When a comedian who has performed on NBC’s The Tonight Show, ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, CBS's The Late Late Show and BET's Comic View comes to Sacramento for a night of comedy, it is a laugh waiting to happen. Steve Byrne started off his four day run at the Punch Line Comedy Club in Sacramento tonight and did not fail to entertain the nearly sold-out crowd.

Steve, a comedian with a notable television and film career, used his Irish and Korean heritage as a stage for many of his off-center jokes. Whether he is insulting (imitating) his mothers way of speaking or making fun of his Irish family, he does so in a way that is relaxed and funny at the same time. Although many of the jokes would be considered fairly common for an Asian-American comedian (making fun of knowing dry cleaners, small body parts, etc) he presents them in a unique enough way to make you laugh.

To Steve’s credit he does not over use his heritage throughout his set. Instead, he uses it to get the audience going and then moves on to areas that almost any audience member could relate to – relationships, race, gender and culture. He does this seamlessly and with a very distinctive and fast-paced style. This style kept the audience on the edge of their seat laughing continuously. At one point Steve pulled five men onto the stage and one woman. The idea of the set-up, dance to her delight. The skit was a wonderful way to close the show and make the audience appreciate his talents.

If you are someone who enjoys fast, witty humor that packs a punch and leaves you wanting more than this comedy show is for you. Just beware that Steve enjoys bantering with the audience and is not afraid to call people out – something that usually results in a hilarious exchange for all involved.

Steve was preceded by an opening act that can be summed up in one word, “AWESOME.” If you see the show you will understand that comment. Steve Simone resides in Los Angeles and his comic style is sporadic yet humorous and is a fantastic opening for the evening.

Steve Byrne can be seen at the Punch Line Comedy Club Thursday – Sunday (February 10 – 13). For show details and times please click here.
 

Marc McLaughlin is a contributing writer and photographer for the Sacramento press