Paul Hindson wants to make you laugh.
“I tell people the first word you learn in the Kootenays is `ear’,” said the host of the upcoming 9th annual Kootenay Gut Buster, when asked by the Star for an example of local comedy. He mimicked taking a luxurious drag from a joint, then passing it mid-inhale.
“‘ere,” he said.
The local comedian, who has performed extensively across the region, started hosting the Kootenay Gut Buster at his hotel, Kokanee Chalets, in 2010. He said the show’s been growing in popularity since.
“Our comics are getting better and better,” said Hindson. “I don’t do much stand up anymore, but I usually wind up getting pulled on stage.”
Hindson has assembled a dream team of eight comedians from across North America, including Mike Dambra, Tim Nutt, Lori Ferguson-Ford, Andrew Albert and Wafik Nasrella, Rob Balson and James Moore.
The show runs on July 25 and 26.
“People will have seen these comics on TV, heard them on the radio. They’re some of the biggest names in comedy working today,” he said.
Hindson said he doesn’t plan to do a set, but it may happen.
“I don’t do much stand up anymore, but I usually wind up getting pulled on stage.”
Last year over 400 residents came to see the show.
“This year we’re trying to break the 500 mark,” said Hindson.
Calgary musical act Shadowstalk will provide accompaniment.
When asked for an additional joke, Hindson resorted to an old favourite: “In the Kootenays, you don’t lose your wife. You lose your turn.”
Gates open at 6 p.m., with food vendors on site. There will be music until 9 p.m., and the comedy will begin immediately afterwards.
For more information, visit kgbcomedy.com.