Comedian Monica Nevi will perform at Churchill School in Baker City on Oct. 19.

BAKER CITY — Monica Nevi grew up on funny stuff.

“I just loved comedy,” she said.

But it wasn’t until an injury sidelined her basketball career in college that she thought about making people laugh for a living.

“I’d been writing jokes for fun,” she said. “Once I got hurt, I thought I’d try open mic.”

So she did — on stage, alone, with no team to back her up.

“The first few times it was very nerve-racking,” she said. “I’m funny, but very shy.”

She grew up in the Seattle area. She’s been doing stand-up comedy now for 13 years, and touring for eight years. She’s stopping in Baker City on Thursday, Oct. 19, at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St. She rates her show as PG-13. Tickets are $15 in advance churchillbaker.com or $22 at the door.

When writing her jokes, Nevi said she draws from what’s happening in life, “and things I think people can relate to.”

Parenting and family comes up a lot.

“Things that are part of my life,” she said.

She travels about every other week, performing across the country in solo shows, festivals, clubs, theaters and television appearances. Her debut special, “Big Stepdad Energy,” was filmed in Philadelphia with Helium Comedy Studios and released in October 2022.

She debuted two albums in late 2020, and released a documentary series, “’80 for 80,” on Amazon Prime where she hosts short episodes with people over the age of 80.

She’s performed in Pendleton, but this is her first time in Baker City. After that show, she heads to Boise.

“I just enjoy good comedy,” she said.

She’s had a few times in front of a tough audience — but it was because everyone was sitting so far back she couldn’t hear their laughter.

“It was like just talking to a wall,” she said.

To learn more about her, or watch a few clips of her shows, visit monicanevi.com.