NORTH SYRACUSE — Life is funny. Just look around. And if you don’t think so, best-selling author and humorist, Ken Davis, will convince you otherwise during his live comedy show, Nov. 5, at The Gathering Place, in North Syracuse.
The performance is presented by Family Life and is not only family-friendly but aims to impact the community with a message of hope.
“Ken is genuinely hilarious and great at telling stories,” said Family Life COO Jeff Harmon. “The Gospel is the best story of all time. I’m not sure how he does it, but Ken has an uncanny ability to make people listen intently, laugh hysterically, and even cry — all in two sentences!”
The show features the master storyteller sharing humorous observations on everything from staying in hotels with rowdy teenagers, to raising two daughters who became adults in the blink of an eye, to acid reflux and tedious shopping trips with his wife.
While many comedians rely on one-liners or foul language for laughs, Davis’ routine comes from a squeaky-clean delivery and resonates with people of all ages.
Growing up, Davis says he knew comedy would be a big part of his life but it wasn’t fully realized until his high school English teacher encouraged him to try out for the school play. During one of the performances, a fire broke out onstage, which resulted in a little comedy improv. He and fellow actors worked to put out the fire while staying in character. The audience had no idea the fire was real, believing it was part of the show. In that moment, Davis’ comedic genius was fully awakened.
Ever since, he’s been sharing his wisdom with the masses, disarming audiences with humor and urging them to look outside themselves. It’s not enough to simply see other people, he notes. We must also provide empathy and assistance.
The “happiest people are those who see people around them and invest in them,” Davis says.
In addition to his comedy routines, Davis is the author of over a dozen books, one of his most popular being, “Fully Alive.” The title stems, in part, from a quote by St. Irenaeus, a second-century church bishop and apologist who said, “The Glory of God is man fully alive.” The book details Davis’ journey through physical, spiritual and emotional struggles, and how he was able to work through those struggles and start living again. Mostly, Davis said he tries to weave together the Gospel story with his own, mixing his own brand of humor with simple honesty.
“My comedy is really about my life and what has inspired me and changed me. That is so tied up with my faith, it just comes out,” Davis said. “It’s the most important part of who I am, and my goal is to inspire people with it while making their ribs hurt in the process.”
General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Artist Circle Tickets are $20. Advance ticket sales will end the day before the show at noon. Purchase tickets online at familylife.org/events or call the Family Life ticket office at 1-800-927-9083. Doors open at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m. The Gathering Place is located at 420 South Main Street in North Syracuse.
Family Life Ministries is devoted to strengthening individuals and families through Christian radio broadcasting and entertainment, biblical counseling, and the performing arts. Headquartered in Bath, New York, Family Life was founded in 1957, and provides various activities and programs for youth, adults, singles and seniors.
Family Life owns and operates a Christian radio network of 33 stations and 31 translators broadcasting in regions of New York and Pennsylvania. Established in 1983, the radio network is a listener-supported broadcaster currently reaching a potential listenership of 7 million.
For more information, visit familylife.org.
