Unique & personal: Comedian Jeff Leeson marries stand up and improv in comedy style

Jeff Leeson is looking forward to his first show in Albuquerque.

The comedian is no stranger to performing in New Mexico as he’s performed in Roswell a few times.

“I stayed in Albuquerque on an off night,” he says. “I’m very excited.”

Known for his crowd work, Leeson says he now tries to create a unique and personal experience that isn’t the same show night after night.

“Some nights are easier than others,” he says. “That’s one of the reasons I really like it. It’s a challenge each night and I get to figure out each audience’s sensibilities.”

Leeson will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at The Historic Lobo Theater. He will also perform at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at The Liberty in Roswell.

For over 23 years, Leeson has been astonishing crowds across North America with his off the cuff, improvisational style that leaves crowds not only wanting more, but amazed at what they just witnessed.

With over 50 million views of his stand-up clips online, Leeson is quickly becoming one of the most requested acts in North America.

In addition to headlining top comedy clubs and theaters throughout North America, his comedy has been featured on Sirius XM, Spotify, iTunes, two comedy specials on Amazon Prime, “A Dry Bar Comedy Special” and a special on YouTube called “Sorry I’m Not Kevin Hart.”

Leeson often pays attention to the market and that determines what type of comedy show he will put out.

“Some people like clean comedy,” he says. “Some respond better to different takes on stuff. I don’t tap into religion or sexual orientations. My show is about having fun with the crowd.”

Leeson says there are some nights that go off the rails.

“That’s the case with stand-up comedy,” he says. “It’s one of those things that you have to be prepared for. I’ve seen so many things happen on stage that it doesn’t phase me anymore. You have to pivot in the moment.”

Leeson began doing stand-up comedy when he was 14.

Being funny came to him naturally because he pays attention down to the smallest detail.

“I always had the ability to skew towards the funnier side of things,” he says. “I would try to find some sort of humor in anything I did. I always say comedy chose me.”

At 14, Leeson delivered a valedictorian speech for his eighth-grade class.

“I got a chance to throw in some roast jokes,” he says. “It went really well and I enjoyed the feeling. It clicked in my mind that I wanted to feel like this every day.”

After nearly a quarter-century on stage, Leeson says his passion continues to grow.

“It’s on stage where I feel more comfortable in the world,” he says. “It’s like doing the greatest drug in the world while you’re on the greatest roller coaster in the world. Once you get into this business, it becomes your life. Sure, there are other aspects that come from the business side. But it’s that moment I get on stage where it makes everything worth it.”