An outdoor screen is erected ahead of Friday night's show at comedian Kelly Taylor's acreage. (Kelly Taylor/Facebook)

By Trevor Redden

Comedy in Cars

‘Do they just honk if they like it?’ – Comedian Kelly Taylor hosting drive-in show

Jun 12, 2020 | 12:32 PM

With no comedy venues to perform at due to the coronavirus pandemic, local comedian Kelly Taylor is going to make it happen in his own backyard.

After losing out on three months of shows, Taylor has decided to get creative by holding a drive-in show at his acreage Friday night.

He’s not sure what to expect after being off the job so long.

“I’ve maybe went a week and a half the longest without doing a show in 18 years. So now, three months without a live show,” Taylor said as he recalled his last live show on March 15.

“It’s going to be a little bit of excitement, like I don’t usually get nervous and I wonder if I will tonight? I don’t think so, it will probably soon feel like a regular show, but could definitely be some rust.”

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In a typical comedy show, the crowd plays a big part in the act whether it’s the laughter that provides the energy, or interaction that gives the comedian material to work with. Taylor does have some experience without a crowd during the pandemic, but he isn’t sure what to expect tonight.

“I don’t know what they do, do they just honk if they like it? A comedian in New Brunswick was just posting that he’s the first person in Canada to do a drive-in show, I’m not sure how it worked. He beat me by a day,” Taylor said.

Tickets went on sale in early June, with customers paying a flat fee of $40 per vehicle to attend the show. As per the province’s guidelines, people are required to stay in their vehicle as there or no washrooms or refreshments provided. The sound for the show will be delivered via an fm radio frequency.

As for the thought of so many people discovering where he lives, Taylor wasn’t too concerned.

“Back in the old day people used to just look in a phone book. Whatever, I’ve got a German shepherd (laughs). And I don’t have any good toys either, I don’t have a boat or a trailer, I don’t know what they would take, maybe a tiller,” Taylor said.

The event is being organized by Saskatoon-based hypnotist Corrie J. He won’t be performing, but was able to provide the infrastructure including the stage, lighting, radio transmitter, and online ticket platform. Taylor said he may have further plans in mind moving forward.

“When he first came out to my place he said I’ve got a great setup for this, so even after, he said we’ll be doing a musical show,” Taylor said.

“I wouldn’t mind doing a comedy festival at my house, with a bunch of comics outdoors. This will be a gauging point.”

Tickets are still available through Corrie J on Facebook and all attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item to donate to the Prince Albert Food Bank.

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trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden