Next on my 2015 list of comedians I like and respect is Kevin Barber, aka Squishy Man. I thought I had a unique life story - and I guess I do - but Squishys is second to none. He is not your typical comic and thats good. We crossed paths years ago at a one nighter in Blacksburg, VA and hit it off immediately. Im a big fan for many reasons, and his passion and work ethic are absolutely off the charts. Nobody works harder than Squishy. The first thing that jumped out was his razor sharp wit and wickedly high level of intelligence. The guy is brilliant, and has the college degree to back it up. Hes a licensed therapist, and how many road comics can say that? Hes been through the wars and then some, and pulls no punches. Squishy comes from a biracial family, and thats a big part of his humor. Hes proud of all of his heritage - as well he should be. Most of us cant relate to growing up in a situation like that, but Squishy makes it funny and also educates. His comedy is deep and has a message. You wont be hearing any dogs and cats bits in his act. Theres some meat there. One thing Squishy and I share is our outspoken personalities. Ive never been one to shut my mouth - especially with bookers - and it has cost me a lot over the years. Squishy has experienced a lot of the same pitfalls I have, and we can relate to each others situations easily. Its not easy to be a road dog, and often times bookers have no clue of how hard it is. Its easy to book safe acts, or ass kissers that have no act at all. Its part of comedy as well as every other field of entertainment, and it can be very disheartening when seemingly lightweight acts keep getting booked while people like Squishy who are on a whole other level have to struggle to stay booked every week. I feel his pain, and respect him tremendously. I liken Squishys act to a specialty restaurant. Not everyone goes there, but those that do LOVE it and are rabidly loyal. There is spice to his act, and thats not a bad thing. Squishy tells it like it is, and often uses words one cant say on TV. Thats not for everybody, but thats his unique style. I am a fan of all types of comedy, and there are no swear words invented that offend me in any way. I choose not to go that way in my own show, but thats a business decision. It doesnt mean I dont enjoy others that make a different choice. Squishys act is packed with passion and intelligent thoughts, and I know from experience that can tend to fall on deaf ears in a comedy club or especially road dog one nighter scenarios. He has been doing a lot more motivational speaking and corporate type work, and has had the challenge of learning that market. If anybody can figure it out, he can. There isnt a nicer guy on the road, and Squishy has always been a big supporter of mine. Ive lost count at the times Ive heard Squishy Man said a lot of great things about you but I appreciate every one. If you like smart comedy and want to read a hell of a life story, check out Squishys website at squishyman. Yesterday was Squishys birhday, but I was out all day and didnt have time to make this post. I did have time to wish him a happy birthday, and if you do too Im sure it will make his day. Hes a wonderful human being with a heart bigger than he is, and Im proud to call him my friend. Rock on Squishy!
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:46:01 +0000