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Preacher Lawson Credit: Courtesy<\/p>\nPreacher Lawson Credit: Courtesy<\/p>\n
On the heels of the release of his latest comedy special, Keep Preacher Weird<\/a>, Preacher Lawson is stopping by Orlando to mark a milestone close to his heart: the return of the comedy open mic at the newly reopened Austin\u2019s Coffee.<\/p>\n This Sunday, Feb. 1 \u2014 as part of Austin\u2019s reopening weekend<\/a> in bigger Fairbanks Avenue digs \u2014 the revived open mic starts at 9 p.m. Craig Norberg will host and 20 to 25 comedians are expected to perform.<\/p>\n While Lawson downplays his role in the event, the open mic\u2019s legacy looms large in his career and in Orlando\u2019s comedy scene. In this conversation, Lawson reflects on what Austin\u2019s has meant to local comedians, how his comedy has evolved across three specials, and why his latest hour feels more honest, personal and confident than ever.<\/p>\n What can people expect on Sunday at Austin\u2019s?<\/p>\n Honestly, I\u2019m probably the worst person to ask. It\u2019s not my coffee shop. I\u2019m just a silent investor, and I\u2019m doing a terrible job of being silent. I\u2019m not really involved in organizing it. But I\u2019ll come through and say what\u2019s up.<\/p>\n Are you excited that the comedy legacy at Austin\u2019s is continuing?<\/p>\n Yeah, I think it\u2019s amazing. Anytime something ends that people love, it\u2019s sad. So to see it come back in a new season is great. Austin\u2019s is a real staple in Orlando \u2014 like, in people\u2019s actual lives.<\/p>\n A lot of comedians are tied to that place. Kam Patterson did a lot of time at that mic. Mark Gagnon \u2014 who is now on \u201cFlagrant,\u201d one of the most popular comedy podcasts in the U.S. \u2014 did his first set there. So many comics I know say Austin\u2019s was the first place they ever went on stage. That kind of history matters.<\/p>\n Your new special is quite different from your earlier ones. How do you see that evolution?<\/p>\n I think I\u2019m just more honest on stage now. My first special, Get to Know Me<\/a>, was funny, but you don\u2019t really get to know me. The title wasn\u2019t even my idea. The second one, My Name Is Preacher<\/a>, was a big jump, but it still felt rushed in some ways.<\/p>\n This one feels more personal. I\u2019m more comfortable. It is less performative and more like storytelling.<\/p>\n People often describe you as a \u201cclean\u201d comedian, but this special doesn\u2019t feel boxed into that category.<\/p>\n That means a lot to me. I\u2019m not trying to be clean. I\u2019m just not trying to be offensive. A lot of comedy right now is really dirty, so when someone isn\u2019t, they get labeled \u201cclean.\u201d<\/p>\n I talk about weed, alcohol, sex \u2014 adult stuff \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t feel gross. I\u2019m not trying to upset people.<\/p>\n I want my comedy to feel like a movie. Like you step out of reality for a second, feel good, and then leave thinking, \u201cOK, life\u2019s not that bad.\u201d I\u2019m not trying to provoke or do political comedy. That stuff just isn\u2019t funny to me.<\/p>\n One of the biggest laughs comes from the Tinder date story, which, you reveal, happened in Orlando.<\/p>\n Yeah, that\u2019s a true story. Everything I say is true \u2026 with a little bit of lies. People always ask if the stories are real, and I\u2019m like, \u201cYes, all of them.\u201d You just shape them so they work on stage.<\/p>\n At one point, you talk about the idea that if someone doesn\u2019t like you, that\u2019s not your business.<\/p>\n Yeah. If someone doesn\u2019t like me, I believe them. That\u2019s fine. That\u2019s not my problem.<\/p>\n That sentiment really lands. It feels grounded and mature.<\/p>\n I appreciate that. I try to bring a little emotion in, not heavy stuff, but honest stuff. Things we all deal with. I want people to feel seen, not attacked.<\/p>\n Watch the special Keep Preacher Weird on YouTube<\/a>, and then drop by the open mic at new-look Austin\u2019s Coffee, (2240 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park<\/a>) on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 9 p.m. It\u2019s free!<\/p>\n Comedy night has been happening at Austin\u2019s for over 20 years and will continue every Sunday night at 9 p.m. with originator Craig Norberg at the helm.<\/p>\n Orlando\u2019s daily dose of what matters. Subscribe to The Daily Weekly.<\/p>\n Related Stories<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tLooks to be Virginity\u2019s last show\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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