We had the good fortune of connecting with Tommy Lucero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tommy, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

The pursuit of an artistic career is both gratifying as it is challenging. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with fulfilling an evening as an entertainer can fill you with the confidence you need to keep pursuing your dreams. As someone who’s been continually working as a producer and an independently touring comedian for over 10 years, I feel I’ve been able to achieve personal landmarks within my field. If not for the capability of keeping good business relationships with various venues and fellow producers I feel I’d have not been fortunate enough to tour as I have.
The level of accomplishment felt when you are capable of providing a fun night out for a room full of people is next to none. The only thing anywhere near it is having a night of performing on stage just as well. When those two are accomplished together is a feeling that by far surpasses either themselves. I’m always very grateful for the opportunity to perform these for audiences who are just as grateful for the night of entertainment I can provide.
When I first began doing stand up I’d never dreamt of organizing and hosting my shows. I didn’t enjoy hosting and was only interested in performing. Over time I felt it was a good skill to learn, along with being able to help my stage presence it turned out to be more of a blessing than the curse I’d originally thought of it as. At this point in my career I’m happy I was able to have the chance to do these shows in the way that I have.
It’s been especially crucial during this time that I keep good business relationships with the venues and producers I work with. Originally I didn’t keep in touch with the places I’d perform at, but over time and with the desire to do my shows occurring I started to conduct myself differently when on the road. Coupled with no longer drinking, my want to start my shows began to become more of a driving force than it had been before.
In my ten-plus years of performing and producing, I have not only found gratitude but I’ve found the ability to develop in a supportive environment. By keeping those in my community that are a positive influence and have the same goals in mind I’ve been able to facilitate a circle I’m comfortable working and creating new art with. I can’t impress upon others how important it is to be an influence that shares a positive vision for both the businesses you work with and your fellow creatives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being able to produce shows and do comedy wasn’t an easy road for me. I had to overcome alcoholism and personal struggles to be able to do what I do now. I’ve been fortunate to learn not only about myself but people in general and I couldn’t be more grateful for that opportunity. Most people don’t get the chance to not only meet many of their heroes, but also become the person they feel they were meant to be. I just want people to know that anything can be accomplished as long as you focus, work hard, and never give up on yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some spots around town I enjoy spending time and working on my craft are places like Mic Drop Comedy Club, Lamplighter in Mission Hills, and Main Tap Tavern in El Cajon. In two of these businesses I go to work on material and in one I do a monthly show at. The staff at all three of these venues are not only incredibly professional but some of the most personable people I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Zach Miller “Hemperors of Comedy” (producers/comedians) Trez Mala & Lex LasVegas
(Las Vegas Comedian/producer)
Zack Zimmerman (fellow comedian)
Erik Martin (Fellow Comedian)

Instagram: Tommytheroach

Twitter: Tommy_lucero

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tommy.lucero?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Chuck Foster (fellow comic) SurfScripts.org (sponsor) Richie Estrada (writer/photographer)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.