Two weekends of ‘funny men’ could give locals something to laugh about
A change of season is evident as local folks begin pulling up their socks and pulling down their stocking caps. As the winter air shoves out the activities of a warmer season, people are buttoning down and doing what they must to ease themselves into the frozen months.
A sense of humor helps. And that may include the comedy acts that are booked in two different area venues, on two consecutive weekends.
Wild Bill Bauer and Patrick Ryan at The Roadhouse
Returning to the Roadhouse Night Club this Friday and Saturday is headliner “Wild Bill” Bauer and feature act, son Patrick Ryan.
Dinner shows at $29.95 are scheduled for both nights with seating from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The comedy acts start at 8 p.m. Just the show, without dinner, is also an option at $15.
A native of Anoka, Bauer told The Daily Journal last year that “only the truth is funny.” The comedian is also a television writer who has created scripts for, and appeared on, the “Roseanne” show and several other networks.
“I’m a terrible actor,” Bauer admits. “I get parts because people like me.”
Together with well-known comedian Louie Anderson and actor Tom Arnold, Bauer got his start in Minneapolis at Mickey Finn’s. He recently appeared on Anderson’s comedy special, and Bauer’s Web site has Anderson calling him “the funniest man in America.”
Bauer often performs on the “Bob and Tom” radio show on WGN, and has been on the Jenny McCarthy Show.
He uses a lot of material from family relationships in his act, saying that the real stuff of life is more funny than fiction. His brother, a priest, is head of the Minneapolis Basilica of St. Mary and his sister is a nun. “I do a lot of churches,” he said jokingly.
“But I know folks up there understand the whole holiday relative thing,” he said before his appearance last year. He told the story of his uncle who got too drunk to drive home one night, “so he decided to just sleep in his snowmobile.” This, also, is true, Bauer said.
Bauer appears all over the country but regional bookings find him and son Patrick, 30 years his junior, on the road together. The comedian muses that the worst part of this time together, is “the music.”
He says he knows he’s in trouble when his son preps the playing of a CD in the car, with: ‘Now I want you to keep your mind open about this.’ “Primus. That’s the worst,” Bauer chuckled. “I hate Primus (a music group).”
On the Roadhouse menu Friday is chicken and ribs; on Saturday: prime rib or chicken cordon bleu. Reservations are requested at 286-3545. Call for more information. A courtesy van for the evening is available by calling 324-2012.
More information on the comedy act can be found at www.wildbillbauer.com
Comedy counselor Kevin “Squishy Man” Barber, and J. D. Provorse, at Thunderbird Lodge
Appearing in the Thunderbird Lodge Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 28, is traveling therapist and comedy counselor Kevin Barber, whose alter ego is known as “Squishy Man.” The feature act will be performed by comedian J.D. Provorse.
Headliner Barber is reportedly the only licensed multiracial therapist in the United States who is also a professional comedian. He is said to travel the country “turning sadness into humor.”
Barber’s stop on a national comedy tour is sponsored by The Daily Journal. The show starts at 8 p.m. in the Thunderbird ballroom. Tickets for the event are $15, on sale now at The Journal or at the door. A cash bar will be available.
Barber brings his unique perspective of seeing life “from the couch” as well as “behind the couch,” say promoters. In the act, he talks about social and economic dysfunction while his alter ego, “Squishy Man,” shares stories of his own family’s dysfunction. This is “hilariously funny,” says a press release.
Having a masters degree in social welfare and being a licensed psychotherapist provides an unusual background for a traveling comedian. Even more interesting is that the accomplished psychologist began his adult life as a high-school dropout and an alcoholic, crack addict in trouble with the law.
Topeka native “Squishy” had a humble beginning as one of eight children, the son of an Irish/German mother and an African/American father. His grandfather was a “knight of the KKK” and his dad was a member of the Black Panther Party.
But Barber went beyond his background and received his bachelors degree in psychology from Washburn University and a masters degree from the University of Kansas. He has been a licensed psychotherapist for over 15 years.
His credentials mixed with a talent for comic relief have him “bringing therapy and laughter to the masses.”
Barber has appeared all over the nation and has performed with many notable comedians including Margaret Cho, Sarah Silverman, Ralphie May, Freddie Soto, the late Bernie Mac and Jimmy “JJ” Walker and others.
His performance is rated PG-17 with some mature content reportedly not offensive.
Following the evening’s show will be an open mic for those who would like to practice their own ability to make others laugh.
If you go:
WHAT: Comedy Act at The Roadhouse Night Club, featuring “Wild Bill” Bauer and Patrick Ryan
WHEN: This Friday and Saturday
• Dinner and show, $29.95 (includes tax and tip); seating from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Show only (8 p.m.) $15
Reservations: 286-3545
Courtesy van: 324-2012
If you go:
WHAT: Psychological Counseling (comedy show) at the Thunderbird Lodge Ballroom, featuring licensed psychotherapist Kevin “Squishy Man” Barber and J.D Provorse
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Tickets: $15, on sale now at The Daily Journal and at the door. Cash bar.
