Bar Comedy USA News: Recent Episodes
Jeremy Danley
What happens when a 6'7" comedian, a 1,000-mile bicycle tour, and a lifetime of Midwest stories collide?
Skyler Bolks, headliner on The Pub & Grub Comedy Tour, talks about life on the road, performing in neighborhood bars across America, writing razor-sharp one-liners, and the surprising inspiration behind his Jokes & Spokes bicycle comedy tour across South Dakota.
Along the way, Skyler shares hilarious travel stories, behind-the-scenes insights into the life of a working road comic, and why some of the best comedy crowds you'll ever find are in small-town bars.
Whether you're a comedian, bar owner, or just love hearing what really happens between the gigs, this episode is packed with laughs, road wisdom, and plenty of Midwestern charm.
Topics include:
- Touring the country as a full-time road comic
- Performing in bars vs. comedy clubs
- The art of writing great one-liners
- Skyler's 1,000-mile comedy bicycle tour
- Life as one of America's Best Bar Comics
- Why small-town audiences are some of the best in comedy
Grab a drink, pull up a barstool, and enjoy another behind-the-scenes conversation from The Bar Gig Files
He got interrupted by hunting photos, a flying leg kick, and fake boobs -- now Bar Comedy USA Superstar, Dewayne White calls bar comedy "combat comedy."
- Why Bar Comedy Makes Better Comedians
- The Bar Gig That Sounded Like a Reality Show Nobody Would Greenlight
- The Hardest Comedy Audience is Not Always The Mean One
- Clean Comedy is Expert Mode
- From Army Veteran to Comedy Teacher
Comedian road warrior Ed Burroughs joins The Bar Gig Files with insight on how he turns the dark side of life into a great comedy show.
- Bar vs Club: Why bar gigs force you to fight for attention
- Millennial retirement plan joke — silence or uproar
- Find out if you're an asshole—take it on stage
In this edition of The Bar Gig Files, comedy road warrior, Mike Marvell shares his experiences battling Wisconsin weather just to do a stand-up show, why seniors make for a great comedy crowd, and why venue enthusiasm makes or breaks a show.
Big hair, big mouth, big attitude is what you get when this comedy road warrior hits the stage.
The Bar Gig Files with Guest, Comedian Andy Gunnin -- Stand up comedy road warrior keeping the crowds coming back by keeping it PG-18.
From nervous couples on high-stakes dates to singles treating the show like a live therapy session, we break down why Valentine’s crowds are uniquely unpredictable — and why laughter might be the most romantic move of all.
The Bar Gig Files with Guest, Steve Sabo (Longevity + Energy + Midwest Bar Chops = The Caffeinated Voice of Reason)
Comedy Legend, “Uncle Lar” Larry Reeb dishes out wisdom and road stories from over 4 decades in the business.
The Bar Gig Files with Guest, Derek Luna describes his bar comedy journey to performance versatility.
The Bar Gig Files with Guest, Michael Cheselka shares his best advice as one of the original outlaws of comedy
The Pub & Grub Comedy Tour is proudly adults-only. We’re not out here trying to make balloon animals for your kid’s birthday party. We’re serving up beers, laughs, and the kind of stories you don’t repeat to your boss on Monday morning. But here’s the thing: adults-only doesn’t just mean “say the F-word until people clap.” It’s this strange cocktail of being relatable and edgy at the same time.
The Pub & Grub Comedy Tour is for grown-ups, sure, but if your whole act is nothing but blue material, you’re dead in the water before you even hit the mic.
Treat every gig like it matters. Because if you don’t respect the stage, why the hell should anyone else? You don’t pack up your jokes and pout just because you’re not playing a theater. You bring it. For 12 people. For a dog. For whoever the hell is listening.
Now let me tell you something, folks… trying to do stand-up comedy twelve yards away from a country legend with 30 top ten hits is like trying to tell knock-knock jokes during a hurricane.
Every time I walk into a venue and see that dead zone right up front—you know, those six empty chairs that might as well have yellow caution tape and a biohazard sign—I know exactly what’s goin’ on: Front Row Phobia.
The hard truth about stand-up comedy: not every joke is meant for every person—and that’s perfectly okay.
Ever wonder why your favorite comedian always seems one joke away from an all-in moment? It’s because they’re playing a game where timing, strategy, and a thick skin are everything. Tune in as we explore how pro comics and poker players are cut from the same cloth – both living on the edge, risking it all for that one big laugh or win.
In this episode of Bar Comedy USA News, I dive deep into the hilarious (and painful) world of slapstick comedy. Tune in as I recount performing in the comedy pirate show "Swashchucklers," and performing my own stunts, only to end up with more bruises than laughs. From sliding down a fireman’s pole with a hook for a hand to discovering just how many ways a pirate show can go wrong, this is the tale of how I survived (barely) the slapstick seas.
JerDog and Double T dive into the details of transforming from stand-up comedian to swashbuckling, joke-telling comedy pirate. JerDog tells what it takes to navigate the treacherous waters eye patches, peg legs, and punchlines, as he prepares for a pirate-themed comedy show at The Rockingham County Fair.
Get ready to dive into the wild world of bar cornhole tournaments! In this episode, we uncover the hilarious antics, epic fails, and unexpected triumphs of bean bag tossing, all while navigating the treacherous waters of beer-soaked competition.
After two decades and countless miles of travel, we explore the highs, lows, and downright absurdities that come with the territory. From endless airport terminals to the backroads of nowhere, discover the toll that relentless touring takes on both body and mind. Get ready for a laugh-filled look at the real-life grind behind the punchlines, featuring hilarious anecdotes, war stories from the road, and a few surprising confessions. Don't miss this candid peek into the world of comedy's true road warriors!
Stand-up comedians who will stop at nothing to make their gigs – even when their cars have other plans. From flat tires to full houses, and breakdowns to breakthroughs, these comedy road warriors prove that the show must go on, no matter the detours. Buckle up for a hilarious ride filled with outrageous stories of resilience, humor, and sheer determination.
Buckle up for a hilarious ride on this week's episode of Bar Comedy USA News. We're diving deep into the world of road comics and their unbreakable bond with their trusty vehicles. Comedians have formed relationships with their cars that rival any rom-com.
In this episode of Bar Comedy USA News, we delve into the hilarious world of trying to summon comedy mode on command. From waking up feeling as funny as a broken toaster to wrestling with the elusive muse of comedy, you will learn sometimes you just have to flip the switch and see what happens.
Lamenting the absence of jugglers, magicians, and fire breathers and other circus-like spectacles in modern comedy clubs and why variety acts have become a rare gem in the comedy scene.
From airport antics to hotel hijinks, get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the real-life struggles that come with living out of a suitcase as a touring stand-up comedian.
In this week's installment, we're diving headfirst into the gritty underbelly of stand-up comedy: dive bars versus mainstream comedy clubs.
We explore why performing in dive bars is akin to a comedic bootcamp, where the stakes are high, the crowds are rowdy, and the laughs are hard-earned.
From the sticky floors to the dimly lit stages, dive bars offer an unparalleled atmosphere for honing your craft.
But don't count out the mainstream comedy clubs just yet. With their polished stages and discerning audiences, these venues provide a different kind of challenge—one that demands razor-sharp wit and impeccable timing.
It's been a blast this week jumping back on stage this week for a few guest sets during The World Series of Comedy Las Vegas Satellite. Even the best comedians struggle to find their rhythm after months of downtime. In this edition of Bar Comedy USA News, I will let you into the nerve-wracking experience of stepping back onto the comedy stage after a six-month hiatus.
We're delving into the heart of the matter – the pros and cons of performing stand-up comedy on Valentine's Day. JerDog and Double T navigate the treacherous waters of romance and humor, exploring the highs and lows of entertaining on the most lovey-dovey day of the year.
Even the most seasoned comedians can get lost in the wild world of "clean vs. dirty" comedy. In this edition of Bar Comedy USA News, we unravel the confusion, sharing tales from the the ever-shifting boundaries of what's considered family-friendly or ripe for the late-night crowd.
Look, I get it. These loaded cocktails are all about the show and the experience. They're designed to make you feel like you're getting more bang for your buck. But at the end of the day, all I want is a good drink without all the circus sideshow. The next time you find yourself at a bar and they present you with a loaded cocktail that could double as a wedding centerpiece, just remember to bring your sense of humor and maybe a bib, because you never know what kind of edible confetti might come flying out of that glass.
Alright, folks, gather 'round and let's talk about a wild, wacky, and downright bizarre species that roams the streets of Las Vegas. I'm talking about the one-of-a-kind street performers you'll find at The Fremont Experience. Strap in, because we're diving headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of Vegas street entertainment!
Today, we chat about the unsung heroes of the comedy world – mentors! 🎭🎤 They teach you the tricks of the trade, show you how to navigate hecklers like a Jedi, and give you advice so valuable it's practically comedy gold.
What's up, party people? It's your friendly neighborhood funnyman, here to talk about two things that couldn't be more different: MMA and stand-up comedy. : MMA and stand-up comedy.
Now, you might be wondering, what the hell do these two worlds have in common? Well, strap yourselves in, because we're about to take a wild ride through into the octagon of hilarity and the comedy club cage.
Let's get it on!
Alright, ladies and gentlemen, buckle up because today we're gonna talk about the fine art of working the crowd in a live show.
You know, working the crowd is like herding cats. Except instead of meowing and scratching, they're laughing and spilling their drinks. It's a wild ride, but hey, as long as nobody starts licking themselves, we're all good.
Let's dive in, shall we?
Don't get me wrong, we love our stoner friends, and I like weed just as much as the next guy, but let's be real…, it's not exactly the best environment for a comedy show.
So here are… the top 5 reasons why… performing stand-up comedy for a crowd high on marijuana is a terrible, terrible idea.
JerDog shows morning radio personality, Double T how to write material for his role as host and emcee in an upcoming event on The Pub & Grub Comedy Tour
Sorry to break it to you, but if your idea of a wild St Patrick's Day is going to a comedy club, you're doing it wrong. Embrace the madness, drink some green beer, and maybe make some questionable decisions.. Just don't forget to laugh along the way.
Performing for Christian Bikers was a trip. I didn't know whether to say "Hell yeah!" or "Hallelujah" after each joke. http://BarComedyUSA.com
Buckle up, because this one’s gonna be a doozie.
We're gonna to talk about performing stand-up comedy in biker bars.
Today’s top headline: I am off to Mesa AZ this Saturday for at place called The Biker Club.
Now I don’t know about you but I’m picturing a place where the people want drink cold beer, play loud music, and maybe punch you in the face.
Let me tell you, I've been to a few of those joints in my day, and they're not for the faint of heart. You walk in there and it's like you just stepped into a time machine and ended up in the 80s
But as a stand-up comedian, you gotta be ready to take on any crowd, no matter how rowdy they may seem. And let me tell you, performing in front of a bunch of bikers is like doing a tightrope walk over a pack of wolves
You gotta be a special kind of crazy to step foot in one of those joints. Let alone do a show.
But here's the thing - when you're up there on stage, you gotta own it. You can't be some weak-ass, sensitive comedian crying about your feelings. These bikers didn't come to hear you talk about your yoga class or your gluten-free diet.
You also gotta be able to read the room. If the bikers aren't feeling your material, you gotta be able to switch gears and talk about something that'll get 'em fired up. Like motorcycles, or tattoos, or how the government wants to take away their guns.
Now here's the secret to performing in biker bars. You can’t just get up there and tell your regular old jokes. - you gotta be real. You can't fake it. You gotta talk about stuff that matters to these people. Like run-ins with the law, drug-fueled nights, or how much you hate your ex-wife.
And the thing about performing in biker bars - these people are some of the most loyal fans you'll ever have. They'll follow you to the ends of the earth if they like you. And if they don't, well, let's just say you might want to start running
If all else fails, just start drinking and join in on the party.
**And if you're really lucky, they might even invite you to party with them after the show.
Now, I'm not saying you should do that.
In fact, I'm pretty sure it's illegal in most states.
But if you're feeling adventurous, go for it. Just make sure you have a good lawyer on speed dial.**
First off, you've got a whole bunch of comedians vying for the top spot, each with their own unique style and material. How the hell are you supposed to compare a deadpan one-liner comic to a high-energy physical comedian? It's like trying to compare apples to, I don't know, space travel.
And let's not forget that comedy is subjective as hell. What makes one person laugh might make another person want to punch you in the face. It's like that one friend you have who insists on telling the same dumb joke over and over again, but somehow it still gets a chuckle out of people. Except instead of one friend, you've got a room full of them, and they're all armed with microphones and a thirst for glory.
Plus, there's the added pressure of the audience. They're there to laugh and have a good time, but they're also watching you like a hawk, ready to pounce on any misstep or questionable judgment. You know that feeling when you're telling a joke and you start to sense that it's not going over well? Imagine that, but amplified by a hundred and with the added knowledge that your decision could make or break someone's career.
And then there's the fact that, as a judge, you're kind of a buzzkill. You're not there to laugh and enjoy the show like everyone else - you're there to take notes and mentally score each performance. It's like being a food critic, but instead of getting to enjoy a delicious meal, you have to watch other people eat and then rank them based on how much they enjoyed it.
All of this is to say that judging a comedy contest is a tough gig. But you know what? It's also incredibly rewarding. You get to witness some of the best up-and-coming comedians in the game, and you get to play a part in helping them get to the next level.
Alright folks, let's talk about Valentine's Day. Why do people always gotta get all sappy and romantic on this day? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love love just as much as the next guy, but come on. Why not spice things up a bit and bring some humor into the mix? That's why I say, screw chocolates and roses, bring on the comedy! Laughing with your significant other is a surefire way to strengthen that bond and keep the spark alive. So this Valentine's Day, ditch the fancy dinner plans and go see a stand-up show or watch a funny movie together. Trust me, your relationship will thank you. #ComedyOverRomance #LaughterIsTheBestMedicine #JerDogApproved 💕🤣
Listen folks, winter can be a tough time of year. The cold weather, the darkness, it can all get a bit depressing. But that's why we have comedy! There's nothing like a good laugh to warm you up from the inside out. In fact, I think comedy should be considered a winter sport. So the next time you're feeling down in the dumps because of the cold, grab some friends, hit up a comedy club, and let the laughter melt away those winter blues. #ComedyIsBetterThanCentralHeating #LaughterIsTheBestTherapy #JerDogWinterWarrior 🔥🤣
CNN Considering Hiring Comedians To Host News Show
http://JerDogLive.com
http://BarComedyUSA.com
- Comedian Questions His Life Choices
- Frontier Can Suck It
- Shout-Out To The Laugh-Out Lounge in Winter Haven, Florida
- How To Work on New Material
- Why Comedians Are Messed Up In The Head
- R.I.P. Gallagher
- R.I.P. Bud Friedman
- Why JerDog is feeling victorious and confident
- Why politics is a usually a dumb move in stand-up comedy
- Shout-out to comedians Vince Maranto and Carlin Hagerty as well as Boxcars Pub & Grub in Clinton, Wisconsin for an upcoming SOLD OUT season of The Pub & Grub Comedy Tour
It's election time, which means political comedy has gone into high gear.
I don't know how you feel about it, but I get a little bit annoyed. I'm pretty much done with it.
I understand the point of political satire and parody, it's a way to poke fun at the powers that be. I totally get that. But when you go into a live comedy situation, like at a comedy club, for instance, it's kind of a dumb move.
Because, you know what, you're gonna piss off somebody and he might lose a fan over it.
Why risk alienating half the audience? Why bring political discourse into a situation that involves alcohol?
Furthermore, I tend to vote libertarian, which means everybody hates me!
I'm not gonna lose relationships over it. I certainly don't want to blow a comedy show over, you know, people go into a comedy show to escape all that. Have some drinks, share some laughs blow off steam, they want to laugh. If I go into an ice cream shop, and I pay for a banana split, and they bring me an alligator sandwich. I'm not gonna be happy.
I want to hear more about people's experience with food at the State Fair and less about their political viewpoints when they're doing comedy.
I want to hear their unhinged rant over how much they hate dryer lint.
There are so many things in the world to make fun of that other people can relate to that you're not going to make them angry about. So why do it?
I know some comedians, that's their thing - to be the person that makes people angry. And there are some audience members that do like that kind of thing.
But, for almost 20 years, I've been booking and producing several hundred comedy shows a year, and not one time as someone asked me to bring a political comedian.
I even had a political group contacted me once I said, "Do you want political comedy?"
They said, "No, that's the last thing we want. People want to laugh."
Politics are their own comedy shows in and of themselves. Televised political debates like family Thanksgiving. They always start out real nice. And then they quickly turn into insults and character attacks.
Someone going into a live comedy show at a nightclub tab or neighborhood bar does not pay an admission or cover charge to get indoctrinations and viewpoints jammed down their throat.
And many times the comedians are not even making fun of the politicians... many times they're making fun of the the voters, which (statistically speaking) going to be at least half the audience.
Or... if you're like me, you don't even care and you just want to hear the jokes. You just want to be entertained.
When I do stand up comedy, I've always avoided politics religion and sports. Why? Those are three things that piss off too many people and I don't know jack squat about any of those topics anyway.
For the unedited version, <<
Not All Progress Is Good
- Why JerDog is feeling insecure and vulnerable
- An Entirely New Industry in Comedy
- Why Crowd Work Done Well is My Favorite
- Comedians You Should Know
There is an entirely new industry that is popped up in live comedy. Videographers now hire themselves out to comedy clubs or on retainer with a comedian on road gigs in order to film and cut clips of comedians, doing crowd work to post on Instagram, YouTube and Tic Toc.
Videographers who exclusively serve a niche of comedians their clips of their heckler battles, their audience interactions and improvisational “crowd work,” for the purposes of posting these bite-size moments on social media.
I see several of these clips every day, and they should serve as a reminder to people that NOT all progress is good.
People already don’t like to sit in the front row many times.
And don’t get me wrong, crowd work done well is one of my favorite kinds of comedy when it occurs naturally and organically.
The live experience is magical because the audience feels like they got to see something no one else who wasn’t there got to see.
When crowd work is done well, it’s a magical feeling for the performer and the audience to tap into the the vibe of the room together, knowing it’s a unique experience.
The performer demonstrates legit wit and spontaneity for no reason other than delivering a damn good show.
Now I see some of these 30-second “crowd work” clips with subtitles on social media video reels and I can’t tell if it’s stand-up comedy or a day in the life a census worker.
And the videographers and comedy clubs now have created a monetary incentive encouraging these “off the cuff” moments that can generate hundreds of thousands or millions of views, without much regard to the QUALITY of the content.
Rule #1. Invest in QUALITY, not CELEBRITY.
Furthermore, the clips feel contrived when they are cut and spliced and subtitled. When these moments occur naturally in the moment of the show, captured by a forbidden camera in the back of the room or the club surveillance system, I’m more intrigued.
For the unedited version, CLICK HERE >>> http://BarComedyUSA.com
Why Bar Comedy Is Real Comedy
- Double T announces the new segment
- JD’s dream job is to be the color commentator for a live road comics reality show
- 2 reasons why road comics can relate so well to The Blues Brothers
- Featured Bar Comic: Bob Jay
This is Bar Comedy USA News. It’s comedy news. It’s the underground news. It’s not the stuff about the celebrities, or social media stars, or the red carpet performers. This is the news about the life of the bar comic and bar comedy. Which is mostly my number one expertise.
My dream job is to be the guy that does that color commentary for a reality show that follows road comics with cameras and shows what kind of comedy takes place on a Saturday night in the nooks & crannies of America. Where there is no “APPLAUD NOW” sign. You actually have to win over the audience because it’s their local hang-out. They are used to playing the jukebox and throwing darts. If you don’t win them over, you’re dead in the water.
We always make that joke about rolling into a venue like The Blues Brothers and having to perform from behind chicken wire, because the audience will throw beer bottles at you. And that’s an exaggerated scenario of what some bar audiences can be like. They’re not always polite. If they like you, they love you. But if you can’t bring the goods, they will run you out. And I’ve experienced both scenarios.
There have been shows that went over so well, if there were an election the following day, they would have voted me in for mayor. And there have been other shows where I barely escaped with my life. In some of those towns, if you drop your keys, do not bend over to pick them up… just kick them and run.
I got my start in the bars and clubs, back in the early nineties, when karaoke first launched onto the scene. Instead of singing, I would perform 3-5 minutes of stand-up comedy and have to win over a bar full of people that wanted to hear someone belt out “Loveshack.” And in many cases, I was running for my life out of the place.
Bar comics can relate so well to The Blues Brothers because not only do you have to win over very discerning, yet enthusiastic crowds, but oftentimes there is a chance you’ll be chased after the show by the cops or townies.
For the unedited version, <<< CLICK HERE >>>
Bar Comedy USA News
- Going back in time
- What happens when a drunk couple competes in a comedy gameshow
- Why alcohol is comedy fuel
- What JerDog should have used for a stage name
- Shout-out to comedian Daryl Moon