LENNY'S FIRST NIGHT AT THE HUNGRY I

When asked to recall one of his fondest memories of the great folk era, those who treasure his gift for comedy may not be so surprised that Travis Edmonson chose, not a folk act, but a comedian's appearance.

He himself was not yet a star, being part of the original Gateway Singers. The legendary group were just beginning their own ascent to fame, and were then holding the opening spot as resident quartet at the hungry i.

Early one evening, circa 1957, before the show had started, a young man showed up, saying that he wanted to apply for a job. Travis Edmonson explains, “none of us recognized him - who he was or what he did. And we ushered him, as he wanted , in to talk with Enrico.”

Just what transpired between Enrico Banducci and the pleasant newcomer was unknown, but after they had talked for about a half hour, he came out and went into the show room, where Mort Saul was just beginning his act.

“He sat in the back, and we thought, disappointedly, that he didn't get the job.” All the artists had the same feeling, “too bad, he seemed like a nice young fellow.” He'd made a favourable impression on everyone who had met him.

“He stayed till the show was over, and Mort, of course, brought down the house. There were accolades on top of accolades.”

The stranger came out of the show room with everyone else after the performances, but didn't leave with the rest of the audience.

Lou Gottlieb, at that time leader of the Gateway Singers approached him then, probably out of fellow feeling for a struggling entertainer.

“He couldn't say enough about Mort - how he thought that Mort was really great, and finally Lou said, `well, what's your name?' And he answered, `Lenny Bruce.”' Lou said, `Lenny Bruce, the same Lenny Bruce who does comedy?'” There'd been exciting rumors about this new talent, but no one had seen him yet.

“And he replied `Yes, as a matter of fact, I'm going to be appearing here in about a month.' And Lou just about died! He just about came unglued.”

The young comedian stayed around for the following show, and after Mort Saul finished his next set, Lenny Bruce went on, and gave a little preview of coming attractions.

The evening was electrifying, and Travis Edmonson recollects the details with ease. “Of course, everybody was just so excited about Mort. But Lenny topped him. He absolutely delighted his audience.”

He adds, “and it ended up with all of the people - all the acts who worked at the hungry I - at the back of the room just really appreciating him and enjoying it. Mort was there too, by the way, and he really admired him. When he came off, we finally all shook his hand and thanked him and so forth. That was a night I will never forget! It was such a great night for me.”

That special warm relationship between the folk artists and comedians who shared the stage with them makes the latter group an integral part of the wonderful folk scene.

Travis Edmonson emphasizes, “Mort, when he was there, tied us into what he was doing, and announced for us, and said `stick around and see the Gateway Singers.” And so did Lenny. Same thing."

Travis Edmonson is now living in Mesa, Arizona, and currently hosting the “Valley Views” chat show on Access Tucson television.