We’re entering the home stretch of Rhode Island’s political primary season, but it’s important to step back and laugh a little when we can.
And Comedy Bus City Tours might be the perfect answer.
With the state increasingly leaning into comedy events — think the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot — Mike Keller has created an innovative bus tour around the state that features a variety of comedians, including some big-time acts.
You’ve probably seen the Comedy Bus rolling through the state, so we asked Keller to tell us about the idea and what you can expect if you take a tour.
Q: Where did the idea for the Comedy Bus come from, and what made you think a comedy show on a bus could actually work in Rhode Island?
Keller: My wife and I used to visit cities all around the country in hopes to relocate. We would go on tours to learn about the city and check out local comedy shows at night because it’s our favorite thing to do. We almost fell asleep during the daytime city tours due to the lack of entertainment, and we knew there had to be a better way. Fast forward to the comedy show that night, and the light bulb went off to combine the two!
You came up with the idea before the pandemic, bought the bus and then, essentially, the world shut down. What was that period like, and how close did you come to thinking, “Well, this was a terrible idea?”
This was definitely a tough time. We bought two school buses in February 2020 and were finally ready to make our idea come to life. Obviously sitting shoulder to shoulder on a bus was not an option during COVID. We took that time to fine tune the design of the bus and rethink the way we would operate. A lot of changes came during that period that set us up for success long term. Although I wouldn’t have believed you when it happened, it honestly was a blessing in disguise.
It feels like comedy is having a moment in Rhode Island right now, from the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot to big-name shows like Bill Burr’s recent appearance in Pawtucket. Are you seeing that enthusiasm firsthand, and why do you think comedy has taken off here?
It has been so awesome to see the community come together for these events and to be a part of them was unbelievable. Having big names come to our small state is incredible. We truly believe we are in the golden era of comedy. They say laughter is the best medicine, and we’ve always felt that to be 100 percent true. With all the chaos these days, people are finding it to be the one place you can go, tune out all the noise and enjoy yourself.
Last question. What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened on the Comedy Bus?
Oh boy, I mean every day telling jokes on a moving vehicle is a bit weird and there is never a dull moment on the bus. I’m not sure about weird but definitely one of the most surreal things that has happened recently would be Mark Normand coming on board for a set fresh off of his Netflix special. There are only 32 seats on the bus, so it was like we were all hanging out while Mark told jokes. He had everyone in stitches!
The Boston Globe’s weekly Ocean State Q&A features Rhode Islanders who are starting new businesses or nonprofits, conducting groundbreaking research, or reshaping the state’s economy. Send tips and suggestions to rinews@globe.com.
Dan McGowan can be reached at dan.mcgowan@globe.com. Follow him @danmcgowan.