Josh Blue performs April 11 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.
“Josh Blue Live” is presented at 7:30 p.m. April 11 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. It is the final show of SYCA’s 2025-26 Performance Series.
Josh Blue is a stand-up comedian who happens to have cerebral palsy.
“Honestly, the only time I ever knew I had a disability is when other people told me I had it,” he said during a segment that accompanied his set for “America’s Got Talent.”
Although the condition doesn’t dominate his act, it is woven into the routine. It involves a good dose of self-deprecation, but what’s notable is how he uses it to draw laughter.
In his special “Freak Accident,” he describes his relationship with a longtime friend.
“I have a buddy I’ve known my entire life … I’ll just tell you this up-front about the guy. He is able-bodied, and like, you know, I’m fine with that. Early on, I took him under my wing, showed him the ways of the world.”
(That doesn’t even include the punchline portion.)
In his performance on “America’s Got Talent,” he noted that the disabled community is the largest minority group in the world. “Whenever people are being mean about disability, I think what they don’t realize is, not only are we the largest minority group, but we’re the only minority group you can join at any time. It’s just one bad bike ride away.”
In a recent email conversation with Sturgis Sentinel, Blue said he doesn’t dwell on how much his humor is focused on disability.
“I’ve been doing comedy for so long that it’s just a natural part of my act,” he said. “I’m not trying to beat you over the head with it, but everything I talk about comes from the perspective of a guy with cerebral palsy.”
Blue resides in Denver, with his two children. Following his win on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2006, Blue has risen through the ranks to become a headliner. In 2018, he was featured on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and performed at William H. Macy Gala at Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. He wrapped 2018 by recording his fifth hour special at his home club, Comedy Works, in Denver.
He performs more than 200 shows each year.
In a Sentinel, Q&A Blue discussed his career and comedic inspiration. Some responses have been edited for clarity.
Who were some of your earliest comedy influences? Is there a specific type of humor that appealed to you, and still makes you laugh?
I’ve always been a big fan of Chris Rock. Mitch Hedberg was always one of my favorites and Ellen Degeneres’ early stuff. Friends and people in my life have also played a big role as well. My childhood friend Hector was always a big comedic influence on me. I still love getting together with him and laughing all night.
What comedians have had the most impact from a professional standpoint?
I love Bill Burr and what he does. Getting to watch a bunch of amazing comedians over the years, like Brian Regan, who have come through my home comedy club, Comedy Works in Denver, has had a big impact on me.
How has your approach to stand-up evolved, stylistically and topically, over the past two decades?
Well, I think I’m just an adult now. When I started, I was just a kid, and I didn’t know what I was doing. I think with anything that you do for a long time, it better change. It better improve. Just having a different perspective on things now, like being a father and raising kids in this world, will make you think about things differently.
For you, what are the most and least enjoyable aspects of doing comedy?
The most enjoyable part is doing comedy. Being on stage and making people laugh. The worst part is most definitely the travel. I have spent a lot of my life in airports and cars getting to shows. But being on stage makes it worth it.
You have stated that no two shows are alike. Is that by design, or is it more a case of adjusting to what is (or isn’t) working? How much do you revise a routine during a tour?
I think it always changes because I can never remember what I said last time. It’s always evolving, even within the show itself. Playing off the crowd, playing off the room, playing off the news. I think that’s just it. You have to be open and ready for whatever is thrown at you.
Blue is excited for the April 11 appearance.
“I’m looking forward to my show at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts,” he said. “I can’t wait to make the people of Sturgis laugh.”
Ticket price for “Josh Blue Live” begins at $29. Visit sturgesyoung.com or call 269-651-8541.
