Courtesy of Rio Paris
Rio Paris, who is at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club in Palm Harbor, Florida on Aug. 24-26, 2023.
CL caught up with Paris to ask him about comedy, battle rapping, his creative projects, and missing his family.
Tickets to see Rio Paris at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club in Palm Harbor Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 24-26 are still available and start at $19.90.
Since you were named Best Up-And-Coming Stand-Up Comedian back in 2015, you moved to Los Angeles, moved back, fathered twins, got discovered by Bob Sumner (co-creator of HBO’s iconic “Def Comedy Jam”) at a showcase in Tampa, performed at The Apollo, and moved to New York City, where you live and perform today. Did we miss anything? What else has been happening in your career?
I co-starred in the film "What Tha Hell" on Tubi, which has more than a million views, I appeared on the TV Show "Relative Justice," and I recorded my half hour special in Newark, New Jersey last August. I also have written, directed, and produced a pilot for a TV Show called "Quit Job Eve," which is based on the day before someone quits their job.
How is the Tampa comedy scene similar (and different) than New York? Is there a big difference in the talent levels or paths to success?
It's similar to New York in the sense that comics are trying to get as much stage time as possible to become better, but different in the sense that, in Florida, typically you are not performing in front of predominantly liberal audiences. Talent-wise there is just a larger volume of comics in New York. In regard to paths to success, I would say there are more people in the entertainment industry there who have an opportunity to see you perform.
You’re headlining at Snappers in Palm Harbor this coming weekend. How does it feel to return to the area where you were first hitting open mics and come back as a headliner?
It's surreal, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. Looking forward to seeing people who have seen my journey from the beginning, and also making new fans.
How has your comedy changed over the years, and what elements have stayed the same?
I definitely speak about my personal life more, and a little more storytelling. Elements that have remained the same include some observational humor and jokes about random subjects.
Bob Sumner has been involved in comedy for decades, with some of the biggest stars in the industry. How has his mentoring helped you, and what advice has he given that you could share with other comedians?
Bob Sumner has changed my life by putting me on stages and in front of people that would have taken me a lot longer to accomplish. His belief in me, based on his history in comedy, has helped me maintain confidence in an industry that can be very treacherous.
His advice is to stay funny and always be ready for the moment.
While we’re sure you’re having fun performing, your family isn’t with you up north. You’ve documented on social media some of the challenges you’ve endured being so far from the people you love. How do you manage the struggle between pursuing your dream and also missing your favorite people?
I speak to all three children (Harmony, Ryker, and Ariella) multiple times a day through video chat and miss them with my entire heart and soul. The feeling that the moves being made through comedy will change their lives one day is what keeps me motivated.
In addition to comedy, you’re also known for your rap-battle skills. Have you tested the scene in New York and do you still do it regularly? What rap battle skills translate to stand-up comedy?
I freestyle every day, and was able to participate in the first (and last) rap battle ever held at Carolines on Broadway before they officially closed last December. I do not actively battle rap, but stage presence and having lots of energy are the biggest traits that have translated the most in stand up.
You’ve mentioned that this will be your only Tampa Bay area performance this year. What does the rest of 2023 and beyond look like for you?
The rest of 2023 will include more shows and festivals. Beyond 2023, being on a major streaming platform performing stand up, and the TV show I created.
What can audiences expect from your shows this weekend?
Lots of laughs and more vulnerability than ever before. This is a new hour that I've worked very hard on developing.
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