RAPID CITY, S.D. — West River Comedy Club is celebrating one full year of laughs in Rapid City with a special anniversary weekend headlined by nationally touring comedian Brandt Tobler. Tobler will take the stage Friday, January 9, and Saturday, January 10, with both shows beginning at 7:30 p.m., marking a milestone weekend for the locally owned comedy venue.
Originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and now based in Denver, Tobler brings a fearless, story-driven style shaped by a life few comics can match. His comedy has landed him features on Comedy Central, Fox, and ESPN, while his albums Token White Boy and Ramblin’ and Gamblin’ have helped cement his reputation as one of stand-up’s most unapologetic voices.
“I’ve been on the road a bunch lately,” Tobler said ahead of his return to Rapid City. “Phoenix, New Year’s Eve in Vegas, and now heading up to Rapid. I’m excited — coming up for two nights will be great.”
That road-tested perspective fuels much of Tobler’s comedy. Before stepping fully into stand-up, he lived a high-risk, high-stakes life in Las Vegas working as a runner for professional sports gamblers — a wild chapter that later became the basis for his bestselling memoir Free Roll.
“I never thought I’d write a book,” Tobler said. “I dropped out of junior college. If you’d told me one day I’d write a memoir, I would’ve laughed. But I’m really proud of it.”
Beyond the stage and page, Tobler is also the creator and host of the award-winning podcast The 31, where guests ranging from comedians and athletes to entertainers of all backgrounds answer a rotating set of personal questions. The show, currently on hiatus, is expected to return later this year.
Tobler has a personal connection to Rapid City, dating back to childhood basketball tournaments and more recently through performing at West River Comedy Club during its early days. “I was one of the first comics to perform there,” he said. “It’s really cool to see a small business work that hard and make it to a year. I love seeing places like that grow.”
The anniversary shows will feature more than just stand-up, with the club promising big prizes, special birthday energy, and a full-house celebration atmosphere. Organizers say the weekend is meant as a thank-you to the Rapid City community for supporting live comedy downtown.
“Last time I was in Rapid, people really showed up,” Tobler added. “It was supportive, it was fun, and I can’t wait to come back and do it again.”
Tickets for both nights are available now through West River Comedy Club. With two shows, a milestone anniversary, and a headliner who blends sharp humor with unbelievable real-life stories, the weekend is shaping up to be one of the club’s biggest yet.
