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The cruising comedian hits Vail

Wren Wertin
Special to the DailyLouis Johnson lives to make people laugh. He'll be tossing out one-liners at Half Moon Saloon tonight at 10.
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Born and raised in Denver, Johnson was always the instigator in school pranks. But he was a perfectionist, causing him to re-do what he’d had others do. As a result, he got busted every time. Pulling stunts and mouthing off on stage has served him better. He’s traveled all over the world with Carnival Cruise Lines, as well as doing United Service Organization shows.

His first taste of stand-up comedy came as he watched a man on stage with his shirt over his head, beating his stomach and singing, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

“I didn’t want to do that, but I wanted to explore that realm,” he said. “So I lived at the Comedy Works for almost a year.”



He’s become a social commentator, something he believes all comics should be. His favorite material deals with relationships, politics and cultural. As he says, he’s got plenty of inspiration.

“I’m just known for being a funny guy,” he said. “Everybody that watches me, they feel like it’s a comfortable thing. It’s an adult show, so if you’re easily offended be warned. It’s not a dirty show, but an adult show.”

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Be that as it may, how does he know it’s funny?

“That’s an intangible right there,” he said. “When it comes down to it, comedians don’t know what’s funny. It’s all guesswork.”

And guess work on the front lines. There’s not a lot between a comic and and the audience, other than a microphone.

“Any good comic, if you watch them you know what they’re all about,” he said. “Comics are a breed apart.”

Louis Johnson takes the stage at Half Moon Saloon after comic Chris Atencio at 10 p.m. For more information call 476-4314.

Wren Wertin can be reached via e-mail at wrenw@vaildaily.com or phone at 949-0555 ext. 618.


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