TWIN FALLS • Comedian Doug Hecox, a former humor writer for the Times-News, will perform at the Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center at 8:30 tonight with comedian Paul Kelly.
Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door or $10 in advance.
Hecox, who has performed professionally for 25 years, wrote humorous pieces about agriculture life for the Times-News’ “Ag Weekly” from 1999 to 2001. This writing stint led him to write “Graze Expectations,” a book of funny short stories about farming life.
Hecox said he never actually moved to Twin Falls while writing the column. He did most of his writing from an apartment in Washington, D.C. His column also was picked up by newspapers in Wyoming and Colorado.
“I started writing a column about the lives and struggles of people here. I got picked up by other papers. I was pretending to be a rancher and farmer from idaho. I was scamming the West,” Hecox said.
But it wasn’t all tall tales. Hecox often drew from his experiences growing up on a farm in Rawlins, Wyo.
Hecox said he looks forward to finally visiting Twin Falls and getting back to the West.
“It’s an opportunity to leave the East,” he said. “I’m anxious to see Twin Falls, and I’m ready to see all the magic.”
Over the past 25 years, Hecox has appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and on CNBC, Country Music Television and XM Radio. For a short time in 1995, he wrote jokes for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” before being hired to write speeches — and jokes — for politicians in Washington. He also has worked in a prison, a refinery and as a radio DJ, says a press release. He has published two books and his CD, “Vote For Me,” is available on iTunes and Amazon.com.
“I can’t wait to perform in Twin Falls,” Hecox said in a news release. “This is my Idaho debut, so I promise to be on my best behavior and not make jokes about potatoes.”
Growing up in Wyoming, Hecox said, he learned that laughter is the best medicine.
“With Wyoming’s winters being so long, severe laughter was often the only way to stay warm.”
Joining Hecox on stage tonight will be Paul Kelly, a longtime nationally touring comedian from Chicago.
“Paul is a master storyteller and a quick ad-libber,” Hecox said in a news release. “Audiences see themselves in his hilarious real life routines, so we’re both looking forward to it. Friday night will be a great show.”
For more information about Hecox, go to www.DougFun.com. For more information about Kelly, visit www.funnypaulkelly.com.