On Saturday, Sept. 19, North Florida residents will have the opportunity to see comedian Danny Johnson live in action at The Yards as he makes a pit stop in his hometown for part of his latest comedy tour.
While Johnson spent his early years on the shores of Long Island, he’s been a Jacksonville resident since the late ’90s. Before working his way up to becoming a well-respected comedian, Johnson often performed in school talent shows reenacting “Saturday Night Live” skits. He participated in his first stand-up routine at 18 years old but didn’t perform live again until after finishing college. By then, he had a notebook filled with material and the ambition to do something about it, so he enrolled in a workshop at Comedy Zone Jacksonville, and the rest is history.
“My goal is to make as many people laugh as possible over my career,” Johnson said, reflecting on his 20-plus years in comedy. “It’s my favorite thing in the world.”
Johnson’s style is often referred to as relatable, edgy, but clean. It’s the kind of universally loved act that can apply to audiences from all walks of life, whether that’s family communities, corporate offices, churches, retirement homes, college campuses, or club venues.
“I sort of relate [my act] to the ‘Minority Report’ movie. Tom Cruise can look into the future on these little screens, and he moves the screens around,” Johnson said, emphasizing his ability to pull on specific jokes depending on the crowd. “I don’t shy away from topics. If I find it funny, I’m going to talk about it.”
Johnson’s comedy career is filled with myriad accolades, not the least of which is multiple nationwide tours. He has starred in numerous TV commercials, appeared on Comedy Central’s “Laugh Riots” and even had the privilege of filming NateLand Live at the famous Zanies Comedy Club. Johnson has a wildly popular Dry Bar comedy special, another comedy special titled “Everything Bothers Me” on YouTube, and has shared the stage with famous comedians like Chris Rock, Damon Wayans, Bob Saget, Billy Gardell, Richard Lewis, Rickey Smiley, Norm McDonald, Howie Mandel and a variety of others.
His latest tour, which not only stops in Ponte Vedra but also returns to St. Augustine on Oct. 17, is a major step up in magnitude. Johnson’s growing fame means he regularly sells out 200-plus capacity venues, bringing that Floridian brand of humor with him everywhere he goes.
