Today we’d like to introduce you to Air Jawson.
Hi Air, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
During my time at the University of Minnesota, I first started thinking about and writing stand up comedy material. When I graduated, I moved to Pensacola, Florida and while I was job hunting, I wrote and rehearsed my first 5 minute set, but never went to a mic to perform. I started teaching soon after that at 22 years old and it wasn’t until lockdown in 2020 that I seriously reflected on intentional comedy writing. During that time, I wrote a lot using journals I had kept since college. In 2023, I performed at my first open mic in Santa Fe and then continued going to mics in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. In 2024, my partner became physically abusive while they struggled with addiction and I went through an ordeal to get out in 2025 – as humor is my main coping mechanism, I am currently writing/producing a one person show about that experience. The comedy community was the biggest influence in helping me get out of that situation. In Fall 2025, with fellow comedian/writer Gian Carlo, I co-founded the first comedy club in Santa Fe – Cake’s Comedy Club. Since then I have produced weekly comedy shows and have now grown to producing 7 comedy shows every month. I moved a bunch as a kid and have lived in 7 states, used my teacher summer to go on long road trips around all corners of the contiguous 48 states. And even abroad a handful of times. I also ended up teaching middle and high school for 14 years. This has led me to use storytelling as my main form of comedic performance alongside observational material.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
From my first aspirations, there was doubt about whether I belong. Teaching actually helped me feel more comfortable with “bombing” as students want to avoid laughing at their teacher’s jokes. But once I started doing open mics, I felt the struggle of writing material, but found the routine of trying to be a source of twisted comfort. Especially a I have started trying to expand my social media presence, I have experienced the struggles of comparison and self-judgment. Along with the struggles of putting in effort to promote and produce great shows, while that has taken away from some of my own focus on writing and growing in my personal comedy goals. Finding manageable balance is a struggle that I’m here for. And then of course the balance of life struggles such as health, relationships, finances, and mentals.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My favorite class to teach was called Makerspace, where I helped students learn how to do all sorts of skills, such as, 3D printing, woodworking, sewing, jewelry making, graphic design, photoshop, coding, and more. I think my vast array of creative experiences and skills sets me apart from others. I make animations to go with some of my comedy bits. I incorporate music, graphics, and easel pad drawings into my sets. I also pursue ways to use my maker skills to create merch, such as stickers, 3D prints, emroidery, and more. Those are mediums that supplement and amplify my specialty of storytelling. I love oral storytelling, but find my brain loves to add visuals and music when I can. I have built a reputation in Santa Fe as a storytelling comedian, emcee/host, and producer. I am most proud of creating weekly shows at our intimate comedy club venue with pay that competes with the Albuquerque clubs: Hyena’s and Quezada’s.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Community. I fall into traps of comparison and can think I should just dive into tackling my own growth independently. But I love the aspect of mics that allow for conversations before and after. And having writing circle time along with simply asking others for help, even if it is not comedy related. Two comedians helped me move out when my ex-partner was threatening my life and were there to help me as a friend, not as a comedian. I’ve seen it quoted repetitively, but comedians are super genuine and caring people. And I think stepping away from just doing comedy together allows for a comedy scene to grow.
Pricing:
- Cake’s Comedy Club has affordable ticketed shows that range from $10-25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/airjawsoncomedy?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcATYYtZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAack3VQO3r_sAOIRkC27ytClpTHSWtV11EXXZjgvNjurJ4D5SBD1-9_BiE940g_aem_KSij-sU6cmCyjXlb6Sj5gA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airjawsoncomedy?igsh=MWw3aWluc3IzZ3F5ag==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578401151652
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@airjawsoncomedy
- Other: https://jawson.printful.me/
