Mass Comedy: featuring Joe Clair
COMEDIAN JOE CLAIR WAS IN KANSAS CITY TO DELIVER SOME LAUGHS, by Crystal Booker
KANSAS CITY – Lavell Crawford, Joe Clair and Dominique dominated the stage during a recent performance at Kansas City’s Uptown Theatre. The late Jus Jay was scheduled to host this event, but comedian Bobby J filled in rather nicely. The show, which was dedicated to the memory of Jus Jay, was attended by widow Kristyn “Jus K” Jackson and his mother, Stephanie Owens. It was a beautiful evening as many of the natives came out to show their support. Afterwards, I was able to catch up with Joe Clair for a little Q&A expression.
CRYSTAL: How long have you been doing comedy?
CLAIR: Professionally, about 16 or 17 years now. I started fresh out of college in 93. So yeah, that’s about 17 years now.
CRYSTAL: That’s a long time. Did you know comedian Jus Jay?
CLAIR: I never met Jus Jay. He and I spoke on the phone and went back and forth with emails. He was trying to get me down here to do the “Improv.” A lot of people don’t know comedians. We kind of have this fraternity so to speak. So I would say in that way, I knew him. Then everybody told me what happened with his passing, which ya know we sittin here on Earth and we say that’s a tragedy. But in God’s plan, it’s what it’s supposed to be.
CRYSTAL: That’s true. If someone wanted to contact you, or follow your career, is there a website?
CLAIR: You can hit me on Facebook, it’s Joe Clair. You can hit me on Twitter, it’s Joe Clair. I have a lot of things going on always. I make music. I rhyme. I produce. I have a production company of my own, the acting, and then the comedy.
Joe Clair talks comedy with Crystal after performing live at the Uptown Theatre
CRYSTAL: Do you have any advice for aspiring comics?
CLAIR: Be funny and be original. It’s real easy to get on stage and steal everybody else’s jokes. Anyone who touches that microphone has aspirations for bigger and better. Once you get that moniker that you’re not original, no one will use you. So be original, be yourself and be funny. Don’t be scared to do that. It’s sort of a frightening proposition for your life, but if you go out there and excuse my language “grab your nuts every night” that’s what gets you where you’re trying to get to.
CRYSTAL: I want to thank you for speaking with me tonight.
CLAIR: Thank you Crystal.
Crystal Booker, a distinguished member of the Kansas City Film Critic’s Circle, is the movie critic of Kansas City’s Magic 107.3 FM. She is also a contributing writer to I Love Black Movies.com. To view her movie reviews, click here. For the latest reports, check out “Crystal on the Scene.” She welcomes both your questions and comments at cbooker@massappealnews.com
August 12th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
joe clair is one of my favorite comedians. he’s so funny. i love his comedy
August 13th, 2010 at 8:35 am
damn crystal you are everywhere. do you sleep babygirl? everytime i see you you hugged up with some celebrity. when do craig lite get a hug? LOL
August 13th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
crystal you do stay busy. enjoy your work. love reading your interviews
August 14th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
havent heard from j. clair in awhile. lookiing forward to his upcomin projects