25-03-2025
Fred Armisen brings his stage show to Savannah for one night
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Fred Armisen has been busy. Not only was he an integral part of NBC's Saturday Night Live multi-day 50th anniversary celebration, he's been on tour non-stop with his one-man show, 'Comedy for Musicians…But Everyone Is Welcome' too. Armisen will bring the show to Victory North in Savannah on April 2.
And he's excited to return to the Hostess City. 'I was there in I think it was 2017. And I really loved it.' Armisen was enthralled with everything Savannah has to offer: the history, the architecture and the food. 'Part of the way I book my tours is…I'm like, where might be interesting to go? I don't even think about, like, markets or ratings. And I was like, 'Oh, Savannah, well, I want to go back there…so I'm excited.'
Armisen's show highlights his humor and his musicianship. He tells funny stories and incorporates songs. When asked if he considers himself a comedian who makes music or a funny musician, he didn't hesitate to answer. 'I think I'm more a comedian who makes music. I only say that because the way I have made most of my living is through comedy. There are real musicians who tour and bands who really spend time making albums and creating something. That is the way they prioritize it and spend time doing it. I mean, I've always been a drummer at heart and I want to embrace that. I'm a comedian and it just happens the tool that I use to make comedy is music.'
Armisen says the size of the venue can influence how a show goes on any given night. 'I grew up watching bands, I like seeing bands in little venues or theaters or arenas. It's all good. I'm like, whatever it is, it's going to be appropriate to the city and it's appropriate to the people who want to see me.'
Brian Goldman, talent buyer at Victory North says, 'As a longtime fan of Fred, especially since his days as 'Stuart' in the Californians sketch on SNL, having him at Victory North is a dream come true. Beyond his comedy, his talent as a drummer and actor is immense. When the opportunity arose to bring him to Savannah, we jumped at it and were thrilled when he accepted our offer. The anticipation of announcing his show was almost unbearable! Since opening Victory North in 2019, Dr. Mohamed Eldibany envisioned it as a premier venue for top touring acts. He says, 'Fred's performance here is a testament to our team's dedication over the past five years, making Victory North a destination that attracts and sells out talent of his caliber.'
Whether you go for the comedy or the music, Armisen is confident you'll come away entertained. 'I have a lot of musical equipment on stage. I've got a drum kit, a couple of guitars, and I play music off of my iPad and I talk about music. It's like jokes about listening to music. How do we all hear music? What's our experience? How is it for different generations? And then for musicians, what is it like to use this kind of guitar? What's it like when you play this chord? What's the reaction you get? It's not isolating in any way where you have to be a musician, but that's like the main theme. And as I've been touring with this show, I've discovered that people who aren't musicians are into it just because music is a part of almost everybody's life…we have that experience.'
Fred Armisen's 'Comedy for Musicians…But Everyone Is Welcome' is April 2 at Victory North in Savannah.Q: Which of your SNL characters do you feel would be perfect for a movie?
A: I feel like the Californians would have a world of people because it's like so many levels. You know, it's a soap opera. And then also it's, you know, Southern California. I think there's a version where some of that you could find out more about.
Q: As a music fan, what was it like to perform with DEVO and The B-52s during the SNL50 Homecoming Concert?
A: A dream. I can't believe that there are two different bands who both were very influential on my life, where Devo is kind of how I learned how to play the drums. I saw Devo play at Radio City Music Hall, and that's where we played. I'm blown away full circle and what a fun experience that really harkens back to the early days of SNL…that energy and that experimentation. Same thing with The B-52s. When I saw The B-52s on Saturday Night Live, it was a turning point for me.
Q: What was your favorite SNL sketch before you became a cast member?
A: Sprockets, the Mike Myers sketch. There is a part of me that was like, I think they wrote that for me.
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