Comedy on the Coast Nov 29-30

James Johann was born in the Midwest during the 70’s era of bell-bottom jeans, wood paneled station wagons and disco music. His childhood upbringing was significantly influenced by country music, countless bad haircuts and heavy doses of Catholic school. In 1991, after being fired from several “McJobs” James began his stand-up career in Kansas City. But don’t let James’ boyish appearance fool you; he’s a ten-year veteran of the stand-up comedy circuit. His self-deprecating sense of humor and high-energy style all come together to create a unique onstage persona. James relies more on his brain than the profane, and his comedy often hits upon the universal theme of failure, and provides a truthful and hilarious reflection of life as he sees it. James has performed in the “New Faces of Comedy” category at the Montreal “Just for Laughs” Comedy Festival.

When Matt Holt walks up on stage it doesn’t feel like you are in a comedy club. It feels like you are at a party, surrounded by friends. His style is so laid-back and comfortable, it feels just like a conversation with your best buddies. He charms you into letting your guard down, and that’s what makes him dangerous. No longer is there a barrier between audience and performer. He’s in the moment. He’s relaxed. He is in control because he has done this 1000 times before. He zips seamlessly from scripted material to crowd work and back again. It’s off the cuff. It’s razor sharp. Dangerous. Matt will be the first to laugh at himself so you won’t feel bad laughing with him. He’s twice divorced. He has no health insurance. He was the youngest of eight kids. He has no shame sharing these things about himself, and more, in a confessional, truthful and hilarious manner. He is disarming. He isn’t shoving his act down your throat. He has perfect timing and quick wit and these are the tools of a master craftsman, using his life as the foundation for forming the funniest show you may ever see on stage. Until you see Matt again.

Viral phenom comic Alfonso Ochoa is one of the fastest rising stars in the industry. Chances are you’ve seen one of his stand up clips as they have garnered over 10 million views along with hundreds of thousands of likes and shares and those numbers are rapidly climbing. He has also been featured on Fox networks stand up comedy clip show “Laughs” and the Comedy Time network.

Alfonso, a SoCal native, focuses on his life more than observations to draw his material. He stands out from most comics of today who either rely on pandering or shock value to get a big reaction from a crowd. His jokes are grounded in real experiences, are intricately structured and are delivered with perfect timing. Come to a live show and see a master of the art and to see for yourself why comedy fans are constantly clicking and sharing his jokes online.