How did Robin Williams, one of the most gifted comedians to ever live, place second in the very first San Francisco International Stand-Up Comedy Competition?

I recently talked with someone who was there 50 years ago and thought I finally got to the bottom of it. But maybe not…?

For local theater owner David Belrose, the 1976 competition is a personal memory. His mother was friends with Williams, having hosted him for early gigs back when the local comedy scene was still in its infancy and a set paid just five dollars. When the inaugural competition launched, David and his mother went together to watch Williams perform at Dominican College of San Rafael.

There was just one problem: Dominican was a traditional Catholic school.

"If you knew Robin’s act at all, there was gonna be some swear words," Belrose recalls. As Williams unleashed a barrage of colorful language, expanding on his minimal written material with his trademark improv, David exchanged a knowing look with his mother. They knew right then he wasn't going to win the night because of it.

I thought that was going to be the whole story, but this Mercury News article says the Dominican show was actually just a preliminary round. No scoring weight carried over to the finals, which culminated at a packed showcase in San Francisco.

So what actually happened at the finale?

Perhaps the answer lies in how the competition was rated. Comedians weren't just judged on who got the loudest laughs. Instead, founder Jon Fox had implemented a strict, Olympic-style system scoring five distinct categories: Material, Delivery, Stage Presence, Audience Response, and Originality.

While Williams completely maxed out audience response, his manic, highly spontaneous, and ad-libbed style meant his "structured material" scores took a hit. Meanwhile, a polished New York-style comic named Bill Farley was delivering a tightly scripted, flawless set.

During Farley’s performance, the venue's lights suddenly cut out, plunging the room into total darkness. Without missing a beat, Farley used the mishap to his advantage, ad-libbing: "Shhh! Now remember, when he walks in, everyone yell surprise!"

When the final points were tallied, the crowd was shocked to learn that Robin Williams had finished as the runner-up, losing the $100 grand prize to Farley by a razor-thin margin.

Did the lights going out actually end up helping Bill Farley?

p.s. There’s an SF Comedy Competition show this Friday at the Belrose Theater in San Rafael. 16 comics with 5 minutes each.

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The next big music festival just announced their lineup: Robyn, Swedish House Mafia, and Dog Blood lead the way. Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

It opens this Sunday and certain ticket types are selling fast. So if you’ve decided what show you want to go to, grab your spot (and parking, 6/7 parking is sold out) while you can.

This Grateful Dead experience sold out last year and kicked off 2026 with shows in Monte Rio last weekend. They’ll be at Dominican University for 3 days in July, with the Saturday show already sold out.

Because leaving Marin might take more planning. Look for our Marin events in the Wednesday email.

They’ll close down the street in the Marina both Saturday and Sunday. Expect the usual live music, food, drinks, and vendors. But also “the iconic Waiter Relay Race — a neighborhood favorite where teams race uphill balancing trays full of drinks for a chance to win exciting prizes.”

The Italian festival in North Beach is quite the celebration. It’s both Saturday and Sunday, but I wouldn’t miss Saturday at 1pm “Pizza Acrobatics by 13 time World Champion and restaurateur Tony Gemignani of Tony's Pizza Napoletana.”

Please note that this property isn’t associated with the banner sponsor above or Marin Buzz in any way. It is just a unique home you might be interested in seeing, for entertainment purposes only!

708 Point San Pedro Road, San Rafael

Waterfront living right next to Loch Lomond Marina. Wood shingle exterior. Private dock. Listed at just under $1M dollars. What’s not to love?

It doesn’t mention this in the listing, but perhaps it is only waterfront at certain times of the day? Maybe it doesn’t look so nice at low tide:

It’s two bedrooms and one bathroom with a gated entrance. Seems like a great location with access to everything downtown San Rafael has to offer, as well as access to great cycling and kayaking.

What do you think of this location?

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Thanks for reading. We will be back with the regular events and activities email Wednesday morning!

— Allison + Brian