Finding humor in the mundane
‘Last Comic Standing’ comedian Josh Blue is bringing his tour to the Lehigh Valley
In the years since winning the fourth season of “Last Comic Standing,” comedian Josh Blue has worked tirelessly at honing his craft, and the results speaks for themselves.
In addition to performing more than 200 shows a year, Blue’s got six comedy specials under his belt and even achieved a third-place finish on the 16th season of “America’s Got Talent” in 2021.
Blue’s acclaimed stand-up is a constantly evolving paradigm built upon casual observation, off-the-cuff improv and using his own disability to poke fun at himself. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, Blue uses it as a constant source of material in his routine. His self-deprecating wit and ability to find humor in the most mundane of circumstances makes him one of the most fun and in-demand stand-ups on the comedy circuit.
On Friday, Blue will be bringing his Freak Accident Tour to Musikfest Café in Bethlehem for an intimate performance. I recently spoke with him about the show, his comedy, career and more in this new interview.
Q: Is there way you can put into words what your comedy is all about? Josh Blue:
Yes, it’s very funny [laughs]. Actually, I’m very self-deprecating and I’m happy to throw myself under the bus for your entertainment. I’m also very observational and talk about my life and the random things that happen to me.
Q: Having said that, what can fans expect from your Musikfest Café performance? A:
They’re going to laugh start to finish because once I step on the stage I don’t take my foot off the gas pedal until you pee yourself. So, bring a change of clothes [laughs].
Q: Where do you draw inspiration?
A:
I’ve been laughing my whole life and enjoy making other people laugh. When I hang out with other funny people oftentimes things will come up where I’ll think, “I should say that on stage.” I can find the humor in pretty much anything.
Q: Who are some of your comedic influences? A:
There’s a long list of amazing talent. I’m a fan of guys like Mitch Hedberg, Chris Rock, and George Carlin, obviously. John Cleese was also a funny comedic actor I looked up to.
Q: What was it about their comedy that drew you to them? A:
Each comic is different. With Mitch Hedberg, it was always about the writing and simplicity of his material that was just so obvious and there. It opened my
eyes to seeing humor in that way. George Carlin was just a master brain and his view of politics, the world and how dumb people are is still true to this day.
Q: You’ve now been working as a professional comedian for over 20 years. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned? A:
The wonderful thing about comedy is that no matter how good you think you are or where you’re at, you can always get better. I love how it never stops changing. There will always be something new in history to talk about, or a Kardashian is going to do something to change human outlook. It’s one big chess match that never ends.
Q: What’s been the biggest challenge for you as a comedian? A:
Just the fact that what I do requires me to be on the road
constantly. I do about 200 shows a year so it’s a non-stop lifestyle. It can be exhausting but it’s what I’ve always done. I feel like for a long time the industry didn’t see what I was doing as being a damn good stand up — they only saw me as a disabled comedian. That perception has changed.
I’m a comedian who just happens to have cerebral palsy and not a cerebral palsy comic.
Q: Tell me a little about you time on “Last Comic Standing.” A:
You know, I originally auditioned the year before but didn’t get though my two-minute audition. Then I got about 40 college gigs where I was required to do an hour every show. So I spent the next year cranking out shows and putting in the work, so that by the time I got to the three-minute sets on TV, I‘d just break apart the hour I was already working. I also played off what was happening in the show with the other contestants. That’s what helped me shine. With every episode I advanced, I kept thinking about what this was doing for my career. It was a roller coaster ride but in my heart I was in it to win it.
Q: Was having a career in comedy something you always envisioned for yourself growing up? A:
When you’re a kid you don’t really think about that being an option. I thought being a comedian was an intangible thing that only certain people can achieve. Then I figured out that it was something I could do and just went with it. I only had one day job out of college for about six months before I became a professional comedian.
Q: In addition to comedy, you’re also a visual artist. What can you tell me about it? A:
I was born in Africa so I was very influenced by African masks and do a lot of wood carving and sculpture. I’ve always had a feel for color and love painting, drawing, and putting things on paper. I’m realistic about my art and know that I’m not going to be drawing a straight line, but once you go with it, the movement comes across in the pieces I do.
Q: Are there any other projects you’re currently working on right now? A:
As far as stand-up goes I’m booked out as far as the eye can see. I’m also working on my next art show and there’s always that hope and dream of doing a sitcom or a movie. I’m constantly writing for that sort of thing.
Q: Is there a message you have for fans of the Lehigh Valley prior to your Musikfest Café performance? A:
If you’ve seen me on TV you kind of know what I do, but it’s nothing compared to the live show, which is infinitely more fun. There’s nothing like being in the moment at a comedy show for an hour and a half straight. You definitely don’t think about much else when you’re laughing.