Comedian Bill Burr Delivers In Easton

Last night my wife and I went to see comedian Bill Burr at the Funny Bone Comedy Club in Easton Town Center.

Burr has performed on Comedy Central, HBO, the Opie and Anthony Show and was a writer and performer on the Chappell Show (He was the red haired white guy). Others may also know Burr as the guy who went on a tirade against a Philadelphia crowd that had turned on the comedians during O&A’s Traveling Virus Show (in the end, Burr received a standing ovation from the same crowd that began by booing him.) You can see it on You Tube. Classic.

Bill Burr did not disappoint. With his less than optimistic view of the world and possible subscription to conspiracy theories, Burr entertained the sold our crowd. At times Burr would make comments of how the crowd was not with him and he would riff as to why he thought this was happening. Those moments were hysterical and one can only wonder if that is part of the show… If his set up and then rant on the crowd’s reaction is not part of the bit. I would not put it past him.

Topics such as his internal turmoil over being in a relationship, the tiger attack in San Francisco and how with the simple jerk of a steering wheel, one could be famous for mowing down 30 people, Burr pontificated on the thoughts in his head. Dark? To be sure, but honest, funny and a welcome relief from the usual, “people are crazy on the roads… am I right?” shtick that is usually found in comedy clubs.

Burr owned the crowd; a crowd that he was performing for, “20 feet from a food court... I’m not in show business right now folks.”

The opening act and MC as well as the feature act were surprisingly good. For those who do not know the usual comedy club set up, it goes like this: The first act serves as the host and MC. He or she is usually a local comedian and/or someone starting out in comedy. They get 10-15 minutes and usually are awkward to watch. Last nights MC broke this mold. His energy and seemingly polished act was great. Being a son of a Judge leads to some good stories about how he lives and the bits about his parents and step-parents were very funny.

The feature act, or the second performer, was great as well. His quick wit served him well as someone in the audience tried to heckle. Although he did say it was the, “... best heckle [he] had ever heard.” He recovered quickly and turned it around to his advantage. Instead of the usual pissing contest that comedians and hecklers in engage in, he made it part if his act not only winning over the heckler, but the audience who, truth be told, he already owned.

A great night at the Funny Bone. It is a rare evening in a comedy club where all three acts are great. This was one of those nights.

Side Note: Burr was very cool about getting a picture with me. When I asked we has very quick to say yes and pose with me. I was impressed how cool he is in person.

Also, I am not sure when or why Bill Burr shaved his head, but it makes him look like he is ill. I hope he is not.