Comedy Clubbin’ It

Alvin Williams, son of NIC Athletics Director Al Williams, jokes about crazy women and a comic’s life during his stand-up routine. Katie Eppenstein/Sentinel/ illustration by Ethan Schlussler

Alvin Williams causes sides to ache during Feb. 18 performance

Michael Paquin

Lifestyles Editor “I don’t think we’ve ever had a comedy night in Coeur d’Alene, and if we have, it wasn’t this damn big,” said comedian Alvin Williams about his show at the Best Western on Feb. 18. Alvin, who is the son of NIC Athletics Director Al Williams, performed to more than 300 people in a sold-out show that included the two half-hour opening acts of Alaska-born comic Ryan Wingfield and comedian Nigel Larson before he began his hour-long set. Topics the younger Williams touched on included popular media, Catholicism and a segment that revolved around the “crazy b---h battle cry,” which made the observation that drunk women seem to enjoy singing a very few specific recording artists over and over, namely Journey, Bon Jovi and, of course, Neil Diamond. The last bit went over especially well, considering the open bar in the back of the auditorium. Williams also gave an inside look at the life of a comic throughout his routine, which he painted to be more lucrative at some times than others. “You ever been so broke that you just look at your bills and you just start laughing?” Alvin said. “I knew 90 days ago I wasn’t gonna pay that.” “I thought the show was great. It was a great turnout. People were being turned away at the door,” Al, who was also in attendance, said. From an early age, Alvin’s been interested in comedy. In high school, he won best of show for his comedy routines at talent shows, and later performed while attending the University of Idaho. Al said he believes that growing up in his household and the Williams’ large family made an impact on Alvin’s decision to be a comedian. “In my house, we laugh a lot and sometimes you’re the jokester and sometimes you’re the victim of the joke, Al said. “You’ve got to learn to have a thick skin.” In spite of his interest in comedy during high school and college, Alvin didn’t begin pursuing a career in comedy until four years ago. It was at that time he approached his father and told him he wanted to make comedy a full-time career. “I didn’t quite realize the level he was at as far as his ambition to be a comedian until after he graduated,” Al said. Alvin’s endeavor to make a living out of his ability to make people laugh has since been met with success. He began touring and performing in larger venues like Miami, Chicago and New York and later hosted the “Mile High Comedy Festival” in Denver. Regarding his recent night at the Best Western, Alvin said he couldn’t be more pleased about how well his material was received. He plans to return May 19. “I thought it was really provocative. It was great having so many members of the community coming together,” said audience member Chelsea Dickinson. “I enjoyed myself more tonight than I probably ever have in my career,” he said after his show ended with a standing ovation After the performance, Alvin included a disclaimer about the nature of some of his content with simple instructions: “If you’re offended by anything I’ve said here tonight, talk s---.”

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