I have a confession to make. Up until last year I had never seen a stand-up comedy show nor watched one on television. Which is a little odd for me, seeing that I love comedy films. I think Will Ferrell is amazing and Richard Pryor is the GOAT.  The person that changed my view on stand-up comedy was Douglas Cuckler, Wonder Doug. If you have never seen him, you are missing out. He is an act to catch at Columbus Covers Columbus. Just make sure you use the bathroom first. I wouldn’t want you peeing yourself. -Ray M

Editor’s note: Columbus Covers Columbus is a new festival in which several local acts will perform sets full of material from other Columbus (or sometimes just Ohio) acts they admire. It takes place at The Shrunken Head January 19-20th.

Pricing is as follows: 

$7 for 21+
$9 for under 21
$10 for 2 day pass for 21+
$15 for 2 day pass for under 21

TUNED UP: Why did you choose to participate in this event?

Wonder Doug: Because Tony Casa asked me to. Haha. I had a blast working with him and Lackluster on the Halloween Hangover show at the Firehouse so when he asked me to perform and assemble some comedians again, I was 150% down for another adventure.

TUNED UP: Are there any covers you are hoping to hear?

Wonder Doug: I want to hear the Phantods covered, and it looks like I will.

TUNED UP: We all know of the Promowest Venues, Ace of Cups and Rumba, but what are some lesser known venues that you enjoy?

Wonder Doug: I enjoy Shrunken Head, Space Bar, Bossy Grrl and Club 20. And not because that’s where I run my monthly comedy shows and I’m obligated to plug them (haha), but because those venues are dope, and I feel comfortable there. Some of my greatest moments over the last few years have been in those bars.

TUNED UP: Who are some local acts that our readers should be listening to?

Wonder Doug: I’m digging Lily in the Weeds, Counterfeit Madison, and Gold from Grief recently. I saw DANA at Independents’ Fest and was blown away. Grunge Dad at Space Bar on NYE was amazing. And I’m always a sucker for Betsy Ross as well as Zoo Trippin’, The Turbos, Lackluster, and anything Dani Harness is a part of.

TUNED UP: What act(s) are you most excited to see at this festival?

Wonder Doug: Aside from anyone from #4, I’m stoked to see what my Comedians bring to the table, and to check out my dude Lethal FX beatboxing.

TUNED UP: If you could induct an Ohio Musician into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, who would it be?

Wonder Doug: Lydia Loveless.

TUNED UP: Do you think Tony Casa will remove his shirt during Zoo Trippin’s set?

Wonder Doug: Only his shirt? Hahaha

TUNED UP: What is your favorite winter beverage?

Wonder Doug: I’m a Recovering Alcoholic, but I’ve got Diet Coke on an IV drip.

TUNED UP: What is your favorite winter activity?

Wonder Doug: Reading comic books in my Care Bear Onesie with my dog.

TUNED UP: Do you want to build a snowman?

Wonder Doug: Only if I can add attachments from the Garden.