Steve Martin Speaks To Economic Club

stevemartin2
stevemartin2

It was a packed house as Steve Martin chatted with the crowd at the Mendel Center in Benton Township Tuesday night.

Martin was the closing guest for the season of the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan. “A Conversation with Steve Martin” included audience questions and also a chat with Mendel Center Director Mike Nadolski, who asked Martin about his career going back to the 1960s when Martin did comedy for tiny crowds. 

Martin said he’s had a great life because he’s gotten interested in all sorts of things, finding many friends, and accidentally, success. He  talked about his gig as a writer for the Smothers Brothers, getting the job because he said his girlfriend was also dating the show’s head writer. Regarding that early stand-up persona — Martin said, “I thought arrogance is an incredible way to go on stage, especially if you’re terrible.” He also said he moved to movies in the early 80s because he liked the idea of doing a bit, getting it perfect, and it being preserved forever.

Martin later moved away from movies to spend more time with his daughter. Lately, he’s been doing tours with Martin Short, something he told the crowd he enjoys because he said when Martin Short is around, there’s never any paparazzi. 

In case you’re wondering — yes, Martin did bring his banjo. He played an instrumental called “Office Supplies,” and told the crowd if they weren’t thinking of office supplies by its end, he hadn’t done his job.

As for what’s next for Steve Martin, he said there will be more touring and a Netflix special coming soon.