Vail Comedy Show returns to Lionshead this week
Colorado native and Chicago based Chris Higgins brings his brand of 'dumb comedy' to El Sabor
Vail Comedy Show/Courtesy photo
The Vail Comedy Show is flying in Chicago-based comedian Chris Higgins for a Wednesday show at El Sabor in the Lionsquare Lodge in Lionshead Village. Higgins, a native of Boulder, has become a staple at club shows in the Windy City and has a No. 1 comedy album.
Special guest Edward Bell also had a No. 1 comedy album last year. Both will perform along with host Mark Masters. We caught up with Higgins in advance of his visit.
Have you ever performed in the Vail Valley?
I have not. Even as a Colorado native, this is my first time performing in the High Country.
Do you have a favorite Colorado comedy memory?
Support Local Journalism
Wow. That’s a doozy of a question. I’ve had so many fantastic memories here in Colorado. I would have to say my favorite memory was performing on a now-extinct weekly show called “Too Much Fun” run by Nathan Lund, Chris Charpentier, Bobby Crane, and Sam Tallent. It was their second-to-last show and the atmosphere was truly electric. That place was so, so packed they had people sitting on the floor and on the wings of the stage. It was DIY comedy at its best. That’s the show that absolutely hooked me. I had fun on stage, all the comedians crushed, and the audience was an absolute party. There was no going back after that “Too Much Fun” — it was comedy or bust after that.
You grew up in Colorado but live in Chicago now, how are the places similar or different?
I would say that the similarities and the differences are why I love Chicago. Both Colorado and Chicago have a great sense of community — there are huge outdoor festivals, live music absolutely dominates nightlife, and the food scenes are both incredible. Both Colorado and Chicago have amazing comedy scenes. I love both places and am proud to call Chicago and Colorado home. I’m very lucky.
I would say the only main difference that affects my life is Chicago is just busier. Colorado is very laid back and relaxed — which I love. But I also am so, so enthralled by the hectic nature of any huge city. For comedy, at least for me, that hectic nature feeds my creativity.
What do you know about Vail Comedy Show?
I know it’s a great show! I’ve had a ton of super funny, famous friends roll through and say absolutely amazing things. I can’t wait to bring my stupid comedy to a show that I’ve been wanting to do since I heard about it.
Any major events coming up?
The release of my new special “Live at the Fort” will be coming out in late spring. We just filmed it in Fort Collins, Colorado, at the amazing Comedy Fort. Be on the lookout for that! It’ll be released for free on my YouTube channel.
How would you describe your comedy?
Just stupid, good times. I think we live in a very divisive time and I’m not trying to divide us more here. If you wanna come take a load off and laugh about some of the dumbest stuff — come hang out. I’m very silly, I live to make myself laugh, and I think comedy should be about joy — nothing else.
What is next for Chris Higgins?
Just continue to tour and hopefully sell more and more tickets! I have only one simple goal: To be a better person than I was yesterday.
Vail Comedy Show is bringing more comedy to the valley in March. On Mar. 6 Katherine Blanford, who has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” will be at El Sabor. On Mar. 12 and 13 Eddie Ifft from Los Angeles will be in Avon and Vail Village respectively. On Mar. 23 Carmen Lagala from New York City will be at El Sabor, and on Mar. 27 Dan Altano from New York City will be at Avanti Food & Beverage. All tickets are available at VailComedyShow.com.
