We had the good fortune of connecting with LA Josh Preston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LA Josh, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor is to give the audience what they come to see. They come to see a comedy show to get away from all the problems of every day living even if it’s just for a couple of hours. They want to laugh and not have to worry about being offended or having their political or religious views come into question. They want comedians who they can relate to and not one that is on their soapbox pretending to be better than everyone else.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started doing comedy in 1993. I did it for 8 years straight. I had to get off the road due to the strain it has on a marriage and I was about to become a father. I came back to comedy in October 2021. Since then, I have traveled all up and down the east coast and Nevada. I am very proud of being the host and producer of The R.E.A.L.(Raw Entertaining Authentic Lasting) Comedy Show. I started it in March 2022 and have been going strong ever since. I have had shows in 6 cities in Virginia and will be doing one in North Carolina the start of 2024(January 5th). Since comedy is so subjective, it is sometimes hard for a venue to give it a chance. They don’t want you coming in their establishment and say something that might offend their customers. I’m proud to have businesses where I have done shows for them every month for the 2 years. I am very thankful that I have comedians that have supported me and have been doing shows with me for the 2 years as well. I have learned you can’t do this by yourself. You have to have support of the venues, the comedians, and especially the audience. You don’t how great a feeling it is to see people who went to your show and then you see them at another show of yours with more people. The help I have given comedians to expand and do shows outside their city and state is also something I am proud of. I have helped comedians network with other comedians and bookers so they can do shows at other venues. I have had a few comedians even call my shows “The Network Hub”. I invite all comedians to come out to the shows. I always have an open mic after the show. I even have booked comedians from my open mic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely check out if you love museums, The Taubman Museum of Arts. Not only what they have inside, the outside is pretty amazing as well. There’s also The Virginia Museum of Transportation Museum and The Harrison Museum of African American Culture. If museums aren’t your thing, Valley View Mall is a nice place to hangout. Couldn’t leave the “Star City” without seeing The Mill Mountain Star. I’m sure there is a R.E.A.L. Funny Comedy show going on somewhere in the city that week to have a great time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out my wife and two kids. Without their blessings, I wouldn’t be able to do this. Also to all the venues and comedians who have supported me for the 2 years I have been doing this.

Website: lapreston.com

Instagram: LA Josh Preston

Facebook: The Real Funny

Youtube: LA Cashiznit

Other: Tik Tok @ LA Josh Peston

Image Credits
April Pruitt, Olivia Wade, Taylor Reschka

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