The annual Cochrane Comedy Classic is welcoming back headlining funny man, Trent McClellan, Oct. 27.
The event is a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area — which also happens to be an organization that lies close to McClellan’s heart.
“Ironically, I used to work at the Boys and Girls Club in Newfoundland and again when I moved to Calgary years ago,” said the Just for Laughs headliner.
“I know what it’s like to be in the trenches, working with the kids.”
For eight years now, McClellan has made comedy his mainstay — hamming it up on stages all across the country and networks. . . . from CBC specials to The Comedy Network.
“I take everyday stuff and bring it on stage. . . I like to hit people in the heart — not far-reaching stuff they can’t relate to.”
He admires cats like Bill Cosby for “doing it all with dignity and class” to the “edgier, raunchier” style of Massachusetts comic, Bill Burr.
“I’m not too far one way or another,” he replied, when asked which side of the comedic spectrum most of his material lies. A recent newlywed, however, McClellan finds himself dishing dirt and hacking it out about relationships in his routine these days.
The born and bred class clown said it was a lifelong admiration for stand-up comedy that motivated him to climb on stage at an open mic and give it a whirl. Luckily, he got the laughs he was looking for.
“As soon as I went on, it was the best feeling in the world to make that many people laugh at the same time,” he said, although admitting it was terrifying at the same time.
“Nowhere to hide, nowhere to go. . . I could feel my knees shaking...luckily, I got laughs right away.”
Tickets are $55 and available by phoning the Boys and Girls Club at 403-932-4747; the event is the main annual fundraiser for the club.
