HS: You are very vocal about your life, sexuality, and many other things many may consider too personal to
discuss in public, much less on an international radio show. Have you always been this open and
comfortable? What was the turning point & why?
KP: I donâ't think that everyone who is out and proud, came out of the womb draped in rainbows. It happened
to me in stages just like everyone else, but at 26, a little late by today's standards, I started the process. It
actually happened during a 90's Oprah show where she really first looked at the now publicized "Down Low"
phenomena. I watched this married man who had been hiding in the closet and indulging in risky behavior,
during his 20 year marriage just destroy his wife. The wife was hearing it for the first time, and I vowed to not
lie anymore, especially to myself. I started to apply that practice in my comedy when I moved to New York from
Texas.
HS: You did a lot of your earlier work in comedy clubs in Texas and later in New York... What was that like?
Are the crowds different in each city? How?
KP: I started with improvisational comedy. I was in a troupe back in Austin called Comedy Sportz. To really
do improv comedy well, it requires you to be honest and open when you are onstage with your team taking
audience suggestions, especially if you want to have fun. Those crowds were GREAT. It was a different thing
to be gay onstage as a stand up comic, especially in the clubs in Texas, back in the "good ole days". That
kind of honesty was a new territory, so I waited until I moved to New York, to feel safe enough to be out as a
comic. It's still a crap shoot in the clubs how they receive you, but at least I can run to the subway if things get
dicey after a show in New York. It used to seem like it would have been a long, vulnerable walk to the car
back in Texas.
HS: What other jobs have you had on your way to "success" as a comedian and entertainer? Tell me about
working at a strip club, hospital, etc...
KP: I began working as a Unit Clerk at a hospital in Austin while I was pursuing comedy. I did not realize that
as time went on that it would actually be the best job skill to have. I always love to thank my charge nurse,
Ruthie, for teaching me how to be a great clerk. However, in between securing another hospital gig in New
York, I worked as a Bouncer, DJ, House Mother, Emcee, janitor, and sometimes choreographer in a strip club
with women. It was like being the eunuch in the harem doing Fosse moves. I never had to wait tables, but I
did have a brief stint as a host at a restaurant. I loved working there, but my feet to this day still hate me for
that job.
HS: If you had not found an audience and following for your talents, what would you have done professionally?
KP: Believe it or not, being a clerk in the hospital is a great job that I actually liked. Before finally deciding to
take my current "day" job, I finally found a clerk position with fantastic benefits and truly fun, fabulous co
workers. I could have been content still plugging along with that great supportive team, and then spend the
rest of my gay days with a rich doctor. Before my father passed away, it was also his hope that I find a rich
husband, because he was really nervous about me wanting to be a comedian.
HS: Tell me about your personal life? Got a man? Does fame help of hurt your dating abilities? What about
friendships?
KP: Oh Chile! I am still single. I used to lament the notion, but now I have embraced it. Please do not think I
would not trade singledom in for a relationship. If he was the right one, I would drop it like a hot rock. In
making new friendships or dating, I do feel that I have to be a little more guarded, because I have to separate
fans of the career from people who are genuinely interested in who I am as a person. However, my real
friends who were with me when only they knew me are mostly still around.
BE NICE. You never know who you meet today and what they will be
doing a year from now. Don't be insincere to people, or a doormat.
Just be nice. My grandfather used to say "You get more places with
kindness than money will ever buy." I want them to continue to be out
and open. Work on their material, and remember that any and all labels
are yours to draw on, as long you keep it honest and funny. - Keith Price
HS: How do you identify most? As African-American, Gay, Latino, etc? ...And why?
KP: I identify as just Keith Price, the guy who is all of those labels. If I only acknowledge just one, then I have
to ignore the others. I think those are things that make me special and afford me the opportunity to look at
situations and conflicts from many points of view, and I love being all of them. As for my comedy, it helps that
I have had different experiences based upon being perceived as one of those labels at any given time.
HS: You have a hugely successful radio show. Tell me what you think makes it so popular? How/where can
we hear your show?
KP: I think that people love the idea that our show can go from speaking with major figures in politics, pop
culture, and entertainment in one segment and fart jokes in the next. The fact that we are gay is most times
secondary. We have a huge fan base that also includes tons of straight people. I strongly recommend
getting a subscription with a radio, but if you want to be like a non-committal boyfriend visit us online
http://www.siriusoutq.com
HS: Your performance of EBONY CHUNKY LOVE: Bitch Can't Get a Date! will be the subject of an upcoming
documentary. When will that be out, and how did this come about?
KP: Lonnie Renteria, the film's director, and I, met in Montreal a few years ago. He was a scholar working on
his master's at the time. Now he is on his way to finishing his Ph.D. We had become fast friends.
Remember my rule about being genuinely nice. So when I did my one man show, I sent him a copy of it. He
and his colleagues watched it together with a few glasses of Chardonnay. They sociologically deconstructed
my show, because for some reason scholars don't play Pictionary. Lonnie was looking to do something
different for himself, and the next thing you know I am the subject of a documentary.
Now we are just trying to get more people to see the film. Right now it has been submitted for more film
festivals since its west coast debut in the Seattle Lesbian Gay Film Festival and its east coast debut at the
Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival. http://www.myspace.com/ebonychunkylove
HS: What is next for you... Professionally, personally....
KP: Professionally, I want to learn and grow in this new medium that employs me, and I would love to get the
chance to do a really funny play or musical on Broadway. Personally, I eventually want to be in a calm but
groovy relationship with someone where we both just get each other and can really have fun.
WORD ASSOCIATION
Honduras - beautiful
New York City - fabulous
Laughter - healing
Fame - seductive
African-American - Visible
Latino - ever-present
Men - elusive
Fame - misleading
Success - variable
Favorite item of clothing - olored tees
Favorite Food - comfort
I want to be remembered... - as the blessed guy who really loves being different.
Read more about Keith and his work & contact him at : www.comedydaddy.com
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
HERB SOSA herb@ambiente.us
Cuban-American, community activist, Miami historian, preservationist and freelance writer, Herb Sosa is a
founding member and Director of Unity Coalition/Coalicion Unida, a non-profit focused on minority political &
social empowerment. He is also Editor-In-Chief of Ambiente Magazine, a Latino/Hispanic focused LGBT
publication and regularly offers public speaking, leadership and political empowerment training workshops.
Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's Historic Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on
the Board of Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Dade Heritage Trust, Miami Beach
Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other
organizations throughout South Florida.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-BalU Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, celebrating
Cuban heritage thru art, cigars, music and unique giftware, and earning the store the unique distinction of
being named one of Conde Nâst Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciones Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.S.
and in 2005 was named one of OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV.
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
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