BIG JAY OAKERSON – DOG BELLY
One of the things that stands out about “Dog Belly” is Big Jay Oakerson’s razor like ability to connect with his audience on a personal level. The other thing that may surprise you is the warmth this guy exudes. He’s really kind of loveable.
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Oakerson’s outsized vulnerability make his comedy land way beyond relatable, it’s deeply understandable and interesting. Something that a lot of modern comedy fails to be. His willingness to share personal anecdotes also serves to highlight the absurdity of everyday life, making even the most mundane experiences feel hilarious.
DAMN GOOD CROWD WORK
Another aspect of “Dog Belly” that’s worth noting is Jay’s damn good crowd work. He’s just really great at it. As in, he makes it look easy. Throughout the special, he interacts with members of the audience, often riffing on their responses to his jokes. This adds an element of spontaneity to the performance, making the whole thing engaging to watch. He’s not afraid to take risks with his humor, often touching on controversial topics and pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable. Yet he does so in a way that’s so unique to who he is, his brand and style, that he gets away with a lane of leeway that another comic wouldn’t be able to work in.
DOG BELLY TRAILER
For those unfamiliar with Big Jay, he’s a comedian known for his honest and raw and totally fluid approach to comedy. He’s not afraid to tackle controversial topics and push boundaries with his humor. He’s been featured on various TV shows and podcasts, including “The Bonfire” with fellow comedian, (a good buddy of mine), Dan Soder, and “This Is Not Happening” on Comedy Central.
In “Dog Belly,” Oakerson shares a story about being accused of making racist jokes. He takes the opportunity to address the incident head-on and shares his thoughts on the current state of cancel culture and how it’s affecting the comedy world.
Overall, “Dog Belly” is a fantastic showcase of Big Jay’s stand-up chops, and as I say the fun of it is is how much warmth he exudes. How likeable he is, no matter where he goes and he goes pretty far afield. It’s no surprise that the special has already reached over a million views on YouTube and isn’t going to stop anywhere close to that number.
LEGION OF SKANKS
In addition to his stand-up, Big Jay’s also a co-host of the popular podcast “Legion of Skanks.” Along with comedians Luis J. Gomez and Dave Smith, Oakerson hosts a weekly show where they discuss current events, pop culture, and of course, comedy.
“Legion of Skanks” has gained a large following over the years, thanks to its unfiltered humor. As in his stand-up, these guys are known for their no-holds-barred approach to life. They basically are the nucleus of the heavy metal movement of comedy. They invented it. They run it. There are a bunch of others in it, but only if the Skanks say they’re in it. (Think Josh Adam Myers, Jessica Michelle Singleton (Is she in it? I know she wants to be? Josh is in it, he’s talented, but he’s got to get his card punched pretty regularly I’d suspect. ) The point is these guys are the Rogan and Redban of another wave of brand spanking new. That’s not easy to be. They started a continent. They can have you ashore or throw you back of into the sea.
Get them on a good day.
SKANKFEST
In addition to their stand-up and podcasting work, Big Jay, Luis and Dave have also co-created Skankfest, a comedy festival that has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the yearly comedy calendar. (I sound like I read that last line out of a Jane Austen Novel.)
Skankfest was first launched in 2017 in New York City, and since then has grown into a multi-day festival that features some of the biggest and wildest names in comedy. The festival includes a wide variety of events, including stand-up shows, live podcasts, and panel discussions. One of the unique aspects of Skankfest is its emphasis on a sense of community among comedians and fans alike. The festival has been described as a “comedy summer camp” by some attendees, with a laid-back atmosphere that encourages performers and fans to connect with one another.
BOBBY KELLY ON THE BONFIRE
Boy they made a good choice bringing him into the fold. That’s a good fit there. When Dan Soder went off on his own, for whatever reason, I felt bad for Jay. But Bobby Kelly was a killer ideal. Anyone who reads this blog knows what a big fan of his I am. They seem a lot more similar to each other than he and Dan were, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s a lot of fun. They’re gonna work.
SOME IMPORTANT SHIT
The Bonfire, all of the stuff Big Jay is at the center of has gained a reputation for being unapologetically edgy. Some way out there, is it’s own lane stuff. With a lot of the performers on these podcasts and at the festivals and their live shows pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable in mainstream comedy. It’s made their brand a favorite among fans who appreciate comedy that’s willing to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom. They also exist in a time when stand-up has matured as an art form that sits alongside of music, film, literature, and visual arts in a sense that it can’t be housed in one museum, festival. or style. It’s has too many shapes and modes, too much to say and express.
Big Jay, Luis, and, Dave are a big part of that outgrowth. They’re their own wing of the stand up world. They’re going to be looked back as seriously important players in the evolution of the craft. Right now though they’re just funny fuckers. Nut jobs having fun. They’ll age well though. Ground breakers do.
Watch Dog Belly on YouTube now.
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LEANNE MORGAN – ON TOP OF THE STAND-UP WORLD
Leanne Morgan is a stand-up who after 20 years in the business has taken the comedy world by storm with a completely unique rise to fame. Breaking all the rules, she has become one of the hottest comics on the scene, selling out the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Theatre, and even earning her own Netflix special, “Leanne Morgan: I’m every woman.
THE NASHVILLE COMEDY FESTIVAL
Born and raised in rural Tennessee, I would bet Leanne never imagined herself selling out the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Theatre in the same week, being the hottest attraction in the Nashville Comedy Festival which I think is one of the best comedy festivals in the world. She worked as a registered nurse for 16 years before finally pursuing comedy full-time. I guess it wasn’t until a friend convinced her to enter a comedy competition that she realized her how big her talent was. She quickly became a regular in the Southern comedy scene, performing at clubs and events throughout the region. Her relatable humor and down-to-earth persona resonated with audiences, and pretty soon, (or at least what now seems to be ‘pretty soon’) was booking gigs across the country.
But it wasn’t until 2020 that her career took off. With the pandemic forcing many comedians to cancel their tours and shows, she took to social media to share her funny observations on quarantine life. Her videos went viral and she gained thousands of new followers almost overnight.
BREAKING THE RULES
Her unique perspective on life as a nurse and mother, combined with her Southern charm and one of a kind delivery has made her one of the most sought-after comedians in the country. Leanne’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of breaking the rules and following your dreams. It’s really an inspiration to me, and I bet a lot of comics. Despite starting her comedy career later in life, she has become one of the most beloved comics in the industry. Her ability to find humor in even the most difficult situations, and her relatable and down-to-earth persona, have won over audiences everywhere.
This is the trailer to her new special on Netflix.
Her Netflix special, like all her work, is so accessible and appealing and funny. It’s relatable. Even more than that, it goes down so easy. Like good whiskey. (Said the 38 year sober ex- drunk.) But it does. It has a warmth to it that a lot of stand-up doesn’t have. Even her more adult stuff. I have the feeling she’s going after bigger fish too. Maybe some movies, like Dolly Parton or Jane Fonda type stuff. Who knows? She seems to have a lot of love in her life, a lot of family and friends and support and a lot of confidence that comes from that, and years in the making.
Nothing but respect. Watch her special. Go buy tickets when she comes anywhere close to where you are. She’s right there in the strike zone of what I love about the new world of comedy.
Check out her website to get her tour dates.
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