Tabb’s appearance is part of the Bud Light Presents Stand Up Comedy Series.
Comic Chris Tabb will perform at CityStage in Springfield on January 28, 2012.Comedian Chris Tabb is no stranger to Springfield.
The Boston-based comedian – who has hosted the American Stroke Association’s Caregivers Forum in the city for two years in a row – returns to Springfield on Jan. 28 at CityStage with his “Chris Tabb is Wild” show. Tabb’s appearance is part of the Bud Light Presents Stand Up Comedy Series at CityStage.
Born and raised in Boston, Tabb said his roots are in Beantown.
“I’ve waffled back and forth about picking up and leaving town to start elsewhere, but Boston has it all. It’s a great place to get your start and you can get to anyplace you need to from here easily,” said Tabb.
When it comes to being a comedian, Tabb said “it’s all about finding your voice.”
“I consider myself more of a silly comedian. I have lots of energy and usually give 115 percent on stage, and I do a lot of observational and physical comedy mixed in together. It’s also a very interactive show and I talk with the audience a lot,” said Tabb.
The popular comedian toured with Mo’Nique back in 2006 and he credits her with helping him put his career in perspective, telling him, “When people come to your show, there are people at the show that maybe they couldn’t afford to be there. This is their night out. They decided to buy these tickets and come see you. Never cheat the people. They bought the tickets and they’re sitting in their seat. Give them what they want.”
Turning philosophical on his career, Tabb said he has had “a fruitful journey so far” and is happy where his career is at right now.
“I don’t really need to be famous ... I don’t need for the whole world to know my name. I’m one of those under the radar guys making a comfortable living, and in addition to my stand up comedy, I have my own talk and variety show, and along the way I’m getting better at writing. And if fame comes, so be it,” said Tabb.
As for his work on behalf of the American Stroke Association, Tabb’s parents suffered strokes only months apart three years ago.
“I still have both parents with me, and most people aren’t that lucky to have them both, but they do require around-the-clock care. And I’m glad to be able to help the cause, and to get the message out about stroke by using my talent,” said Tabb.
The comedian was named a Power Ambassador for the American Stroke Association in 2010 at the legendary Apollo Theater and hosted the Association’s Strokes No Joke fund-raiser at Nick’s Comedy Stop in Boston.
While Tabb said he enjoys being able to give back, he noted that “in some ways, comedy is very selfish.”
“A lot of people say to me, ‘It’s good what you are doing, making people laugh and giving them a good time. But most of us are selfish ... it feels good to make people laugh. And if I can make it so that someone can escape for just a night and forget all their troubles, then it’s all worth it to me,” he said.