AAAAARRRGH! Stop it!

I've heard a great many of these. Some I've heard many times. Most I didn't find very funny even the first time. I really don't want to hear them again.

It's interesting that most of the truly remarks things quoted above are things that arose from the situation at the time, and were responded to with spontaneous wit. That's very different from telling a second-hand joke or anecdote. Some people can be naturally witty. Telling old jokes is not the same thing; in fact it more or less proves, to my mind, that you're not capable of original wit.

It's not a stand-up comedy club, it's (presumably) a folk club. Please, don't feel you have to crack a joke. If you can't be spontaneously, naturally funny, forget it. You can still be charming, or interesting, or engaging, or charismatic, or well informed, or have a sense of fun about what you do.

If there are moments to fill, tell us something about the song you're about to play, or make some observation about the club, or the organiser, or the local areas, or the beer. It doesn't have to have a punchline, especially not a second-hand one.

And then just get on with the music.

Marje