Local professor to launch family-friendly comedy show
Dr. Michael Halcomb is serious about funny business
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
February 20, 2026
Dr. Michael Halcomb, a college professor, author and podcaster, is bringing a new entertainment option to the community, Feb. 28, with the launch of the Hit Reset Comedy Show, a family-friendly standup performance at C.A.M.P. Photo by Fred McCormick
If an archetype representing the craft of standup comedy exists, Dr. Michael Halcomb probably would not be an obvious fit, at first glance. The Montreat College professor, author and presenter has learned 12 languages throughout his academic career and continues to spend much of his time studying the Bible.
While his professional pursuits require earnest scholastic methodology and rigor, the Swannanoa resident’s artistic outlet is dedicated to making people laugh. Influenced by his dual passions for humor and prose, Halcomb’s latest production, a monthly standup show at Asheville’s Coffee, Art, Music type Place (C.A.M.P.), which debuts at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, aspires to offer a unique entertainment option for all ages.
Tickets to the show are $10 and can be purchased at coffeeartmusictypeplace.org.
Hit Reset: A Monthly Family-Friendly Comedy Show will kick off with with sets featuring Big Jake Hovis, a Kentucky-based “clean comedian;” Johnson City school counselor and jokester Garrett McDonald and Halcomb. All three performers have professional backgrounds in education.
The art of comedy has experienced a significant revival since the COVID pandemic, when more people began seeking entertainment online, according to Halcomb, who began writing jokes after attending a workshop when he lived in Hawaii. A style of the craft that can enjoyed together by parents and children is also in the midst of a renaissance, he added.
“You see big names like Nate Bargatze, one of the biggest standup comedy names in the world, and people like that are blazing the trail for clean comedy,” Halcomb said. “I think a lot of people are kind of fatigued by shock, and primed to appreciate the cleverness and wit of clean comedy.”
With an extensive background in research, the comedian has embraced the technical aspect of writing and delivering jokes. His comedy podcast—Messed-Up to Set-Ups—features industry guests, who work through the process of writing jokes with the host.
Dr. Michael Halcomb, left, and Big Jake Horvis will be featured, Feb. 29, when the Hit Reset Comedy Show debuts at C.A.M.P. Courtesy photo
“I enjoy pulling back the curtain to let people see the process of what comedians do,” Halcomb said. “After we do that, I have these random headline prompts, and we riff on those on the spot. That show is always really fun and provides a unique insight into comedy.”
With a background as a public presenter and experience in production, he partnered with C.A.M.P., which opened last April in east Asheville, to host the Hit Reset Comedy Show. The venue serves specialty coffees and teas from local roasters and offers a collection of hand-crafted goods from more than 40 area artists.
“It’s a cool place, but what I really love about it is that they emphasize working with local artists,” Halcomb said. “The do some open mic nights and other events there, but I believe this is their first comedy show, so I’m really excited to do it.”
The producer turned to his friend and fellow comedian Hovis, a high school teacher who has performed in Colorado and his current hometown of Louisville, to headline the first show. The comedian’s 6-foot-8-inch frame is just one of the many qualities he brings to the stage, according to Halcomb.
“Big Jake is a friend of mine, and we’re currently working on a comedy project together,” he said. “I wanted to get a big headliner in here to kick this thing off, so I invited Big Jake. The dude is not only gigantic, but as soon as he opens his mouth to speak, all the preconceived notions are out the window. He’s incredibly clever and a really funny guy.”
Establishing a regular comedy show that is accessible to families will bring something new to area, according to Halcomb.
“The shows will be funny, but at the same time, I want my family to come and not be embarrassed by what they hear on stage,” he said. “Communities and families getting together and laughing together is truly a beautiful thing, and that feels like something a lot of people could use right now.”