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Charlie's In The House: A Night Of Comedy With Utah Public Radio

Comedians Craig Bielik and Joshua T. Fonokalafi

Fair warning: this is a shameless plug for Utah Public Radio’s upcoming Comedy Night at the Cache Venue. That event is set for Saturday, Nov. 16th and it’s going to be a lot of fun.

I can make that prediction unequivocally because the stand-up comic headlining that UPR fundraiser is an old friend, Craig Bielik. I saw him perform at the Wise Guys comedy club in Ogden last month and he killed.

Craig is a local guy, born and raised in Utah.  So he understands all our quirks and foibles down at DNA level and his comedy routines are full of insider jokes that only Utahns can fully appreciate. But Craig’s ironic observations about life here are never mean-spirited. He never points a finger, looks down his nose and says “YOU …”  No, Craig will cock his head, lift an eyebrow and say “The funny thing about US is …”

Another trademark of Craig’s performances is his ability to form instant connections with audience members, making everyone feel like they are part of the show. One of his stand-up routines feels more like a conversation than a monologue; but it’s that kind of discussion you have with a smart, funny, fast-talking friend where you seldom get a word in edgewise.

Finally, Craig Bielik might be considered the Jim Gaffigan of the Utah comedy circuit. His brand of humor is sly, warm and clean. You could safely bring a school-age child to one of Craig’s performances. The kid might not understand most of the jokes, but the little darling wouldn’t hear anything he or she hadn’t heard at home.

Over the past 20 years, those qualities have earned Craig Bielik a reputation as a crowd-pleaser in comedy clubs throughout the Intermountain West and at dozens of corporate gatherings, wild parties and fundraisers like the UPR Comedy Night. Craig might not have quit his day job yet, but he’s a thoroughly professional and hilarious comic at night.

Joshua T. Fonokalafi will also perform at the UPR fundraiser. Joshua hails from the mean street of Ogden, which he describes as “Utah’s version of Compton.” His unique comic perspective stems from the experience of growing up as a member of the sizeable Pacific Island minority group here in America.

The UPR Comedy Night will be held Saturday, Nov. 16th at The Cache Venue at 119 South Main St. in Logan. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the stand-up fun will begin an hour later. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue. Admission tickets can be purchased on the UPR and Cache Venue websites.