LIVE REPORT: Nick Swardson Brings Minnesota Pride to the Stage
This just in from the packed State Theatre on Friday night: Nick Swardson, the comedian known for his relentless humor and unapologetic silliness, delivered a show that screamed Minnesotan pride. Instead of his usual Vikings-themed attire, Swardson sported a Beastie Boys t-shirt but found countless ways to remind the audience that his heart beats for Minnesota.
From the moment he stepped on stage, Swardson made his allegiance clear. He kicked off the night by teasing the Packers, flashing a fresh Vikings tattoo, and shutting down overly enthusiastic fans with quips about their likely Edina or Richfield roots. “This is Minnesota!” he declared with gusto, highlighting local gems like the Corner Bar, Leeann Chin restaurants, and his alma mater, St. Paul Central High School.
The night’s grand finale? A surprise appearance by Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and rocker Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum. As Pirner dashed off stage, Swardson smiled and exclaimed, “We stick together!”
A Comedian Grounded in His Roots
Swardson’s love for Minnesota isn’t just a performance gimmick. While his primary residence remains in Los Angeles, he spends most winters in the Twin Cities. Over the past month, he’s been a fixture at open mics across Minneapolis and frequenting North Loop hotspots. Last month, just before Christmas, he even taped a special at First Avenue, slated for release this summer.
Despite his Minnesota pride, the 48-year-old comedian has had his share of bumps. Back in March, a show in Colorado ended in controversy when Swardson was escorted off stage, a moment he later attributed to a “bad combination of edibles and alcohol.” The headlines were not flattering, but Swardson has since vowed to stay professional.
“I’m drinking water,” he assured the audience, referencing the incident. “I don’t want to end up on TMZ again.”
Silly and Unapologetic
For fans of Swardson’s brand of humor, the night didn’t disappoint. The writer behind comedy hits like Malibu’s Most Wanted and Grandma’s Boy leaned heavily on his signature bits about wild parties, overindulgence, and bathroom humor. His tour, cheekily titled Toilet Head, is a testament to his never-grow-up comedic style.
If Friday’s performance was anything to go by, Nick Swardson is still very much the Peter Pan of comedy, a Minnesotan through and through, and one of the few comics who can make even toilet humor feel like a love letter to his home state. Stay tuned for his upcoming special and, of course, his appearance in Happy Gilmore 2 later this year.
