Welcome to another “Why So Serious?” — a column where we ask stand-up comedians a handful of questions, and don’t expect anything resembling straight answers.
For this installment we talked to rising comic , who visits Thursday, Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 12.
Larson has appeared here and there on television (“The Tonight Show,” Comedy Central, Si TV) and in film (“Stand-Up 360”) but he’s probably best known for his festival appearances. He was named College Comedian of the Year at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and nominated as best up-and-coming comedian at New York’s MAC awards. He was also part of 2010’s Johnny Carson Great American Comedy Festival.
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How important is it to play comedy festivals when you’re trying to make a name for yourself?
The festivals can be a stepping stone to some great things and having done very well in a few I have benefited big time from them. But the real fun is that it’s just a ton of comics hanging out at the same place. It’s the best time ever ’cause comedians don’t ever really grow up. It’s like camp for screw-ups but instead of Kumbayah and s’mores it’s booze and practical jokes.
When did you first get the comedy bug, and did your first time on stage go well?
My dad’s a comic. I never wanted to be one. I was 20 hanging out at my parents house, ’cause I lived there and my dad offered to get me into his friend’s comedy class. Since I had no plans for the rest of my life I figured “Why not?” I got on stage and loved it! I’ve been doing it ever since.
Do you have a joke you used to love telling but now can’t stand?
I don’t come up against that problem too often. Working in NYC you get to do so many shows that you can write, perform and turn over material at a quick clip.
What are a few things you never travel without, and why?
I tend to pack light. I don’t bring a lot of stuff but I never leave home with out my tooth brush, shoes, clean underwear, jacket, wallet, iPod, book, reading light, video camera, lighting equipment, assistant, personal trainer, squat rack, seeing eye dog.
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried, and why?
Real men don’t cry. They punch things and get arrested.
Tickets for Joe Larson’s Dec. 8-12 shows at are $12-$25.
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John Wenzel is an executive editor of and an award-winning A&E reporter for The Denver Post. He is the author of (Speck Press/Fulcrum) and maintains a of completely random song titles and band names.
