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WONDER DAVE

Comedian, Writer, Performer, & Advocate (but he’s really fun)

Originally from a small Midwestern farming town, Wonder Dave has transformed into a prominent figure in California's comedy scene. With tours across the country, he has graced stages at comedy clubs, colleges, cabarets, comic book and science fiction conventions, theaters, and bowling alleys. His diverse experiences have shaped his unique comedic style.

Artistry & Impact

Wonder Dave is known for his dynamic stage presence and storytelling, crafting performances that blend humor with meaningful conversations. He masterfully balances sarcasm and sincerity, tackling a wide array of topics from queer issues to mental health awareness, always with a focus on inclusivity and advocacy.

Productions & Hosting

Wonder Dave excels in producing and hosting diverse and impactful comedy shows in the Bay Area, each with its unique flavor and audience:

Mental Health Comedy Hour: Co-host, Co-Producer
A blend of comedy and mental health discussions, formatted as a late night talk show offering a mix of humor and insight.

Safe Words Queer Comedy Showcase: Host, Co-Producer
Showcasing queer comedians in an inclusive and sex-positive environment, on a mission to create safe spaces for Queer audiences, & accelerate the careers of queer comedians.

SMILF - Straight Men I’d Like to ‘Friend’:  Co-host, Co-Producer
A unique queer culture comedy game show that celebrates queer culture, challenges norms of gender and sexuality, headlines a usually queer woman, and curates straight male comedians to create a tasty snack of inclusive comedy and playful objectification.

Hysteria: Host, Producer
An open mic for women and queer individuals, fostering new talent and diverse voices.

Literary Pop: Host, Producer
A pop culture-inspired literary show, merging literature with the allure of pop culture.

The Ruckus Revival: Co-host, Co-Producer
A large-scale variety show featuring an array of acts from circus performances to musical acts, drawing a diverse crowd with its eclectic entertainment.Formerly Known as Tourettes Without Regrets.

Hoodslam: Commentator
Wonder Dave brings his dynamic personality as a commentator to this independent pro-wrestling show.

Broader Contributions

Dave's writing talent is highlighted in publications like the UK Guardian and SF Weekly, and in anthologies by Write Bloody, Lethe Press, and Sibling Rivalry Press. He has shared stages with icons like WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler, RuPaul's Drag Race winners Jinkx Monsoon and Bebe Zahara Benet, and comedy legends such as Margaret Cho and Eddie PepitoneCredits 

  • Co-host and co-producer at the largest variety show in Northern California, The Ruckus Revival, which regularly draws about 600 people to a monthly show.

  • Commentator for the popular Independent wrestling show Hoodslam and have been featured as their commentator on combat sports streaming channel Fite.TV

  • Featured performer at SF Sketchfest, Savage Henry Comedy Festival, New Orleans LGBTLOL Queer comedy festival and NYC Cinder Block Comedy festival. Other highlights include comic book and sci-fi conventions such as:Gen Con, Emerald City Comic Con, and Convergence, Music festivals such as: Symbiosis, Noise Pop, and Electric Forest. Regularly appears in the Bay Area at Comedy Oakland, Hella Funny, Cheaper Than Therapy and All Out Comedy Theater. 

  • Writing works have been published in the UK Guardian, the SF Weekly and anthologies by Write Bloody, Lethe Press, and Sibling Rivalry Press.

Endorsements & Press Quotes

"Wonder Dave combines sarcasm and sincerity with the touch of a painter mixing colors, as he tackles topics from queer issues to the joys of nerd sex."   

— the Minneapolis/St.Paul City Pages

"Wonder Dave is a firecracker - a joyous, take-no-prisoners, reveling in his geekdom, won't back down from a fight against intolerance firecracker. I think I'm a little in love with Wonder Dave after this show."

— Matthew Everett
Fringefestival.org review 

"Wonder Dave needs to get out of my dreams and into my car"

— Ed Mabrey
Comedian, Individual World Poetry Slam Champion and Heterosexual Male

"I loved it...that was Cirque du So gay" 

— Ragan Fox,
Author, Big Brother Contestant and college professor

“Bombastic, kinetic, and most importantly, highly entertaining."  

— Ward Rubrecht,
Minneapolis/St. Paul City Pages

"Wonder Dave is a human carnival, the sort of host and performer that commands attention even when he's doing something mundane like ordering a drink."

— Vita.mn Magazine
Gal about town column.

“You are saying important things and people need to listen" 

— BeBe Zahara Benet
Model, performer, and winner of Ru Paul's Drag Race Season 1

"You're very funny" 

— Baratunde Thurston,
Onion Writer and author of How to be Black.

Press & Articles

Headshots & Promo Photos

Images above are a small sample of the full collection over on the Headshots & Promo page

Bio Selection

Short and Comedy-Focused Bio (50 words):

"Wonder Dave, a Minneapolis-born, California-based comedian, electrifies with sharp wit and dynamic performances. Regularly hosting 'Mental Health Comedy Hour' and 'Safe Words', his comedy blends laughter with advocacy, making him a standout in queer comedy and beyond."

Production-Focused Bio (75 words):

"Wonder Dave shines as a producer and host in California's vibrant comedy scene. His productions like 'SMILF' and 'The Ruckus and Rumpus Revival' showcase his knack for creating inclusive, entertaining events. With a flair for blending humor with meaningful themes, Dave's shows consistently challenge norms and celebrate diversity, making him a key figure in modern comedy production."

Bio Mentioning Slam Poetry and Cabaret (100 words):

"Wonder Dave, originally from Minneapolis, is a multifaceted performer and producer now lighting up California's entertainment scene. Known for his impactful slam poetry and captivating cabaret performances, he brings a unique blend of humor, artistry, and advocacy to the stage. Hosting shows like 'Mental Health Comedy Hour' and 'Safe Words', Dave's diverse talents extend beyond traditional comedy, embracing the richness of spoken word and the theatrical allure of cabaret, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and influential artist in the contemporary performance world."

Long and Comprehensive Bio (150 words):

"Wonder Dave, a Minneapolis native transformed into a Californian comedy sensation, is a comedian, writer, producer, and advocate whose talent spans across comedy clubs, theaters, and conventions nationwide. His artistry in the realms of stand-up comedy, slam poetry, and cabaret distinguishes him as a versatile performer. Dave’s productions, such as the groundbreaking 'Mental Health Comedy Hour' and the vibrant 'Safe Words' Queer Comedy Showcase, highlight his ability to weave humor with social commentary. As a host and commentator for Hoodslam and producer of 'Nerd Rage: The Great Debates', his contributions extend into wrestling and podcasting. Dave’s work, published in notable outlets like the UK Guardian, reflects his prowess as a writer, while his collaborations with renowned artists and performers underscore his influence in the entertainment industry."

Advocacy-Focused Bio (100 words):

"Wonder Dave, a standout comedian and advocate based in California, uses his platform to champion LGBTQ+ and mental health awareness. His performances and productions, notably the 'Mental Health Comedy Hour' and 'Safe Words' Comedy Showcase, are more than entertainment; they're catalysts for change. With his roots in Minneapolis and a voice that resonates nationwide, Dave’s artistry is marked by a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, making him a beacon in the comedy world for underrepresented voices and poignant social commentary."

General Purpose Bio (116 words):

"Wonder Dave is a comedian and writer originally from a small midwestern farming town now living in San Francisco. Dave has toured the country performing at comedy clubs, colleges, cabarets, comic and science fiction conventions, burlesque shows, theaters, and bowling alleys. In the Bay Area you can regularly catch him hosting Mental Health Comedy Hour, Safewords Queer Comedy showcase, The Ruckus and Rumpus Revival, and as a commentator for the independent pro-wrestling show Hoodslam. Dave has appeared on Fite TV and shared stages with performers including WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler and Ru Paul's drag race winners Bebe Zahara Benet and Jinkx Monsoon as well as comedy luminaries such as Margaret Cho, Eddie Pepitone, and Guy Branum."