Columbus Funny Bone

Hazelwood comedian will offer humor for humanitarian effort

Purpose: Fundraiser to help victims from the tornado that hit Joplin. This concert is for adults, ages 18 and over.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11

Where: Hazelwood West High Auditorium, No. 1 Wildcat Drive

Tickets: $15 per person and $25 per couple. Guaranteed seating for the first 300 people. Paid admission will only be taken at the door on Saturday.

Sponsors: City of Hazelwood, Hazelwood Fire Department and Hazelwood Police Departments.

Info: Sgt. Don Routh at (314) 513-5208

Age: 49

Born: Tulsa, Okla.

Background: Attended Oklahoma Baptist University on a four-year basketball scholarship. Had a tryout with the San Diego Clippers, but a knee injury killed his chances. Came to St. Louis in 1985 to be near family members.

Marriage: He and Joyce have been married for 11 years. They have three children.

Info: To see some of his act, go to www.cleancomedyguy.com

David Graham's T-shirt said it all: "Will tell jokes for food."

Graham, 49, is a Hazelwood resident who earns his living by making people laugh. He is a full-time comedian, who tours the country for about 30 weeks a year. He has opened for Chris Rock and Adam Sandler, both of whom sought Graham out because he works "clean" without any profanity.

Many of his concerts help raise money for different causes. He will perform Saturday, June 11, at Hazelwood West High to raise money for the Joplin tornado victims.

Graham talked about his career during a visit at his Hazelwood home.

QUESTION: Do people walk up to you and ask you to be funny?

ANSWER: After a show, people come up and want to tell me a joke. Nine out of 10 times, I've heard it before.

Q: You're known for performing clean. Was that a professional decision to get more work or an ethical decision?

A: In this case, the ethical fed the professional. I gave myself to the Lord when I was 14. It's not part of me to use profanity. Now, I enjoy many comics who can be blue, but I can't do it. However, in my act, I talk about adult subjects, like marriage, dating, family discipline, sports and more. I want to do my comedy for everybody.

Columbus Funnybone

I was sitting on my couch playing guitar at 6 PM when the Godfather of Comedy called me. The Godfather of Comedy is the manager of The Funnybone in Columbus Ohio. It seems that the headliner missed his plane, and they needed me to come in and close the show. The show started at 7:30. That wasn’t much notice, but when the Godfather of Comedy tells you to d something… you do it.

The early show was a lot of fun. The late show was even better. The staff of the Columbus Funnybone was efficient turning the room over between shows. I notice stuff like that. The other comedians were funny, and all and all it was an incredible night. The thing about the Funnybones and Improv’s and Loony Bin chains is that it seems like no matter when you go, you will see a good show. These clubs have a good reputation because of this. Big named acts come through these clubs, but you can see the best shows many times from a guy you may have never heard of. I’m sure many of the people at that club last night had no idea who I am, but I promise you, they had a GREAT time. Not just because of me, but because of the other funny comedians, the staff, and the management of the club. My sets would not have gone as well if the staff had not kept the folks happy all night. We were a team. It was pretty cool. What a life I am leading! Thanks Dave!

Dave sure is lucky to have the worlds greatest living comedian right down the street. (haha. kidding… the world’s greatest living comedian is a man named Don Rickles.)

I LOVE THE COLUMBUS FUNNYBONE!

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