Billy Wayne Davis is the thinking man’s hillbilly. With a combination of subtle, disarming intelligence and an unmistakable comfort on stage, he has the rare ability to win over every kind of comedy audience imaginable. After making a name for himself in his homeland of Nashville, TN, he has gone on to perform in virtually every corner of the United States, from the deep south to the “alternative comedy” hotbed of Seatte, WA, which he now calls home. Billy Wayne’s comedy really has no discernable category. He can be personal, shocking, political and absurd, but his ability to form an instant connection with audiences allows him to get away with anything and everything. For Billy Wayne Davis, no subject matter is off limits because there is nothing he can’t make funny with his trademark drawl and easy charm. He has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy, including Colin Quinn, Lisa Lampanelli, Louis CK and Mitch Hedberg and has toured as the feature act for national headliner Ralphie May. He has performed festivals, comedy clubs and theaters as diverse as Seattle’s Bumbershoot, The Ryman in Nashville, Comedy Works in Denver and the LA Improv.
Here’s a new promo video from the Corporate Juggernaut kids:
Ryan Singer’s debut album “HOW TO GET HIGH WITHOUT DRUGS” was selected by Punchline Magazine as one of the Top 10 Comedy CD’s of 2010. He was one of 4 finalist in CMT’s Next Big Comic Contest, been heard on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio, has appeared on the nationally syndicated radio show Bob & Tom, and was a regional finalist in Comedy Central’s Open Mic Fight. He was the winner of the Golden Shingle Award at the Rooftop Comedy Festival, an award given to the next rising star in comedy.
Ryan’s album is brilliantly bizarre, unique and hilarious.. and you should just go ahead and buy it right now because it is GREAT. If you are a comedy nerd you’ll listen to it over and over and enjoy it forever. Ryan Singer is one of those comics you’re going to be talking about for the rest of your life. I’ve seen him live a few dozen times and if I had the chance to see him again tonight I would not hesitate. Nobody else is doing what he’s doing right now. He’s original and wonderful and awesome and FUNNY. Buy it, steal it, whatever you’ve gotta do.. but make sure you see him live whenever you can.
This year, the people who run the Montreal festival asked Marc Maron to give the Keynote Address at the 2011 Just For Laughs Comedy Conference. Among other things he said, “When I was kid watching comedians on TV and listening to their records they were the only ones that could make it all seem okay. They seemed to cut through the bullshit and disarm fears and horror by being clever and funny. I don’t think I could have survived my childhood without watching standup comics. When I started doing comedy I didn’t understand show business. I just wanted to be a comedian.”
The same goes for me.. except one of the comedians I was watching was Marc Maron. I remember seeing him on David Letterman’s old NBC show, on Comedy Central when that was a brand new channel, on Late Night with Conan O’Brien at least 30-something times.. he was one of the guys that made ME want to do comedy. He was doing more than just telling jokes. I loved the way Marc seemed to be emotionally invested in what he was saying – disarming the demons that haunted him.
I heard he had started a podcast within the first few episodes – I was immediately on board with WTF with Marc Maron and started proselytizing its greatness. Every episode is solid MF’ing gold. They were what kept me going as I drove back and forth across the country for very little money and absolutely no fame.
In my mind, Marc is one of The Greats, but listening to those early episodes I learned that Marc’s manager at the time told him he was “un-bookable and without options.” Well, fast forward to today.. and Marc’s fans are packing out comedy clubs that never would have booked him a few years ago. The WTF guest list is a Who’s Who of comedy superstars – everyone from Andy Kindler to Zach Galifianakis. Louis CK, Bob Odenkirk, Robin Williams, Conan O’Brien, Jonathan Winters, Judd Apatow, Paul Riser, Sarah Silverman, Gallagher, Garry Shandling, Richard Lewis.. WTF is simply a MUST LISTEN for every comedy fan.
Nashville is VERY lucky to have Marc Maron here at Zanies for five shows – Thursday, September 8th through Saturday, September 10th. Buy your tickets in advance, you do NOT want to miss this. Here’s video of a set Marc did on the Late Late Show last year:
When Marc does the road these days, he often brings Ryan Singer along as his middle act. Ryan’s debut album “HOW TO GET HIGH WITHOUT DRUGS” was selected by Punchline Magazine as one of the Top 10 Comedy CD’s of 2010. He was one of 4 finalist in CMT’s Next Big Comic Contest, been heard on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio, has appeared on the nationally syndicated radio show Bob & Tom, and was a regional finalist in Comedy Central’s Open Mic Fight. He was the winner of the Golden Shingle Award at the Rooftop Comedy Festival, an award given to the next rising star in comedy.
Old Hickory, TN’s favorite comedian will make his first appearance on Conan O’Brien’s TBS show Tuesday, August 9th Wednesday, August 10th. Nate was scheduled to appear on July 21st, but unfortunately, the show ran long and Nate got bumped.
Mr. Bargatze previously appeared on NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien twice.
Perhaps Vanderbilt’s biggest fan, Nate is always wearing some sort of Vanderbilt-branded attire. Watch Conan on TBS Wednesday, August 10th and just know that if you don’t see Vandy gear at first glance, he’s wearing Vanderbilt shorts underneath. Absolutely true.
8/9 UPDATE FROM NATE: “Watch conan Aug 10 tomorrow night. I am taping it today but will air Aug 10. I’m sorry and if u want to like another comic I understand.”
Here’s a funny clip from Nate’s Comedy Central Presents special:
Billy Wayne Davis is the thinking man’s hillbilly. With a combination of subtle, disarming intelligence and an unmistakable comfort on stage, he has the rare ability to win over every kind of comedy audience imaginable. After making a name for himself in his homeland of Nashville, TN, he has gone on to perform in virtually every corner of the United States, from the deep south to the “alternative comedy” hotbed of Seatte, WA, which he now calls home. Billy Wayne’s comedy really has no discernable category. He can be personal, shocking, political and absurd, but his ability to form an instant connection with audiences allows him to get away with anything and everything. For Billy Wayne Davis, no subject matter is off limits because there is nothing he can’t make funny with his trademark drawl and easy charm. He has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy, including Colin Quinn, Lisa Lampanelli, Louis CK and Mitch Hedberg and has toured as the feature act for national headliner Ralphie May. He has performed festivals, comedy clubs and theaters as diverse as Seattle’s Bumbershoot, The Ryman in Nashville, Comedy Works in Denver and the LA Improv.
This year, the people who run the Montreal festival asked 
