Comedian uses awkward silences to impress crowd at Grumpy Dave's Pub

Silence is often considered the muted killer in comedy. When audiences aren't laughing, a comedian's act is usually dying.

Yet professional comedian Kris Shaw thrives off awkward pauses and idle reactions from crowds. He understands and has perfected the art of comedic timing.

"He's got spaces where he uses silence in his act and it actually works in his favor," said Steve Sabo, founder of Inside Jokes Productions and friend to Shaw. "He's got a special quality. He's got an energy, a presence that draws you in."

Shaw headlined the multi-comic show Tuesday night at Grumpy Dave's Pub. Shaw, who performs about 40 shows a month, said his joy for comedy has grown exponentially since his comedy career started seven years ago.

"It's more fun than what it was before," the 36-year-old said. "I like to keep connections with younger crowds and younger audiences and comedians."

Shaw uses life experiences and memorable misfortunes to compliment his raunchy and off-color jokes.

Shaw, who has four daughters and one son, said his house is just like "The Cosby Show" sans the multi-million dollar endorsements. Shaw asked the audience to pray for him as he is in "negotiations" with Telemundo to set up cameras in his house.

All kidding aside, Shaw values the benefits family provides, especially when he is consistently touring away from his home.

"[Family] keeps me balanced. When I go home, I try to make sure my family is my first commitment and then afterwards I go back to jokes," he said.



Veteran Grumpy Davers were impressed and entertained after Shaw's hour long-set.

"I really liked him. He had a different perspective of comedy. He was a really good comedian for Grumpy Dave's," said senior Drew Barnes who has been to comedy night about 25 times before.

Tim Hoyt, marketing manager of Inside Joke Productions, said Shaw's performance "stacked up really well" compared to other comics the company schedules to perform at Grumpy Dave's Pub.

Shaw always has a good time in Bowling Green. Whether it's following the last few people out of the comedy club and into the bars or winding up at Bob Evans before leaving Northwest Ohio, Shaw said he'll keep performing where he's wanted.

"As long as people are coming to support [me], it means they are having fun and enjoyment. When the place is empty, that's when there is a problem."

Blogger's Note: This story was originally published in Friday's online version of The BG News.

Kris Shaw Performing at Grumpy Dave's Pub tonight

Kris Shaw will be providing the funnies tonight at Grumpy Dave's Pub.

The show begins at 9 p.m. with Shaw scheduled to perform an hour into the show.

As reported at Northwest Ohio Comedy and The BG News, Shaw brings his comedy act to Bowling Green where he's previously performed five times prior.

Dan Simon will be the opening act.

Grumpy Dave's Pub is located at 1004 S. Main Street above Easy Street Cafe. Free parking is available on Wooster and Main Streets. Bowling Green doesn't check meters after 5 p.m.

Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for general admission (21-plus).

Check back tomorrow for a full recap, pictures from the show and (hopefully) an interview with Shaw.

Kris Shaw to perform at Grumpy Dave's on Tuesday

Dave won't be frowning when a well-known comedian makes a stop at his pub this week.

Stand-up comic Kris Shaw will bring his coast-to-coast tour to Grumpy Dave's Pub on Tuesday. Dave Simon will be the warm-up act.

The set starts at 9 p.m. A $3 cover charge will be required for anyone attending (18-plus).

The Indianapolis native has traveled to hundreds of venues across the world in the seven full years he has been a professional, including Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio.

Shaw said he has been to Bowling Green at least five times in the past.

Patriotism is important to Shaw. The comic said he tries to thank the military prior to each show.

"I'm glad we have people who want to come over and fight for our country," Shaw said in an interview with U.S. Army. "I want to give back. I'm a giver. I want to entertain and do my part for the country, but I'm not a fighter."

Shaw performed overseas four times for the military and said each performance has been "awesome."

In an exclusive interview via Facebook Chat, Shaw explains how he got his start into comedy.

"My grandmother gave me a joke book in 1978 and I still have it," Shaw recalled when he was 5-years-old. "She owned a beauty salon and I used to go up and down the aisle to all the beauticians and their customers and tell them jokes. I was really shy at the time and it helped me come out of it."

And after being a professional comedian for nearly a decade, Shaw still loves the feeling of entertaining his audience and fans.

"I still do it because I love to see people happy and laughing. It's the highest compliment when you make someone laugh," he said.

Check back next week when Northwest Ohio comedy has a full recap of Shaw's performance.

Below is a clip of Shaw during a set in Jacksonville, Fla.






Video provided by Madison Comedy