Oh, sure, you can feel free to sit there and try to make jokes about Bengt (pronounced “bent”) Washburn’s name, but please keep in mind that on his worst day, Washburn is probably far funnier than you are on your best day--especially when it comes to his given name. For one immediate example, look no further than his web site URL (www.GetBengt.com). Plus, he’s been thinking about this topic years--decades--longer than you have, and even if he didn’t have that huge head start, Washburn has significant credentials establishing him as A Very Funny Guy. Heck, in 2001, he won the San Francisco Comedy Competition, a prestigious contest with a long and impressive history; some past winners range from Dana Carvey to Jake Johannsen to Doug Stanhope. Not bad. He’s fared well in other notable comedy competitions, he’s done a slew of corporate performances and he otherwise criss-crosses the country, appearing at the nation's top comedy clubs--including, this week, Cap City. He certainly brings an unusual background and perspective to the stage--in his younger years, he was a Mormon missionary, and he also holds a masters degree in painting--but, still, please don’t even think about commenting on his “bengt” comedy or sense of humor. How many times do you think he’s heard that sort of wordplay just today? Right, so let him handle the jokes at Cap City, and you’ll be damn glad you did.

With Bryan Gutmann

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For more information, visit the website for Bengt Washburn.