A New Comedy Showcase Aims To Combat Transplantphobia

James Bosquez's new showcase has an all-transplant lineup.

(Larry Garza)

With Portland's unparalleled influx of newcomers, it should be expected that  a few packed a sense of humor in their suitcases alongside their Doc Martens. James Bosquez wants to welcome that demographic.

"I've lived here for two years," says Bosquez, a native Texan. "And I finally feel like I'm becoming part of the comedy scene. With this show, I wanted to do what I wished people would have done for me: give me an opportunity to show the scene what I'm doing."

For the Transplants, Bosquez rounded up eight fresh-faced comedians whom he'd seen at Helium Comedy Club's 2016 Funniest Person Contest, which is where he initially conceived the show. As a non-native, he believes Portland provides a fruitful avenue for out-of-towners to gain traction. But even though the Transplants' performers may be new to the city, they are hardly foreign to live comedy itself.

"Portland is one of the No. 1 second cities for comedy behind LA and NYC," explains Bosquez. "Comics come here because they know they can get a lot of stage time and it's a generally cheaper place to live."

Portland may read like a halfway house for comedians attempting to hone their craft before scooting down the coast, it's not purgatory; most transplant comedians hold specific locally grown goals. The Transplants' host JoAnn Schinderle, for example, has moved up in local ranks following the flight of long-standing staples like Curtis Cook or Amy Miller.

Indeed, many of the featured comedians are only hoping to forge a lasting relationship with  Portland. Though the Transplants' show will focus on the eight comedians and their depiction of their experience as outsiders, it will present unique material that doesn't relate to their relocation.

In a nod to PDX itself, the Transplants will feature some native charm. "I listen to a lot of punk rock, and I made up our show flier to look like an old-school punk show," inserts Bosquez. "I'm trying to get a live band, but I might just play house music. The theme of the show will have a DIY feel."

The soul of the Transplants hints at opening a dialogue. As Bosquez notes, moving to Portland–or relocating to any new city–is difficult, and many local comedians live together, four to a house, and rely on the larger community for gigs.

"I understand the transplant-phobia, and this is about getting the discussion out in the open," says Bosquez. "Yeah, we are transplants, and we're sorry we invaded your town, but we do have something to offer."

SEE IT: The Transplants is at Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave., portland.heliumcomedy.com. 8 pm Wednesday, Nov. 23. $5. 21+.

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