The Arts Campus of Willits/Courtesy photo
Family-friendly comedy is coming to Basalt, Colorado, with observational comic Ryan Hamilton scheduled to perform two shows on January 31, 2026.
A Comedian Who Adapts to the Room
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Ryan Hamilton tailors his act to each venue, often incorporating unique observations about the specific location.
Hamilton will perform solo shows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at The Arts Campus at Willits. He emphasizes that his material is constantly evolving, promising a fresh experience for audiences. “I’m always putting new material in every show,” Hamilton said. “It’s constantly evolving.”
He’s known for adapting his act to the venue and location, weaving in observations specific to the area—details so niche they’re unlikely to be repeated elsewhere. “You get there, and then you see it, and then you’re inspired to talk about it,” he explained.
- Hamilton is known for his clean, family-friendly humor.
- He tailors his material to each venue, incorporating local observations.
- His upcoming Netflix special is based on a surprising personal experience.
- He has performed on several late-night television shows.
Colorado Roots and a Netflix Future
Hamilton isn’t a stranger to the Roaring Fork Valley, having previously performed at the Aspen Laughs Festival in 2023 as part of “Double the Laughs with Ivan Decker and Ryan Hamilton.” He also opened for Jerry Seinfeld at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek in March 2025. “I’ve been opening for Seinfeld for a handful of years now. I always enjoy working with him. I’ve learned so much. We had a lot of fun in Colorado, so it will be nice to get back,” he said, adding, “It’s something I never saw happening, but it’s been really great.”
Growing up in Idaho and being a skier since his teens, Hamilton enjoys performing in winter destinations. “I enjoy getting out in nature,” he said.
The New York-based comedian filmed his 2017 Netflix special, “Happy Face,” at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College in Manhattan. He’s currently working on another Netflix special, produced by Nate Bargatze and his production company, Nateland Entertainment, filmed at the Neptune Theatre in Seattle and slated for a summer release.
From Shuttle Bus to Stand-Up
Preparing a Netflix special requires precision, and Hamilton’s upcoming show is built around a particularly unusual experience: being hit by a shuttle bus while walking in a crosswalk in Los Angeles on New Year’s Day, 2022. “I try to nail every beat. I worked for months to get it to that place. The audience knows that’s what’s going on, and they give me the freedom to do just that,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton’s television credits include appearances on “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and “The Late Late Show.”
What makes Ryan Hamilton’s comedy stand out? His clean humor appeals to a broad audience, often attracting families with three generations in attendance. “I try to be very broad. It’s just fun for me creatively. I enjoy that. And so the audience doesn’t have to worry too much,” he said.
Ultimately, Hamilton aims to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable show. “I like performing and putting together an act and going: ‘This is what I prepared for you. We’re in a theater,’” he said.
The show at The Arts Campus at Willits is seated and all-ages. Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Tickets are limited to four per purchaser and are final sale. More information and tickets are available at tacaw.org/calendar.
