About
"Legends of Native American Comedy" unites the trailblazers behind today’s Native comedy successes in a reunion that is sure to ignite laughter. These Uncles of Comedy have honed their craft for decades, with their first major Native comedy performances on stage, TV, and DVD making waves a quarter of a century ago. Each comedian on the "Legends of Native Comedy" tour made the trek to rural bars and even barns, leading them down a path of remarkable and legendary firsts. Icons and leaders in Native comedy, these Native legends on tour can be credited with making Native comedy a recognized genre and have made it possible for writers, actors, and comedians to create a resurgence of comedy in the industry today. When they come together, they transform years of sweat and maybe a few tears into an evening of lighthearted entertainment, embodying the trickster spirit that turns obstacles into outbursts of laughter and hardships into hilarity.
"Bangarra Dance Theatre is a modern dance company unlike any other...remarkably imaginative and richly varied."
- New York Times
On Tour
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Currently Touring
Three of the most widely known and respected Native comics, Marc Yaffee, Jim Ruel and Ernest Tsosie III come together to bring the house down.
Tour Fall 2025
We are currently putting together a tour of legendary comics to tour Fall 2025.
Current Tour
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Credits
PRODUCER
Andre Bouchard
DIRECTOR
Jim Ruel
COMEDIANS
Ernest Tsosie III
Jim Ruel
Marc Yaffee
COSTUME DESIGNER
Jennifer Irwin
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Karen Norris
"Legends of Native American Comedy" unites the trailblazers behind today’s Native comedy landscape featuring Jim Ruel, Earnest Tsosie III, and Marc Yaffee. These Uncles of Comedy have honed their craft for decades; they are founding and key members of the "Pow Wow Comedy Jam", the first-ever nationally touring Native American comedy group, Marc and Jim were featured on Showtime's "Goin' Native" Going Native", the first Native American comedy specials to be released on DVD making Native comedy within reach to broader audiences, while Ernie found initial success as one half of the comedy duo "James & Ernie," instrumental in creating space for Native comedians. Each comedian on the "Legends of Native Comedy" tour had a long career that has lead them down a path marked by legendary firsts and continues to this day. True trailblazers, legends on tour are key in making Native comedy a respected genre, while paving the way for writers, actors, and comedians today to invent, create, and find success as Native comedic talents.
We welcome you to join us in this tour celebrating the people who have made it possible for the next generation to succeed. It’s a night sure to delight. When legends of Native comedy unite, they transform years of sweat and labor into a lighthearted evening of joy and fun for everyone, embodying the trickster spirit that turns obstacles into outbursts of laughter and challenges into a chance for change.
"People ask if I have a spirit animal. I tell them, 'Yeah, it’s a squirrel—because I’m always nuts!" Jim Ruel
"I don’t always get recognized, but when I do, it’s by the security guard at Walmart," Ernest Tsosie II.
"People ask me if I know any famous Native Americans. I tell them, 'Yeah, I know Tonto, he owes me twenty bucks!'" Marc Yaffee
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