Costaki Economopoulos
In addition to his stand-up comedy tour across the country, Economopoulos is best known for his weekly segment “The Economonologue” on the syndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show. He’s also written jokes that have appeared on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show and the Best Damn Sports Show Period.
Economopoulos said he draws the inspiration for his comedy from life, be it politics, football or home life as a dad.
And while he says his live show has a bit more edge to it than what people hear on the radio, he says his weekly segment on the morning Bob & Tom Radio Show has helped his career take shape.
“When I go to those markets, my kind of people are coming out to see me. When they like you before you start, that fills the valley and raises the peaks — there’s room for more creativity.”
Economopoulos’s career as a stand-up comic took off shortly after he finished his master’s degree in 1993 at the University of Georgia.
“[Stand-up comedy] is the only thing I’ve really loved,” he said. “You watch a good sitcom, and you laugh three or four times in half an hour, but if you watch a great live comic, you’re laughing every three or four seconds. It’s a very pure, direct form of comedy. It’s just a guy standing there talking. I was always fond of that.”
Economopoulos’s goal is simple: he wants to produce thought-provoking comedy.
“A good laugh is the primary goal, but ideally you think a little bit about your world when you’re watching a good comedy show — but that’s gravy. I never wanted to be preachy, but I wanted some depth, so I’ll talk a bit about being a dad and about being a good father. Life is a bunch of crap sometimes. It’s nice to enjoy it.”
Economopoulos said he urges those who haven’t seen a live comedy show to come out simply for the experience.
“A live stand-up show is more fun than people think it could be. A lot of people say, ‘Oh I see it on TV,’ but there’s a difference between watching a rollercoaster and being on one.”
The show is hosted by Rock 105.9 and Rock 98.3, said station manager Chris Wright. Wright said the station hopes to put on a comedy show about once a month.
“This is our first [show], and we’ll see how it goes,” he said. “We’ve already got another show ready to book if things work out the way we hope.”
Wright said he hopes to continue to bring in comedians listeners are familiar with.
“I’m hoping that the show adds a little more variety to the area,” he said. “If a lot of people come out and have a good time, it can lay the groundwork for a regular comedy series.”
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Heroes or by calling 256-405-4366. Shows are at 7 p.m. and 9:30 pm.
