Italian Jerry Seinfeld coming to Korah next Saturday
Friday, September 21, 2012 by: Connie Carello
To some he's known as the Italian Jerry Seinfeld.
To others he's the Italo-Canadian community's favourite adopted son.
But what comedian Joe Avanti wants to be known for is for spreading happiness.
"It's all about sharing happiness," Avati said about his current Back to Basics world tour.
A well-known funny man, Avati hales from Sydney, Australia where his career in comedy all began.
"At first, I was telling jokes at parties and then one day a light bulb moment happened when I realized that by talking about my own upbringing, made people laugh."
Avati remembers well the date he first performed in Sydney on August 17, 1998.
From there he released a tape, Livin' la Dole-Cheque Vita, and in 2000 release a follow-up, Live and Unluggato, which later started his worldwide famedom after it became available on the Internet.
Saultites can catch his act in Sault Ste. Marie at Korah Collegiate on Saturday, September 29 at 8 p.m.
Avati promises a new and flavourful performance.
"I had the opportunity to perform in Sault Ste. Marie nearly seven years ago, and really enjoyed the people, but the show this year will not be the same. It is brand new."
A majority of Avati's material stems from the Italian culture and traditions that molded him as a child.
Commenting on the familiar phrases Italian immigrants are well-known for, Avati says his "shtick" is growing up Italian.
Avati's childhood dream was to become a rock star.
"I didn't have the voice so being a comedian was the closest thing," he joked.
He says he's living a fortunate lifestyle for which he thanks God everyday, and Avati stresses how important it is to him to make people laugh.
Even though his jokes may be stereotypical and to some, boarder line offensive, Avati's pokes at the Italian populace is not intended to infuriate but simply to make people laugh.
"I like how comedy inspires people and can help heal. There was a lady who told me during her recovery from a car accident at the hospital they would pass the time by watching my shows," said Avati. "For me it is this metaphysical side that keeps me going, makes me want to perform."
Avati maintains a massive fan base in several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada.
At the Toronto Centre for Arts, Avati's show sold nearly 3,200 tickets in just nine minutes, and the Globe and Mail hailed him as "one of the planet's hottest comics."
Tickets can be purchased for $60 at the Community Box Office in the Station Mall or online at the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre website
