HERMISTON — Get ready to tickle your funny bone as a trio of funny men will take the stage during Melonville Comedy Festival.

In its 29th year, the laugh-fest is Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road. The doors open at 7 p.m. with a no-host bar from Midway Bar & Grill. Also, food will be available for purchase.

Referred to as “America’s funniest biker,” Russ Nagel is the event headliner. Getting his start at the Comedy Underground in Seattle, Kermet Apio returns to the Melonville stage for the third time as the featured act and the emcee is Todd Armstrong, a Portland-based comedian.

From comedy clubs and casinos to cruise lines and college campuses, Nagel has performed at numerous venues across his 30-plus years as a comic. Although, it wasn’t part of the Louisiana native’s plan when he revved up his biker persona as part of his act.

The longtime motorcycle enthusiast’s biker name is Jokes. However, it wasn’t until an unplanned stage appearance in 2005 in Las Vegas that Nagel found his niche.

In a 2019 interview with First Coast News, Nagel said a buddy invited him to go on stage for a few minutes. Dressed in his biker leathers and a do-rag, he took the mic and found a new way to kickstart his comedy.

“That’s the hook that I’m looking for,” he said. “In this business, they won’t remember Russ Nagel but they’ll remember that biker guy.”

Hailing from Seattle, Apio said there are “tons of entertainers” in the metro area. Recognizing that Eastern Oregon is a bit of a comedy desert, he’s looking forward to taking the stage in Hermiston again.

“People often thank me for making the effort to come all the way out to their town,” Apio said. “And I can tell people are genuinely appreciative that we made the trip, which is very kind.”

Performing full-time comedy since May 1990, Apio said the pinnacle of his career was winning the 2009 Great American Comedy Festival Competition in Norfolk, Nebraska. Held in Johnny Carson’s hometown, the event is a tribute to the iconic funnyman.

“I was thrilled to just get into the event,” Apio said. “Winning it was beyond comprehension, especially since I grew up a huge fan of Johnny.”

A self-described “rock nerd,” Armstrong said if he hadn’t pursued a career in comedy his ideal job would be as a geologist or to teach geology. And the Portland comic was well on his way to a career in education when at age 31, he decided to take the stage as part of a 2010 New Year’s resolution.

Prior to that, Armstrong worked various blue-collar jobs, including construction and replacing windows. He even completed a basic firefighter class. As he was finishing up his teaching degree, Armstrong decided to address issues with public speaking by trying stand-up comedy.

“I’m a redneck with a mouth,” he said. “Comedy is the best vacation with an access pass to life.”

Tickets for the 21 and older event are $40 each or $400 for sponsored tables. The event helps raise money for the local Special Olympics program. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/3VqEbd8. For questions, call 541-567-5180.