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 the long dusty roads, leading them down a path of remarkable and legendary firsts. Icons and leaders in Native comedy, the comedy Native legends on tour can be credited with making Native comedy a recognized genre that has 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
.png)
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.
Next Tour: Fall 2025
We are currently putting together a tour of legendary comics to tour Fall 2025.
Current Tour
.png)
Credits
PRODUCER
Andre Bouchard
DIRECTOR
Jim Ruel
COMEDIANS
Ernest Tsosie III
Jim Ruel
Marc Yaffee
"Legends of Native American Comedy" unites the comedians behind today’s Native Native comedy renaissance, featuring all-stars Jim Ruel, Earnest Tsosie III, and Marc Yaffee. They include the founding or 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," an instrumental duo that helped to create space for Native comedians. The team on tour are responsible for helping to make Native comedy a recognized genre, and have paving the way for Native writers, actors, and comedians today to find success as Native comedy talent.
The night of comedy is sure to be as legendary as its comics. The veterans of comedy make years of sweat and labor into lighthearted evening of laughter and joy for everyone, embodying the trickster spirit that turns obstacles into outbursts of laughter and challenges into a 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 III.
"People ask me if I know any famous Native Americans. I tell them, 'Yeah, I know Tonto, he owes me twenty bucks!'" Marc Yaffee
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.png)