While Comedian Karen Mills has a southern accent, she ensures that her humor is universal. Her impressive resume of performances all over the country for the last 25 years proves that it has to be true. On Sept. 22, Mills will headline District Live’s first-ever comedy show, along with comedians JJ Barrows and Donald Gee.
“It will be a great time, I’m excited to be doing district live,” said Mills. “It’s a lot of light humor, and observational and relatable humor.”
According to Mills, who is often hailed as a “clean” comedian, she finds humor in everyday things, which is what has made her so relatable over the course of two-and-a-half decades. However, one topic she makes a point not to touch is politics.
“Personally, I don’t do any political humor because as a human being I find it difficult,” explains Mills. “A lot of people have lost their sense of humor. That day is gone and so it’s so difficult to touch on the subject because people are so outraged all the time and the cancel culture. You can alienate half the room in just one joke.”
Her technique along with her comedic boundaries have made her performances easy ones to watch. She’s funny without being offensive or controversial, which is refreshing, especially while in the midst of an era full of crude, male humor, centric on drug use and often at the expense of women.
“It’s a bunch of comics with the same point-of-view,” explained Mills. “Just a recycled version of smoking pot.”
At the time of this interview, Mills had been on the road touring the last 20 out of 23 days. So, it’s safe to assume that her comedy really comes from a place of experience. Her connectivity to everyday people in everyday situations enriches her observational humor.
“It’s always better comedy when you can get out and engage in life,” said Mills.
Mills will be at District Live on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by visiting plantriverside.com.
