David Studebaker headlines Vail Comedy Show this week with shows in Eagle and Vail

Fresh and uplifting comedy comes to the Vail Valley Wednesday in Eagle and Thursday in Vail as David Studebaker takes the stage at Moe’s Original BBQ and Shakedown Bar, respectively.

Studebaker grew up as the class clown, using comedy to compensate for a sleeping disorder and health issues as a kid. He began professionally doing his stand-up shows 15 years ago, and since then, he has earned acclaim through the likes of San Francisco’s SF Weekly, which named him one of the “10 Best Comics To Watch.” He’s on Sirius XM Radio’s regular rotation and has a new comedy special, “The Oracle of Dry Bar.” He recently won best director at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival for his hit documentary series, “David’s Ark.”

But what really stands out about him is his creative approach to comedy. While he began his career with more hard-edged jokes revolving around politics and topical issues, he found that a lighter approach was more effective.

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“So many people come with different things going on in their lives,” he said, talking about the predominant school of thought in comedy to write about what makes you angry or angsty and why he switched to more uplifting topics. “No matter who you are or where you’re from or what you’re into, you can feel safe (in my show). It brings people together and gives them a break from everyday life. It’s just who I am. I love people, and I genuinely enjoy having fun with people.”

Which is where the front-row, VIP seating comes in. He might pull an audience member up on stage for a very brief moment of fame — but he stresses that it’s in “a gentle way.”

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“In the front row, you kind of live the experience of being with and interacting with the comedian without it ruining your night,” he said. “I have a game plan of material, but I often craft my set on the fly based on who’s in the front row. My story can be a little bit of a choose your own adventure, and sitting in the front row definitely heightens the personal feel.”

He revolves his comedy around things he loves, which involve, but aren’t limited to, music, his family (he has two very young boys, which he sometimes refers to as poop dispensers), music and himself. He pokes fun at all of those things and often dances and sings in his shows. Integrating music stems from growing up with a dad who is a musician.

“I have been terrible at playing instruments, so I weave in music because I secretly wish I was a Backstreet Boy,” he said.

Studebaker’s performances are part of the Vail Comedy Show, which, every month, flies in nationally touring comedians that have been featured in film and television. Host Mark Masters, who has been featured on Outside TV, AWE Network, Vail Valley Live, Boulder Comedy Festival, Antelope Valley Comedy Festival, SnoJam Comedy Festival and Rubber City Comedy Festival, opens the show.

“Every show feels different, but essentially you’re going to be entertained (with how I) dance, sing and me being physical,” Studebaker said. “Even if you don’t love every joke, you’re at least going to be entertained. You will come away going, ‘OK, I’ve gotten my money’s worth.'”