Native Sons

What's the biggest misconception about Native American standups? According to Jim Ruel, who's one-fourth of tonight's Pow Wow Comedy Jam, it's that "we're not funny." After a chuckle, he explains, "A lot of people have never been made to laugh by an Indian in their life, so it's a new...

By Michael Roberts

June 7, 2007

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What's the biggest misconception about Native American standups? According to Jim Ruel, who's one-fourth of tonight's Pow Wow Comedy Jam, it's that "we're not funny." After a chuckle, he explains, "A lot of people have never been made to laugh by an Indian in their life, so it's a new experience — and sometimes they'll feel bad about it. They'll go, 'I feel really bad that I was laughing.' And I'll be like, 'It's okay, just this once.'"

Ruel is accustomed to shattering stereotypes. Originally hailing from Milwaukee, he's a Stanford grad who worked his way up through the comedy-club circuit, where few Native Americans have been given a chance to tread. "They might have a Native American on the roster once a year," he says. So Ruel joined forces with a trio of fellow Native American funnymen: Vaughn Eaglebear, JR Redwater and Marc Yaffee, who describes himself as a "Mex-i-jo" — Mexican, Irish and Navajo. Ruel notes that all four comedians have a distinctive style marked by more than a few surprises. For instance, he mixes impressions of typical targets such as Arnold Schwarzenegger with skewed takes on Native American actors like Wes Studi and Graham Greene. "I'm not out there saying, 'You crazy white man! Look at what you did!'" he maintains. "My main purpose is to make people laugh."

The Pow Wow Comedy Jam gets under way at 7 p.m. at Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street. Tickets are $14.50. For more information, call 303-595-3637 or visit www.comedyworks.com.
Sun., June 10

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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