Hailing from the same birthplace as the greatest comedian of all time, this comedian has seen more than his fair share of laughs after dark. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Dave Yates. The Peoria, IL native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he owns the laughs.
Name: Dave Yates
Hometown: Peoria, IL/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @yatescomedy
Years in Comedy: 10+ Years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Laugh After Dark on Amazon Prime
Favorite Comedy Album: Mitch Hedburg “Mitch All Together”
Favorite Comedy Special: Chris Rock “Bigger and Blacker”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Stir Crazy w/ Richard Pryor Gene Wilder
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Seinfeld
Favorite Comedic Character: Ace Ventura
Favorite City to Perform In: Chicago, IL
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Myself and alcoholism
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Early show Saturday crowds
Favorite Comedy Club: The Hollywood Improv
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I tried it for the first time 10 years ago and got a couple laughs. Never looked back.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The laughs and my napkin with jokes on it.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Whit and whimsy. Not afraid to joke about my life.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I try every dumb idea.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
99% of the comedians are not funny. The other 10,000, are really good.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I and the audience are providing each other a mutual escape, and then when they pay you money, that’s awesome too.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Jackie Kashian, Gary Petersen, & Stewart Huff
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
The day I quit my day job.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That when one door closes, someone opens a window.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
“Tell me a joke”
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Long and difficult, but ultimately the best decision I ever made.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
The people in it need to build each other up more. Everybody should eat.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“When you think you’re ready for the next level, wait a year.”
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
One Long Merch Pitch.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Richard Greico bought my merch and now follows me on IG.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any forms of comedy:
At a nudist resort in Los Gatos CA.
A Dave Yates Fun Fact:
I make and sell my own brand of hot sauce called HaHa Hot Sauce.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
To be able to have enough time to help people and create things I love.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Hangout with people who actually give a fuck.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
It’s bright and if you don’t want to pivot, quit.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
Seinfeld “Jerry Goes to the Sex Shop”
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Hollywood Improv w/ Stewart Huff, AJ Finney, and Myself hosting.
What’s next for you:
The Comedy Bar in Chicago, IL
Why should a person always laugh at life:
.Because it’s the best feeling in the world.
Watch Dave Yates at Wiseguys Comedy Club:
Follow Dave Yates’ comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @yatescomedy
