BOCA RATON – Don Gavin is a comedic rarity in the internet age.
Despite practicing his craft for nearly half a century, there’s little evidence on the internet hinting at the impact he’s made on stand-up comedy.
Nicknamed the “Godfather of Boston Comedy,” Gavin helped launch the burgeoning New England comedy scene that eventually produced Steven Wright and Dennis Leary, among others.
Yet clips of Gavin performing are scarce.
Gavin performed internationally, appearing on television shows and cruise ships and the biggest comedy club stages, but didn’t gain the fame of some of the comics who came to value his advice and comedic sensibilities.
He’s retired now, making his home in South Florida.
Gavin emerged from retirement in February to perform alongside other legends at the grand opening of the Sadman Comedy Speakeasy Lounge, located above Arturo’s Ristorante in Boca Raton, Florida.
Applause Break recorded the above video that night as Gavin launched his performance. If Gavin felt any rust, it didn’t show. He rolled through 15 minutes, drawing several applause breaks.
Gavin is about to break retirement again. He’s one of three co-headliners for Sadman Speakeasy IV, scheduled to take place on April 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Flip Schultz and Dan Williams will take the stage prior to Gavin. Local comics Nadeem Awad and David Sadman will serve as features. Bruce Smirnoff, a co-headliner on the first three Sadman Speakeast shows, will serve as host.
This Don Gavin stand-up comedy video gives a short taste of what can be expected on April 7.
