Native Comedy Jam

Native Comedy Jam brings together three veteran comedians at the heart of today’s Native comedy resurgence. Join us for an evening of legendary laughter with Jim Ruel, Marc Yaffee, and Ernest Tsosie. 

Having worked for decades in all major comedy clubs, on television, and in movies, these uncles of the comedy craft have paved the way and are shaping the future of Native comedy on TV and in film. Now, they’re bringing their stories and charming auntie-approved humor to you, with jokes so delightful even the eagles are jealous of their soaring wit.

Whether you’ve been laughing with them for years or finally got the invite, take a seat, because when these uncles get together, you’re in for some serious fun. Don’t miss out on a night filled with joy, good-natured teasing — no one is safe! — and a great time for everyone. Come laugh with us! 

About the Performance

Native comedy is having a moment. This has been in the making for some time. Five years ago, I read the book We Had a Little Real Estate Problem by Kliph Nesteroff, a book that, among other things, highlighted the hard work of Native comics on stages across the U.S. Since that time things have shifted for the better, and Native comics are finding a more receptive audience for their craft, largely in part because of the emergence of the sitcoms Reservation Dogs and Rutherford Falls. 

Comedy was brought up in conversation after conversation in the many meetings I did around Virginia Tech and in the community.  In this show we find three comics that have been working to break barriers for decades and through their hard work have trailblazed for the current wave of Native comics.

— Andre Bouchard, guest curator

About the Comedians

Jim Ruel

Jim Ruel is a comedian, writer, director, producer, and actor. Amember of the Bay Mills Band of Ojibwe, Ruel grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he spent the first 10 years of his career performing in comedy clubs around the Midwest. He was a finalist in NBC’s Diversity Talent Search, which led to his first television appearance on The World Stands Up, taped in London. He was also featured on Goin’ Native: The American Indian Comedy Slam on Showtime and First Nations Comedy Experience on FNX.  He currently tours with Another Indian Uprising. Ruel also works in film and media under Frybread Productions, a Native-owned video production company. He is a co-host of the Hollywood NDNz podcast, highlighting careers of Native American professionals in entertainment. Ruel currently lives in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and their daughter.

Marc Yaffee

Marc Yaffee is a co-star of the Showtime special Goin’ Native. Yaffee can also be seen on Amazon Prime and his own Dry Bar comedy special, Mid-Laugh Crisis. He was a Best of the Fest selection at the 2022 Burbank Comedy Festival and was named one of the 25 Indigenous Comedians to watch by IllumiNatives Magazine. Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Tom Horgen said Yaffee’s comedy “tore the house down.”

Ernest Tsosie

Ernest Tsosie, comedian and actor, is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Tsosie’s professional acting credits include the Netflix movie Rez Ball as well as multiple appearances on the popular AMC TV shows Longmire, Better Call Saul, and Dark Winds and NBC’s Rutherford Falls. As a comedian, Tsosie has entertained coast to coast, from the world famous Laugh Factory in Hollywood, to the House of Comedy in Phoenix and even the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Tsosie is always looking for a good time, and he’s serious about being funny.

This is the first performance at the Moss Arts Center for Ruel, Yaffee, and Tsosie.