Carrot Top

By VIRGINIA STILL

eople in the 209 will have an opportunity to get their laugh on in the new year when Scott ompson – better known as Carrot Top – brings his unique brand of humor to the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto on Jan. 15.

Carrot Top has been doing comedy since the 1980s and for the past 17 years he has headlined in Las Vegas at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. rough the years his style of comedy has evolved from being just a prop comic to performing a multimedia show.

“I would say early days I was de nitely a prop comic but I have been doing it so long that the show has elements of stand up and really multimedia,” said ompson. “ ere are tons of videos and songs, stand up and props and then there is a thing at the end where I imitate all the rock bands. It is kind of a rock and roll show. It is high energy for sure. It is pretty cool. It is multimedia kind of rock and roll meets comedy. It is very loud but fun and fast paced.”

He shared that he kind of fell into the comedy path but when he was kid, he knew he wanted to be a performer. During an open mic night at his college, he got on stage and did a pretty good job entertaining the crowd, which gave him the con dence to try it and the rest is history. ompson shared that his friends and family were all very supportive of his comedy career choice and with a lighthearted chuckle said, “ en of course you get a little success and they support you more. ey believe in you.” ere are many comics who inspired him through the years like George Carlin and Richard Pryor.

“ ere were hundreds of comics so it’s hard to pick just one,” added ompson about his inspirations. “George Carlin was one I kind of admired because he reminded me of my father. My father was always a grumpy guy and George Carlin was very grumpy on stage so he used to make me laugh. eir styles are all so di erent, too, so it is fun to watch. So, there was always a nice variety of comics.”

Although Carrot Top has done a number of projects in the entertainment industry including television appearances, shows, commercials, and a few movies, he is most con dent doing standup.

He enjoys the stage and performing for audiences whether he is at his residency in Vegas or on the road, noting that road trips always seem to bring di erent elements to his performances. On the road he travels with all his props and it may be more work for both Carrot Top and his crew, but he said there is di erent energy doing live shows and he truly enjoys both.

Earlier this year ompson was on the “Joe Rogan Experience” which he stated was a great time, great exposure, and brought great feedback. e Gallo show in January is sure to get the 209 laughing as Carrot Top will hit on current events and make generic observations of everyday life. is is not his rst time in this area but is his rst show at the Gallo and he is excited to bring his show to the 209.

“It is very today,” explained ompson about his upcoming show at the Gallo. “I don’t get too political. Tell them (209) the 702 is coming. e road show is a lot of fun. We always look forward to being out there and seeing new towns and new faces and get out of Vegas and freshen it up.”

When asked what the future holds for Carrot Top, he added, “I don’t have any ending time. I think Willie Nelson said it best. ey asked when are you going to retire and he said ‘from what? is is it. is is what I do.’” ●

ere are many comics who inspired him through the years like George Carlin and Richard comics so it’s hard to pick just one,” added ompson about his inspirations. “George Carlin because he reminded me of my father. My father was always a grumpy guy and George Carlin was very grumpy on stage so he used to make me laugh. eir styles are all so di erent, too, so it is fun to watch. So, there done a number of projects in the entertainment industry including television appearances, shows, commercials, and a few