Carl Kozlowski [Courtesy photo]
All that ended when he moved back to his hometown of Little Rock, Ark., in January 2020 after suffering a layoff from the new PW owners and the end of his other position as the producer and cohost of the popular radio show “Man UP” on KRLA AM. But Kozlowski never gave up on his creativity and has become a regular performer at Little Rock’s comedy clubs, The Loony Bin and The Joint.
On Saturday, Aug. 31, he will be making his triumphant return to the Ice House in the long-running and popular “Deez Nuts” show produced and hosted by veteran LA comic Vargus Mason. He’s excited about the opportunity to perform for friends, family, and former PW colleagues, and hopes that many of his longtime readers will also buy a ticket and have an evening of laughter.
“The Ice House has been an incredibly important part of my life,” says Kozlowski. “I not only had the joy and thrill of performing there in their amazing shows, but cherish the memories of interviewing over 500 of the biggest names in comedy for profiles I wrote for PW.”
“The chance to come back is a dream come true.”
The show is also meaningful for Kozlowski because it features his friend and comedy partner of 28 years, Scott Vinci. He and Vinci made a splash on the Chicago comedy scene for years with their popular Chicago Comedy Works independent showcase shows, and in LA they were the founders of Catholic Laughter.
CL produces clean standup comedy shows for Catholic churches and charities nationwide, and the Aug. 31 show marks their first time performing onstage together in nearly five years.
“It’ll be great to share the stage with Scott and several other great comic talents in the ‘Deez Nuts’ show,” notes Kozlowski. “When Scott and I are on a lineup together, we guarantee it’ll be hilarious while not making anyone feel like they have to go to Confession after. And Vargus has a bunch of other great comics on the bill who will leave all types of comedy audiences happy.”
Kozlowski hopes for a big turnout and bigger laughs in order to have a top-notch tape of his performance that can lead to more appearances in “Deez Nuts” shows and a return to his other main stomping ground at the Laugh Factory Hollywood.
He will also be selling and autographing copies of his popular essay collection “Dozed and Confused: Tales from a Nutty, Narcoleptic Life,” which can also be purchased on Amazon. The book includes some of his most outrageous journalistic escapades from PW and the Chicago weekly Newcity, where he started his journalism career in 1996.
“There’s truly no greater city on earth for quality comedy, and it’s a thrill and an honor to be part of this very special night,” adds Kozlowski. “Come on out, it’ll be great to see everyone and you won’t be disappointed!”
Carl Kozlowski performs in the “Deez Nuts” show at 5 p.m. Sat., Aug. 31 at the Ice House, 24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Tickets are $16.50 and must be purchased online at https://icehousecomedy.com/
