On Saturday, April 5, a few of Seattle’s funniest comedians will take the stage as a part of The Stranger’s annual Undisputable Champions of Comedy showcase. It’ll be hilarious! The lineup was curated with assist from everybody’s comedy bestie, Emmett Montgomery, co-host of Joketellers Union at Clock-Out Lounge and purveyor of all issues delightfully bizarre. And this yr’s lineup is stacked with expertise, from an area comedy legend who as soon as gained over a crowd of bikers at an Aurora bar within the ’80s to a comic book who makes use of laughter as a technique to cope with grief. We actually have a bunny and a fundamentalist Christian pastor on the invoice! It’s gonna be nice.
This morning, please say hey to Phil Burton, whose first try at stand-up was all about his love for Drake. Don’t be concerned, he is Staff Kendrick now.
Describe your comedy in 5 phrases.
Informal, up to date, good, looking for validation.
What’s the very first thing you probably did once you discovered you had been chosen as considered one of The Stranger’s Champions of Comedy?
I slept in, checked my e mail, and mentioned, “Oh rattling! I knew it was solely a matter of time earlier than I’d be acknowledged for my undisputable expertise, talent, and dedication.” Then, my canine pressed her moist nostril towards my face as a result of we had been late for her breakfast.
Sorry for stalking you on Instagram, however oh my goodness, your canine is so cute. Do you could have a favourite shaggy dog story about her? (Mine about my canine includes a type of snack containers from around the globe, attempting to learn Egyptian sweet wrappers to the canine poison hotline, and an emergency journey to the vet—he’s high-quality.)
Yup! Her identify is Olive, and he or she is a two-year-old black lab. Typically, my dad and mom dog-sit, and my dad likes to take scorching tubs. So sooner or later, he’s mid-tub, Olive rounds the nook, runs up the steps as a result of it’s an above-ground tub, and jumps in. My dad mentioned she was actually shocked by the temperature and hopped proper again out.
Do you bear in mind your first time doing stand-up? Had been you instantly hooked?
Sure and sure. I first tried standup after I was a sophomore in faculty. It was open mic evening at a campus espresso store, and I most likely adopted somebody who did a canopy of the Lumineers’ “Cussed Love” and one other who wrote a poem about rising up. I advised a joke about seeing Drake in live performance at Bumbershoot (early 2010s) and feeling neglected as a result of he was solely specializing in the ladies within the viewers. He introduced a lady onstage, and I needed it was me. I used to be jealous and bummed. So I went residence and listened to extra Drake.
Now I’ve to ask the plain follow-up query, although: Who’s facet are you on in Drake v. Kendrick Lamar?
Ten-something years out from the live performance: 1,000% Kendrick.
The place is your favourite place to see comedy in Seattle proper now?
Don’t Inform Comedy does secret reveals everywhere in the metropolis, and so they all the time promote out. I’ve carried out on rooftops, in artwork studios, salons, and even a coworking area (not WeWork). Phil Burton, Champion of Comedy, acting at a salon close to you.
The Stranger Presents: The 2025 Undisputable Champions of Comedy!, Sat April 5, Washington Corridor, $25, 21+. Tickets accessible right here.
