Stand-up comic Travis Nelson to headline Panida Theater

By Reader Staff

Some people are big on the comedy and some people are big on the comedy scene. Travis Nelson is both: A well-regarded stand-up who tours across the U.S. and Canada, he belongs to the Blunt People comedy group, released a special by Dry Bar Comedy in 2021 and racks up loads of views on his YouTube channel. He’s also 6-foot, 9-inches tall.

Described as “technically a giant,” Nelson writes on his website that he “was raised where Kurt Cobain learned to smile, in Grays Harbor, near the rainforests of Washington state.” He also credits a “lack of sunshine and abundance of caffeine” for fostering his “obsessive personality.”

Nelson’s absurdist takes on life — including the difficulties of skydiving when you’re almost seven feet tall — have earned him fans at comedy clubs, theaters, colleges, cruise ships and bars across the continent.

Phillip Kopczynski Presents Comedy Avalanche will bring Nelson to the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.) on Saturday, connect the dots on transboundary crimes. Henry seems to be one of the only people who understands Walt’s genuine salt-of-the-earth demeanor, and the two share a mutual respect that defies race or class. Still, their relationship becomes a foil for larger issues around government complacency, vigilante justice and moments when doing the right thing doesn’t always mean following the rules. To watch them work through it is a testament to the love found in true friendship.

Feb. 11, with Davey Wester as an opener. Wester is a self-described “blue collar comedian” and a paid regular at the Comedy Store in West Hollywood. He has also appeared on the comedy podcast Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the PG-13 show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 “double date discount” (minimum of four) and $40 VIP, which include reserved seats, a signed poster and swag bag from the performers. Get tickets at panida.org.

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist

Last week, many generous individuals paid $150 a plate (or more) to attend the Bonner General Health Foundation’s 15th annual Heart Ball, then shelled out thousands of dollars for sublime slices of chocolate masterpieces.

There’s no such thing as too much chocolate. However, the dessert auction wasn’t just for chocolate lovers, as there were 26 decadent desserts in nearly as many flavors, wowing the crowd and commanding extraordinary prices.

The top five cakes drew oohs and ahhs and nearly $30,000. That’s a lot of dough (and a lot of batter).

The maximum bids bought the following creations: chocolate butterscotch torte donated by Pack River Store, $8,000; red velvet layer cake with cream cheese frosting presented by The Idaho Club, $5,200; peanut butter cup mousse pie donated by The Fat Pig, $5,000; raspberry lemon cream cake contributed by Joe’s Philly Cheesesteak, $4,500; and delightful decadence for the chocolate lover presented by The Hydra Steakhouse, $4,500.

It took more than a village to prepare the fairgrounds for this elaborate event. It was more like a small army of tactical volunteers, fortified with an entire room of fresh flowers, glue guns and glitter — as well as décor and design oversight from Howard and Georgia Simmons. The team spent three days transforming the venue into a fairytale-like setting.

I didn’t venture far from cake setup and table-setting duties, so I am never exactly sure what all the guys were doing hanging