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Comedian
Geoff Jackson |
Sedona Comedian Geoff Jackson
By A.M. Melfa
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Sedona.biz
Sedona, AZ -- Sedona Comedian
Geoff Jackson cites his earliest comedic influence as his grandfather, who told
the family hilarious stories about how, as a Merchant Marine in World
War II, any ship he boarded invariably ended up getting bombed.
Although this might not immediately seem hilarious, according to Geoff it was
the way his grandfather told the joke that made it so funny.
Light hearted stories about fatal situations formed the basis for Geoff's love
of all things funny and, perhaps, became the best way to deal with difficult
situations.
He says his inspiration comes not only from other comedians, but more so from every day people and
situations. Along with Bill Cosby, Lenny Bruce and Granddad, Geoff's list
of influences ranges from people he likes and dislikes to acquaintances such as his 5th grade teacher who hated his job so much that for
fun he kept a python in class to scare the kids.
It is being a student of life, paying attention to the nuances of people, places
and things that create the basis of Geoff Jackson's comedic repertoire. "You've
got to take it all in" he says with a sideways grin, "It's the gig. Kinna
crazy."
A series of scholastic mishaps landed Geoff in Sedona. Geoff's dad, a
mechanical engineer, took the family to Saudi Arabia in the 1980's after he
landed a job building pipelines and gas plants. At the time there were no high
schools for Americans in Saudi Arabia. When the family came back to the
United States, Geoff found himself at the Verde Valley High School. It wasn't long, however, before
he got kicked
out.
When asked for the reason Geoff makes a tent of his fingers,
pondering thoughtfully, and says of his Verde Valley High School experience "It
was a case of "Oh, we love you so much, couldn't you just change completely so
we can love you some more?"
Maybe Geoff is just a natural born trouble maker, as he went on to get kicked
out of his next school, Governor Dummer School in Massachusetts (you know there's a joke in there just
busting to get out) over an unfortunate incident involving
underage drinking and the school librarian. Ah, these creative types are such
the rebels.
After a bit more global sojourning, now aged 18, Geoff ended up in Sedona living
with his parents. It was here that Geoff had his first stand up gig on the fated
day of September 11, 2001.
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Comedian
Geoff Jackson |
He had decided to perform that night at an Open Mic hosted by Casa Rincon.
When he awoke that morning his parents told him of the bombing, to which he
responded, "The government did it - I've gotta go back to bed." Feeling disconnected from world events, Geoff went on that
night to perform a set involving internet porn.
Geoff forecasts that he will most likely never get booked in the typical
American Comedy Clubs as his act NEVER involves the three standard forms of
jokes; d**k and fart jokes; the difference between men and women; and the difference between brown people and pink
people. Coming from internet porn, his act since 9/11/01 seems to be maturing.
Geoff's act has gone through a metamorphosis, however. As
a result of "living around here" he says, he started telling jokes about "far
out stuff." Saying this, Geoff looks at you expecting you to know exactly what
he's talking about and, of course, living here, you do.
For a while he had a bit about Dinosaurs that he says are currently
living under ground. He would expound at length on their living
conditions and health issues. Well, he did say "far out."
Today Geoff's act involves a cast of imagined characters. When you go
to see him at his upcoming gig at the Sedona Community Center on Saturday,
September 30th, you will meet the posse.
The one-eyed cowboy, Jack Williams, will regale you with stories and songs. It's
easy to tell the difference between Geoff and Jack, apparently, because
according to Geoff "[Jack] sings a lot better than I do." Ah! A clear tip off, as if
the one-eyed thing wouldn't be enough.
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Comedian
Geoff Jackson |
Jack may even tell you a story about, Quetzequotl,
who Jack met while traversing the jungles of Mexico. Jungles of Mexico? If you
are lucky, Quetzequotl, who appears in blue face, waving corn stalks and wearing
a skirt may tell you the story of the tragic mix up between himself and
Cortez.
When asked what he wants the residents of Sedona to know, Geoff energetically
responds "I want to see your smiling faces at the show on September 30th. It
would mean the world to me." Then asked if there was anything else, he stares
off into space for a moment, turns back and says "No, you can get your other
stuff from someplace else."
Geoff's stories, jokes, gestures, facial expressions and overall demeanor are
infectious. He's the kind of guy you want to be
around, so be sure not to miss this chance to see this remarkable comedian
perform at the Sedona Community Center, located behind Casa Rincon, on Saturday,
September 30th at 7:30pm. "It's the only $1.00 comedy show on earth!" exclaims
Geoff.
In closing, Geoff told us something else he thinks is funny: "Quality." Um... huh?
"Quality amuses me." says Geoff. It stands to reason that a person who views the
world through a humorous lens would respond to what he finds to be exceptional
with laughter. "It is the way I've chosen to process information. For me, it's a
compliment." Here's hoping that, upon reading this, Geoff is busy busting a gut.
See the comedy of Geoff Jackson at the Sedona Community Center, on Saturday,
September 30th, located behind the Casa Rincon at 2615 Melody Lane in West
Sedona(info@sccsedona.org). The show
starts at 7:30 pm. The $1.00 tickets are available for purchase at Sedona Books
and Music located in a Bausch's Shopping Center at 162 Coffee Pot Drive, also in
West Sedona (928) 203-0711.
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