Meet Jose Dynamite | Stand Up Comedian & Comedy Promoter – Comedy U – Hawaii

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

Hi Jose, what do you attribute your success to?
My passion is stand up comedy, and there were several times when I would go to a lot of the local comedy shows with the up and coming comics, and a lot of times it was really bad comedy. And for me it didn’t feel like the focus was on creating an audience experience that would get them to return and become regular customers and raving fans. So my though process was to build local professionally run shows with a product that was marketable, while creating a great customer experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am both a stand up comedian as well as a comedy promoter. I’ve been doing comedy since 2004, and got my first chance to promote shows in 2007. In 2013, I began promoting my own show and helped to create the Comedy U brand.

I got my start being blessed to be an opening act for one for Augie T., who was the biggest draw for Hawaii Comedy at that time. He really took me under his wing which helped me grow a lot as a performer. My full time career is working in radio advertising sales. So I’ve had a lot of experience working with a lot of the top nightclubs and promoters on the island, as well as experiencing what it was like working with some fly by night promoters. So I was able to adapt a lot of what I saw worked, and tried to avoid potential red flag situations. For example…years ago, there were many times when I would go to some of the local comedy show run by some up and coming comedian, and a lot of times it was really bad comedy. And it felt like it was just comedians hungry to get on stage without any consideration for the people that paid to watch. It’s like they thought if they turn on a microphone and show up, that’s all it takes. And I don’t fault them for it, a lot of them were really just trying on their own, they didn’t have the same caliber of mentorship that I was really lucky to have. So my thought process was to build local professionally run shows with a product that was marketable, while creating a great customer experience. And there is a LOT more work that goes into creating a show than what people believe. From finding the right venue, creating a concept for the show, find sponsors, the right date, even working with the bar staff on how to properly serve the crowd before and during the show.

It’s been a lot of work, but it’s rewarding. I like to also work on talent development, because I feel like I can put out the expectations of what I’m looking for to get booked as a comedian, and I can also offer some tips and pointers for the comic to grow or set their goals. One thing that I’m really proud of is that I had been asked by Manoa Valley Theatre Workshops to put on some intro to stand up comedy classes, which not only filled up, but it’s resulted in some of my students getting on stage experience and getting good laughs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Sunday – Dukes. That’s been a hotspot for YEARS. Get there early to get a seat along the Waikiki Beach. Monday – I would suggest going on a hike to maybe Makapu’u lighthouse or Diamond Head in the daytime. Get some great pictures, and then swing by Rainbow Drive Inn on Kapahulu…remember GRAVY ALL OVER!
Tuesday – We’re going to play pool at Hawaiian Brian’s followed by the Comedy U showcase & open mic! Afterwards we’ll head to Yanagi Sushi for the late night happy hour dinner
Wednesday – We’re going to Anna O’Brien’s for another Comedy U showcase & open mic…but stick around afterwards for music open mic…..which is a fun jam session.
Thursdays – During the day we’ll maybe drive to Kailua and spend the day at Kailua Beach, and then get hungry for some Mexican Food as we’ll be heading to Taqueria El Ranchero for a 9pm Comedy U Showcase.
Friday – Head to the North Shore. Cruise around Haleiwa and get some Matsumoto’s Shave Ice.
Saturday – Check out the Magical Mystery Show inside of the Hilton Waikiki, and then cruise Kalakaua at night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that have helped me along the way…I credit Cathy Tanaka with being the person who got me to start performing, Sharkey’s Comedy Club had the open mic that I got to work on. But my biggest mentor was Augie T. I was his opening act for 9 years. He took me on tour with him across 8 states (including Hawaii), to Guam and Saipan. He helped me with my writing and performing, and I wouldn’t have been able to perform in front of as many people had it not been for him. And of course, I need to thank my girlfriend Kelly, for having my back and pushing me to be better and do better.

Website: www.comedyuhi.com

Instagram: @comedyu.hi / @josedynamite

Facebook: @comedyu.hi / @josedynamite

Other: tiktok: @comedyu.hi / @josedynamite