Comedian shares tales of Superior

Bob Larson is no fool. But the Duluth native will take on any audience members who dare to challenge him during his interactive comedy show, Hecklefest, coming to Vintage Italian Pizza at 8 p.m. Saturday.

“We’re really proud to have him here,” said Chuck Androsky Jr., a Superior comedian also featured. Larson has been headlining comedy clubs across the country since 1986, including the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas.

“Now he’s back in Minnesota,” Androsky said.

Larson has stories to tell, including tales of time spent at the Anchor Bar, Mike’s Place and Lost in the 50s. He worked his way through college as a lumberjack and gambler. Then he spent eight years working at the Superior coal dock as a millwright mechanic. Add exterminator, stock boy, construction worker and bartender to his list of professions. Then top it off with the fact that Larson, at 6-foot-2, is a martial arts champion in Wing Chun Kung Fu. At one time, he was rated sixth in the world in the sport. And through it all, he’s been making audiences laugh with his wit, humor and down-to-earth delivery.

In addition to Larson’s interactive show and tales of Superior and Androsky’s comedy, audience members will be treated to a magic show. Jacob Roeber, a senior at Superior High School, will perform one of his illusions for the crowd.

“It should be wonderful,” Androsky said.

Larson’s visit marks the fourth comedy show held at VIP, 1201 Tower Ave. The local response to the entertainment has been wonderful, Androsky said.

“We’re going to keep doing it once a month as long as people keep showing up,” he said.

Tickets for the show are $6 in advance and $10 at the door. Call (715) 392-5555 or stop by the restaurant.

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