About Steve & Show Comments
"They say that behind every good man there is a good woman."
I disagree, instead it should say, "Along side every good man there is a great woman."
Steve Mertes
(guys this comment, has really given me some "brownie points with my wife" ... just kidding Jeri!)
I disagree, instead it should say, "Along side every good man there is a great woman."
Steve Mertes
(guys this comment, has really given me some "brownie points with my wife" ... just kidding Jeri!)
Over the 36years we have been married, my wife, Jeri has been responsible for encouraging me and has been instrumental in helping me develop my self confidence to sing and tell jokes in public, that also included developing my stage presence, to unlock and share my God given talents.
Believe or not, I was a very shy guy, I knew about 10 kids out of my high school class of 500, didn't go to dances, prom and didn't date until I got out of high school. My dad was a kidder and embarrassed me countless times in public with crazy things he's say to anyone he ran into.. I vowed to never ever be like him and now I'm 1000 times worse than he ever was. God is amazing and there are tons of people in the world, that he has chosen and changed for a multitude of situations to glorify HIM! And that is exactly what he did in me!
Believe or not, I was a very shy guy, I knew about 10 kids out of my high school class of 500, didn't go to dances, prom and didn't date until I got out of high school. My dad was a kidder and embarrassed me countless times in public with crazy things he's say to anyone he ran into.. I vowed to never ever be like him and now I'm 1000 times worse than he ever was. God is amazing and there are tons of people in the world, that he has chosen and changed for a multitude of situations to glorify HIM! And that is exactly what he did in me!
So again, it was my wife that brought me out of my shell and now she would love it, if I climbed back in for awhile!
We got our start in comedy in the fall of 1994, totally by chance. She was going to RV parks to teach craft classes & she was at the Lost Dutchman park in the activity director's office, when the phone rang. She heard comments like; "oh no" "you can't do that", " "what are we supposed to do now". She hung up and told Jeri "our entertainment just cancelled for next week. I don't know what to do now" Jeri said "well I play the keyboard and my husband has a great sense of humor and sings" She said great! Jeri comes home and tells me; "we are booked at an RV resort for next week! I said "what? We don't have any program or equipment and we are going to do a show next week?" She said we can throw something together". I said "we don't even have a name" She said your 5ft 18 & I'm 5ft 11, how about The Tall Two Some From Tempe!
We did that first show with a cheap keyboard, cassette player & a podium microphone. Soon after, God led me to a guy that had some portable sound equipment for $500 and took payments of $50 a month!! We did 45 programs that winter!
In 1995 our 2 daughters 21 & 19 both had babies 2 MONTHS apart! They were both out on their own at the time and both made poor choices with no father figure around. We were living in Apache Junction at the time in an RV park planning to spend our 2nd summer in Montrose Co. as campground hosts. We cancelled that and took the responsibility to help them raise their babies. Long story short, we raised both babies for 3 years & 1 baby until age 19. Both are doing great and as of 2019 they are 23 years old. So we have been out of the child raising business about 4 years now. I worked full time through out and comedy was more of a hobby that I so missed doing on a regular basis. So I managed to perform from time to time. But my sense of humor continued to surface at every opportunity; meaning all somebody has to do is talk to me a minute or 2 and I blurt out some funny comment to make them laugh.
2013 at my job I started writing words to my favorite song. I was amazing how fast the words came to me. I had a challenge of figuring out how to display them in a program karaoke style, as I wanted the powerful words God gave to be seen as well as heard. I also have been a karaoke buff for about 25 years now. I then polished up a program to fit with the songs and in 2015 presented the program to our church. IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! People knew the 60's melodies and jumped right in singing along with me. I inserted hilarious stories, puns, riddles and jokes throughout the 90 minute program (see comments) So through out the years I performed sporadically putting together special programs for holidays, birthdays etc. BUT MY SENSE OF HUMOR WAS ALWAYS PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS AS MY MIND WAS ALWAYS GOING, TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH. AND I SANG IN CHURCH AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY. I also continued to catalog my humor and to this day I have a ton of material yet to be shared.
2016 - 2017 I started performing regularly at assisted living homes and in churches. I did over 100 shows and was working part time. It was a real experience that I will never forget. Sadly budget cuts, cut out entertainment at a lot of facilities and that was the end of performing. Again I continued to share my comedy and any time with anyone, wherever I go to cheer someone up. COMEDY WAS MY OUTLET THAT HAS GOTTEN ME THROUGH MANY UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES OVER THE YEARS. I still perform in churches every chance I get.
In June of 2017 I was suffering from some serious health challenges that set us back financially. Through the grace of God I was healed and started back working a full time job.
2018 I performed a Halloween program and also was asked back to perform a Christmas program as well. Then in February of 2019 performed at the Caliente park in Florence with a great show everybody loved.
I love to perform and I am very comfortable in front of any size audience. I love humor! I have a delivery style that nobody else has, I have never been booed off the stage because it's very clever and original & hilarious. In my spare time I am concentrating on recording my Audio Joke Book because I have so much material that is being wasted. Audio style because I want people to share the humor, learn how to tell the jokes and share, share share. I also am gearing up to do more performing THAT I LOVE SO MUCH.
RETIRING IN MAY OF 2019 - FULL TIME RESIDENT IN FLORENCE, AZ.
With that being said, I am introducing myself to the 55 plus communities to bring laughter and music year round. This is my passion! I love to make people laugh and enjoy interacting with my audience through out my show. Remember my comedy and music can be designed for your event. I DO NOT HAVE CANNED SHOW, LIKE MOST ENTERTAINERS.
May 2020 I did a show at Dolce Vita Park in Apache Junction for Red Nose Day- I actually designed a song for the event using the great melody from Johnnie B Goode
It was a huge hit and I impressed the "socks" off of the activity director
Dec 2020 Performed a Christmas Show at the Winery in Florence - it was awesome - the crowd just loved it.
So I invite you to spend some time on my site and watch and listen to my style of comedy
THEN CALL ME TO BOOK A SHOW! YOUR GUESTS WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Erma Bombeck once said (para-phrase) When I stand before God, I want him to say well done good and faithful servant for using all the talents and gifts that I gave you. That is exactly how I feel about what God has called me to do.
Comments from those who attended my shows
over the years, that I have cherished!
"Thanks to all that took the time to share, I truly appreciate all the uplifting comments on my blog”
Sincerely, The Tall Funny Guy, Mr. 5 ft 18
Comments from those who attended my shows
over the years, that I have cherished!
"Thanks to all that took the time to share, I truly appreciate all the uplifting comments on my blog”
Sincerely, The Tall Funny Guy, Mr. 5 ft 18
Groucho Marx, an amazing comedian, delivered a line in a classic movie called Animal Crackers in 1930! He stated' "I once shot an elephant in my pajamas, how he got in my pajamas, I'll never know". Did you laugh? If yes, why, because you VISUALIZED the elephant in his pajamas. Those that didn't laugh didn't even think about visualizing and don't realize that it's the secret to laughing and having fun. My goal is to make everybody laugh at every event I do,
Steve, I also wanted to add: I enjoy your humor,personality,and outlook on life, you're right - life is too short and we all do need to laugh more! I for one look forward to attending your next Comedy Show and have been telling friends about it. We need more laughter in the world. You go Steve! Break a leg! Wishing you all the best...Annamarie
Great job Steve...I will spread the good word about Mr 5'18"! Don M.
You have been making me laugh for years. I am glad to hear you sharing your humor with others!
Great clip ! Jaime H
You blew me away with your voice, I could listen to you sing all day. Beverly
Allan J. said: Steve, hey bud I had a rough day and just listened to you. You're funnier than I thought! I really liked the have you found Jesus bit. It was hilaryous! It perked me right up and now I feel like doing something tonight. Thanks man!
Jan B. said: Why hello Steve. Thanks for the laughs. I had no idea that you were that funny. Keep it up!
Tom said, hey Steve, Thanks for sending me the email for your new website. Looks great and the clip was hilarious. Can I get a copy of the full program?
I didn't want the show to end. Great mixture of singing and comedy, thank you for a great evening. Melissa
Evelyn R. said: We all really enjoyed your program at our church. I think I saw some people laughing for the first time in years - some of them never laugh, but they were laughing with you, Steve. It was hilarious.
Tom C. said: Steve I sent a comment with my email. Please feel free to post it.
Hey dude, that's some funny stuff, got more?
Sue W. said: Hello Steve, what a surprise! Thanks for giving me your website address - you are hilarioius. I hope to make it to your next program. Keep me posted as to when and where.
Mathew J. said: Just read the email you sent me to visit your site. You really are a funny guy. I want more!
Joshua P. said: Hey Stevevo, thanks for letting me know about the site. Awesome and thanks for making me laugh today.
Diana M. said: HI Steve, this is what you were meant to do. PLease keep us laughing.
Ted said: Wow! It was really fun to hear you do what you love to do. We all need to laugh more. Thanks for the laughs. I will share your site with others as well.
Tammy said: Steve, my gosh I've known you several years now. You are even funnier than I thought. You really surprised me. When's your next program, I want to laugh some more. Thanks for the great music too!
Dennis said: Thanks Steve - I really laughed! Say I also discovered something truly amazing. It just hit me - you are 5 ft 18 and I am 5 ft 9. I didn't realize until just now that you are exactly twice as tall as I am!
Great job Steve...I will spread the good word about Mr 5'18"! Don M.
You have been making me laugh for years. I am glad to hear you sharing your humor with others!
Great clip ! Jaime H
You blew me away with your voice, I could listen to you sing all day. Beverly
Allan J. said: Steve, hey bud I had a rough day and just listened to you. You're funnier than I thought! I really liked the have you found Jesus bit. It was hilaryous! It perked me right up and now I feel like doing something tonight. Thanks man!
Jan B. said: Why hello Steve. Thanks for the laughs. I had no idea that you were that funny. Keep it up!
Tom said, hey Steve, Thanks for sending me the email for your new website. Looks great and the clip was hilarious. Can I get a copy of the full program?
I didn't want the show to end. Great mixture of singing and comedy, thank you for a great evening. Melissa
Evelyn R. said: We all really enjoyed your program at our church. I think I saw some people laughing for the first time in years - some of them never laugh, but they were laughing with you, Steve. It was hilarious.
Tom C. said: Steve I sent a comment with my email. Please feel free to post it.
Hey dude, that's some funny stuff, got more?
Sue W. said: Hello Steve, what a surprise! Thanks for giving me your website address - you are hilarioius. I hope to make it to your next program. Keep me posted as to when and where.
Mathew J. said: Just read the email you sent me to visit your site. You really are a funny guy. I want more!
Joshua P. said: Hey Stevevo, thanks for letting me know about the site. Awesome and thanks for making me laugh today.
Diana M. said: HI Steve, this is what you were meant to do. PLease keep us laughing.
Ted said: Wow! It was really fun to hear you do what you love to do. We all need to laugh more. Thanks for the laughs. I will share your site with others as well.
Tammy said: Steve, my gosh I've known you several years now. You are even funnier than I thought. You really surprised me. When's your next program, I want to laugh some more. Thanks for the great music too!
Dennis said: Thanks Steve - I really laughed! Say I also discovered something truly amazing. It just hit me - you are 5 ft 18 and I am 5 ft 9. I didn't realize until just now that you are exactly twice as tall as I am!
"Steve you are truly one of a kind. God let Steve be Steve. To watch you share, sing and joke & tease I want to say thank you. I have 2 of his FREE CD's and I and I really enjoy listening to his music in my car. Father thank you for Steve for his willingness to sing, & crack jokes all to your honor and glory and for the talent you have given Steve & Jeri for writing the amazing lyrics." Pastor Roger Ball - Senior Pastor First Baptist Church
"Steve the concert was great! I listened to the CD every day and pray that one day you will get a big singing contract" Margo
"Your Delilah video was excellent! You did a wonderful job on that song and I loved all the puns. Way to Go!" kathy B
"Dude, the show was awesome! You are what comedy was meant to be. Comics today are very shallow and it's sad that they get their laughs from people who will laugh at anything after they have a few drinks and then laugh at dirty foul language throughout the program. They are not funny. They are just foul! We need more entertainers like you"! Let me know when you do another show. I'll be there for sure.
Jonathan C.
" This music is the most creative and ingenious way that I have ever heard of to reach the lost. It is truly amazing" Tina
"Steve the concert was great! I listened to the CD every day and pray that one day you will get a big singing contract" Margo
"Your Delilah video was excellent! You did a wonderful job on that song and I loved all the puns. Way to Go!" kathy B
"Dude, the show was awesome! You are what comedy was meant to be. Comics today are very shallow and it's sad that they get their laughs from people who will laugh at anything after they have a few drinks and then laugh at dirty foul language throughout the program. They are not funny. They are just foul! We need more entertainers like you"! Let me know when you do another show. I'll be there for sure.
Jonathan C.
" This music is the most creative and ingenious way that I have ever heard of to reach the lost. It is truly amazing" Tina
"Sorry I missed your show but I heard it was a great hit" Bill door greeter at FBC
"We loved his show so much that we hired him monthly" - Sarah Belmont Village
"The show was great and I will be calling Steve soon for another performance - Penny Brookdale Sun City West
"Your'e a tough act to follow enjoyed every minute of your show" Jim Resident of Brookdale Baywood
"What an entertainer! wishing u and urs all the best! Take care! Barbie
“This was the best comedy show I have ever attended” Mel
"Your voice is so pleasant to listen to, you are blessed" Diane
“The humor was funny and Steve really knows how to make people laugh” Ted
“I really enjoyed his show. Steve is a laugh a minute, he really is” Bonnie
"Steve it's time to let the world know that you sing beautifully as well" Tina
“Soon after the show I was sharing his jokes with others & laughing all over again” Don
“The songs he sang were great and people enjoyed singing along” Ron
“All the jokes were great and we all had a great time” Dennis
“I am really looking forward to attending his next show” Barb
“I usually don’t laugh, but tonight I did” Wally
"I really enjoyed the show you put on. I was really glad I came. Thanks for all the laughs" Dorothy
"Steve had to wait in our shop over 3 hours and he made me laugh until I cried, with an array of hilarious jokes and stories. Book him!
He's a really funny guy" Allan - Fletcher Tire
Steve your humor is so God Given !!! Its a breath of fresh air and lots of Fun to a much needed troubled world !! Like my Mom and Dad used to sing " Forget your worries come get happy " That is just what happens when you hit the stage or meet you in person !!! Awesome fun !! God bless and hope to see you on stage again soon !!! Kay Duncan
"We loved his show so much that we hired him monthly" - Sarah Belmont Village
"The show was great and I will be calling Steve soon for another performance - Penny Brookdale Sun City West
"Your'e a tough act to follow enjoyed every minute of your show" Jim Resident of Brookdale Baywood
"What an entertainer! wishing u and urs all the best! Take care! Barbie
“This was the best comedy show I have ever attended” Mel
"Your voice is so pleasant to listen to, you are blessed" Diane
“The humor was funny and Steve really knows how to make people laugh” Ted
“I really enjoyed his show. Steve is a laugh a minute, he really is” Bonnie
"Steve it's time to let the world know that you sing beautifully as well" Tina
“Soon after the show I was sharing his jokes with others & laughing all over again” Don
“The songs he sang were great and people enjoyed singing along” Ron
“All the jokes were great and we all had a great time” Dennis
“I am really looking forward to attending his next show” Barb
“I usually don’t laugh, but tonight I did” Wally
"I really enjoyed the show you put on. I was really glad I came. Thanks for all the laughs" Dorothy
"Steve had to wait in our shop over 3 hours and he made me laugh until I cried, with an array of hilarious jokes and stories. Book him!
He's a really funny guy" Allan - Fletcher Tire
Steve your humor is so God Given !!! Its a breath of fresh air and lots of Fun to a much needed troubled world !! Like my Mom and Dad used to sing " Forget your worries come get happy " That is just what happens when you hit the stage or meet you in person !!! Awesome fun !! God bless and hope to see you on stage again soon !!! Kay Duncan
