Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a difference in the tricky world of stand-up comedy.
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John Knight said he did some research on his craft when he was young.
“I would read everything about comedy,” said Knight, a professional comic who has snared television exposure on the Comedy Central, Showtime and A&E networks.
Knight read a George Burns book, taking away a valuable nugget of advice from the venerable icon of humor.
“He said never talk while they’re still laughing,” Knight said. “I kind of developed my timing from that.”
Having plied his comedic craft for 35 years, Knight will display his seasoned expertise when he gives a headlining performance at a May 5 comedy show at Villa Cesare in Schererville.
Knight’s onstage style encompasses topical and observational humor.
“It’s a mixture of the two,” the Pittsburgh-area resident said.
Regarding influences, Knight points to an edgy comedian who deftly gave his bristling — yet articulate — take on the world before dying in 2008.
“My style’s not similar, but I was a big fan of George Carlin,” Knight said. “When I first saw George Carlin, I said that’s what I want to do.”
Knight said he was just a youth when he caught Carlin live.
Much later on, Knight and Carlin crossed paths at a comedy club.
“I actually got to meet him,” said Knight, pointing to the encounter that occurred at Zanies in Chicago.
“He was at my show one night,” Knight recalled. “It was a Thursday night in the summer, and there was, like, 12 people — two of them were George Carlin and his girlfriend. He came up after the show. He said, ‘Hey John, we tried to move around all the seats to make it look full for you.'”
Knight brings his colorful background to the Cinco de Mayo bash, which is being produced by Schererville resident Nick Gaza, who has been a headline stand-up comic at the Tropicana Casino Hotel Resort in Las Vegas.
Gaza will serve as emcee for Schererville’s night of comedy, which he says is aimed at those 18 and older.
The show, which begins at 8 p.m., includes a taco bar that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Also available will be a cash bar with margarita specials.
Additionally, feature act Bill Gorgo, a veteran of onstage comedy, will perform.
“I’ve been in this for 32 years now,” said Gorgo, noting he’s served up laughs in more than 30 states.
Regarding his comedic style, Gorgo labels it “adult without being crude.”
Gorgo said his many years as a comedian have taught him that emotions and images need to be conveyed to those in the audience.
“We’re trying to share emotions and pictures with them,” said Gorgo, a resident of Des Plaines, Ill., who was born and raised in Chicago.
“I love a good joke,” Gorgo assured.
In that vein, he appreciates the job Rodney Dangerfield did as far as stringing together quality, laughable lines. He calls Dangerfield a “great editor” of stand-up material.
Gorgo also admires the time-tested comedy of Knight, who does podcasts.
“John is one of the funniest comics I ever worked with,” Gorgo said.
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Knight’s avenues of laughter include online writing.
“I write a column every week called ‘What Aggravates Me,'” Knight said.
Found at www.yajagoff.com, the column appears in an online forum that has amassed an audience for Knight’s musings on relatable topics that include the lawn-related dilemma of cutting the grass.
“We’re the number one blog site in the Pittsburgh area,” the funnyman said.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Cinco de Mayo Comedy Show
Where: Villa Cesare, 900 Eagle Ridge Drive, Schererville
When: May 5; taco bar 6:30 p.m., show 8 p.m.
Tickets: $35, includes taco bar and show
Information: 219-322-3011, www.eventbrite.com