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Denver comedian Adam Cayton-Holland to headline special Vail Comedy Show in Red Cliff

Adam Cayton-Holland has appeared on 'Conan,' Comedy Central and HBO Max and his writing has appeared in the New York Times. He is the author of 'Tragedy Plus Time.'
Shaun Ulvila/Courtesy photo

Vail Comedy Show is putting on a special pop-up show Wednesday, July 10 at Mango’s in Red Cliff.  Denver native Adam Cayton-Holland will headline. Cayton-Holland answered these questions in advance of his visit.

Have you ever performed in the Vail Valley?

You know not as much as you would think, having done comedy in Colorado for twenty years now. I did a great show in Vail proper, at some packed, sweaty basement bar that Mark (who’s putting on the Red Cliff show) put on, and that was an absolute blast.



Do you have a favorite Colorado comedy memory? 

Performing at Red Rocks is up there. I also run the High Plains Comedy Festival. We’re now entering year eleven. Watching comedians from all over the country flock to Colorado for a festival once a year, and then hearing them rave about it, melts my Colorado comedy heart. You know, during the pandemic, when everyone was hungry for any entertainment, I did a show in an empty lot between two buildings. Two guys had bought the space, and were building some mixed-use condo thingy, but everything was on hold during COVID, so they put up a portable stage and held events. I did comedy there. It sold out almost as soon as we put tickets on sale – again, people were feening for entertainment – but the night of the show there was this huge snowstorm. We all feared the worst, but every single person showed up. In winter jackets, and hats, and sleeping bags, with thermoses of cocoa, and whiskey, it was like a Broncos tailgate. And we just did the show in the freezing cold. That was really special. Colorado just showing up, not afraid of a little storm, hungry for some comedy. That was something special. 

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We’ve heard you like nature, are you excited to visit Red Cliff?

You kidding me? Thrilled! I’ve got a three-year-old and a five-year-old, and I’m crazy about them, but it’s a lot. Anytime you get a day or two by yourself, with no toddlers punching you in the junk the second you turn your head, it’s a damn pleasure. But when I can do that in a beautiful setting like Red Cliff? Chef’s kiss! If you come to the show, give me the scoop on all things Red Cliff.

What do you know about Vail Comedy Show?

Just through knowing Mark and watching him grow the scene, and comedy in the mountains of Colorado. We’re lucky to have Mark around. He’s doing cool stuff. 

Any major events coming up?

The High Plains Comedy Festival, September 19-21. 

You live in Denver but tour nationally, how does Colorado compare to other markets?

Colorado really punches above its weight comedically. That goes for talent of comics, but also audiences. Particularly Denver, it’s a pretty savvy comedy crowd. But Colorado is always great, because there’s no real pretension here. No one is just blown away because you were on this show, or you have this many views on your dumb TikTok reel. They’re just like, is this funny? Oh, okay, great! I’m a fan. 

How would you describe your comedy?

The single best comedy that has ever existed in the history of the planet. 

What is next for Adam Cayton-Holland?

I wrote a movie. They’re making the movie! I’m beyond thrilled. Can’t talk a lot about it yet, but any day now! Any day! Stay tuned. Of course, for all things ACH go to my website AdamCaytonHolland.com, and join my email list. I’ll keep you up to date on all the latest. 

Vail Comedy Show has more comedy in July with Ray Harrington in Eagle and Vail, and Alex Dragicevich in Edwards. In August, Nathan Macintosh will do multiple shows in the valley.

Tickets for all shows are available at VailComedyShow.com.

Adam Cayton-Holland gets the crowd roaring at a past Vail Comedy Show event.
Shaun Ulvila/Courtesy photo

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