ATHABASCA — Athabascans, get ready to howl with laughter at the barking mad stylings of three Winnipeg-based stand-up comics as the Man’s Best Friend Comedy Tour prepares to raise the woof for a paws-itive cause at Neighbours Pub June 15.
Comedians and friends Scott Porteous, Chris Basso, and Nelson Mayer will be making a stop in Athabasca as part of their 11-show tour across Western Canada in the name of animal welfare. The trio will be raising funds for shelters, humane societies, and other animal-based charities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta communities.
“I love pets, I love animals, I just thought it would be something really cool to focus on,” said Porteous in a June 5 interview.
A percentage of ticket revenue from shows in Lloydminster, Hinton, Lethbridge and more will go towards local animal-focused non-profits, while revenue from the Athabasca and Indian Head, Sask., shows will fund the tour itself.
“In a way, we’re being selfish in the most selfless way,” said Porteous. “We’re doing what we love, comedy, but at the same time we’re raising money for many great causes.”
The trio will be performing at 9 p.m. June 15, delayed from the original start time of 8 p.m. so as to not interfere with Game 4 of the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panther’s NHL playoff series. The tour’s stop in Athabasca has been sponsored by Steve Splinter and the team at Athabasca’s own Tracker’s Pet Supply.
Tickets can be purchased prior to the show online, and while remaining spots will be up for grabs at the door, Porteous said seats are going fast. While Porteous’s own alter ego puts on a clean show, the event will be 18-plus only and will have comedic approaches for all adults to enjoy.
“It’s gonna be a fun show, a lot of different styles,” said Porteous. “If you’re not necessarily into one particular comic, there are two other different styles that you can gravitate to.”
Canadian comedy connoisseurs
Porteous, Basso, and Mayer all boast roots from Winnipeg, and have performed on stages and platforms across Canada and the United States. Porteous said he started stand-up 20 years ago, and — among his other industry accolades — has been featured on Canada’s Got Talent, Sirius XM radio, and was a finalist in Canada’s Next Top Comic.
Mayer is a father of six with Métis heritage, the host of “Got Identity,” an Aboriginal Peoples Television Network show which explores Indigenous identity, and was named one of the top three comedians in Winnipeg.
Basso is newer to the touring gig than his counterparts but has performed his deadpan stylings on stages across Canada and the US, including a recent appearance at the 2023 Nanaimo Fringe Festival.
“Nelson, I’ve known for the longest time in the Winnipeg scene,” said Porteous. “We started doing shows together and we bonded and became really close friends. Chris, I met him through Nelson,” he added.
Porteous describes himself as awkward, and notes his alter ego, Herbert Henries, exaggerates that quality to the nth degree. Despite his demure demeanour, Porteous said a career in comedy was always in the cards.
“I wasn’t really good at much, so that pretty much sums it up,” he said with a dry laugh. “The one thing that I was very consistent with, that I always felt I had a knack for was comedy, making people laugh.”
He said while many comics have influenced his sense of humour over the years, American comedians Gary Gulman and Mike Birbiglia are among his favourites at the moment.
“I like the varieties that come with comedy,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be a specific genre, it’s just they really resonate with me with their craft.”
For Porteous, conjoining two of his passions — animals and comedy — is sure to be a willing combination. Although he has no pets of his own, he grew up with a Pekinese and Shih Tzu, and enjoys the company of roommate’s two clingy cats.
“I could have the worst day, and I see a dog and I just smile instantly,” he said.
