For most singers it’s an insult when the audience erupts with laughter, but it’s the goal for Heywood Banks. With songs like ‘Toast,’ ‘Wiper Blades,’ and the infamous ‘Big Butter Jesus,’ he will take to the stage at Wiley’s on October 28 & 29 to scare up some hauntingly good laughs.
Banks has been performing for 40 years in a career that began as a folk singer and evolved into being an iconic stand-up comedian. “I learned that people mainly just wanted to hear my funny songs and I had kids that needed to eat so I went with it,” he said.
Though always dressed in a wacky plaid suit, Banks relies on his mix of sharp observational jokes and humorous songs to produce laughs. The rewards of entertaining the crowds is what he most enjoys about the profession. “It’s fun to make people laugh and to feel good. I’m lucky to be able to do that,” said Banks.
Unlike many other comedians, Banks act isn’t littered with four letter words. His routine is for adults, but is mainly kid friendly as well. Banks didn’t set out to be Mr. Clean but says it happened naturally. “There wasn’t a lot of swearing in folk singing, it wasn’t ‘Puff the f’n dragon.’ So it was just what I was used to.”
In addition, Banks believes that women tend to enjoy a cleaner show more and are who often makes the decision on where to go for a night out. Plus, he’s nearing the age that people don’t want to hear sex jokes from.
A regular guest on the Bob & Tom radio show, his appearances have been instrumental in expanding his fan base. His song, ‘Big Butter Jesus,’ based on the now burned down structure in front of the Solid Rock Church, became known around the country.
Banks say’s the purpose of the song is often misunderstood by others and is not meant to be sacrilegious. “I wrote it to stick up for Jesus, someone has to. Jesus is now public domain, all His copyrights are over. The song is meant to mock those who use Jesus as an advertisement.”
The morning after the fire, Banks woke up to 75 missed calls, 300 E-mails and many Facebook messages to tell him the news. He responded by adding an extra verse to, ‘Big Butter Jesus,’ which is titled…’Is Toast.’ T-shirts with ‘Big Butter is Toast’ will be available at the shows.
Though his lengthy career has provided Banks with many great moments, he looks forward to more in the future. He still loves to perform and continues to learn with nearly every performance. “I feel like I haven’t got to where I’m going yet,” he said.
Heywood Banks will be at Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and on Friday, Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. There is no Saturday show. Call 224-JOKE for reservations.
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