NEW REXBURG COMEDY BUSINESS HAS DEEP ROOTS
This weekend, the lights go on at Rexburg Comedy, a new business started by two BYUI students whose comedy roots span over two generations. Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, comedy veterans Johnny Biscuit and Eric Kepo’o take the stage as a new chapter in Idaho comedy begins. In 1990, while attending BYU, David Callister of Boise, Idaho partnered with college
friend Johnny Biscuit and purchased a defunct dinner theater that they turned into a successful comedy club named Johnny B’s. Twenty eight years later, Callister’s son Zachary and his hometown friend John Satchwell, are embarking on their own journey into comedy. Rexburg Comedy opens its doors featuring the same Johnny B from Zachary’s father’s comedy club.
“It brought back a lot of great memories,” said Johnny Biscuit when talking about the phone call he got from the elder Callister describing the younger Callister’s Rexburg Comedy idea. “I remember how hard it was at first. That’s part of why I volunteered to come perform for their first show. Help them get their start.”
Zachary and John grew up on a steady stream of stories from David Callister’s early comedy club days. Now college students themselves, they found themselves in a similar situation, living in a predominantly LDS college town with limited entertainment opportunities.
“I was told stories from my Father about how he and his college friend Johnny honed their skills by applying what they were learning in school to their own business while attending college.” Said Zachary.
“We both want to become successful in business and running a business during college will be a great education. We are very appreciative of both of these professionals to come start us off with star power.” Said John Satchwell. The original Johnny B’s Comedy Club proved to be a challenge to many professional comedians who had to sign a “clean content” contract. At times, it was just as entertaining for the young, predominately LDS audience to watch the out of state comedians contort their act to the club standards, as it was to enjoy the comedian’s material. It was not unusual for the performer to come to an awkward pause as they figured out a way to express their ideas without vulgarities. Unlike most comedy clubs, Johnny B’s did not serve alcohol. The business offered a generous selection of soda pop and non-alcoholic drinks, served by a staff made up of young college students. Interestingly enough, one of the club’s early employees was a handsome, popular bartender named Raul Labrador, who was later elected to Congress from Idaho’s 1st district. Johnny Biscuit not only helped make the club a long running success, but it helped him create an enduring comedy career. Johnny B went on to become a sought after commercial endorser and personality, a Hollywood actor, as well as a Las Vegas comedian performing over 500 shows. He continues to perform across the country at corporate and private events. The club propelled the careers of many talented comedians including Rexburg Comedy co-star Eric Kepoo. Eric was a popular opener at Johnny B’s who himself has enjoyed an over 20 year entertainment career. Both of these comedians are seasoned professionals who know the LDS audience well.
“When I heard that Callister and Satchwell were working to start a comedy scene in Rexburg, I called Eric Kepo’o and asked him if he would be interested in giving two young businessman a hand. Eric didn’t hesitate, even when I suggested we do the shows for free to help them get going.”
“Partnering with Johnny and enjoying his talents as well as talents of the level of Eric was a great memory. “ said David Callister, who has enjoyed a long business career as well as being a former Boise State Legislator. “I owe a debt to Johnny who was a great and talented partner as well as a generous friend.”
The first Rexburg Comedy show will begin the next chapter in Idaho roots comedy.
“You can count on it, Eric and I are going to hit the stage hard and get after it,” said Biscuit. “We are going to start Rexburg Comedy with a bang. And who knows? Maybe someday someone will be telling their own stories about Rexburg Comedy to their children.”
Shows are Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, doors open at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at the door, cash or cards accepted. Soft drinks will be available for purchase. For more information visit RexburgComedy on Instagram or rexburgcomedy.com on-line.
