An evening of hilarity for Habitat for Humanity

Big Daddy Tazz is rolling into town with the laughs this weekend and he’s bringing a couple of friends along for the ride.

On Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, the Big Daddy Tazz and Friends Comedy Show kicks off 90 minutes of hilarity with all proceeds to the Habitat for Humanity Brandon Chapter.

Big Daddy Tazz, lauded for his comedic chops, is also known as the “Bi-Polar Buddha,” a 30-year veteran of the stage who brings light and laughter and advocacy to all kinds of audiences.

He’ll be tripping across the boards with pals Danielle Kayahara, a festival circuit favourite, producer and host of “Wisecracks for Weirdos” and one of The Lady Lumps, and Rob Pue, the first Canadian-born winner of the prestigious San Francisco Comedy Competition and a North American touring champ.

“It’s going to be a great night of raising money and having some kinship — whatever we can do to take somebody away from their lives for just a little bit,” Tazz said.

“We’re just gonna bring everybody into a big room and make them laugh a whole bunch!”

While the show doesn’t come with a content warning, Tazz suggests kids are not the target audience.

“The material is going to be clean, but it is going to be for ages 16 and above, moreso because they won’t understand stuff that we talk about … like CBC,” Tazz said.

“And tickets are only, like, 25 bucks, which is I think — if you look historically — that’s the same as being nine cents for a chocolate bar. I’m not a mathematician, but I think I’m pretty close on that …”

A silent auction will be part of the fun with plenty of prizes donated by generous supporters.

“It’s important to know that 100 per cent of every fundraising dollar, and any grant that’s received goes directly towards our builds and their supplies,” said Bonnie Mills, community engagement manager at Habitat Manitoba, Brandon Chapter.

“Our Habitat Re-store is here to supplement our overhead costs so that the funds coming in are not paying for wages. That’s something that we’re really proud to say.”

Mills said Habitat is raring and ready to gear up for next year’s build at the Assiniboine Gardens on Sixth St. North.

“That’s a new development that we get to expand, build some houses, and create a nice little community,” she said.

“We have large pockets of land so it’ll be for multiple homes over the years.”

The Brandon chapter regularly builds two homes per year, which she said right now is a good steady pace.

Ryan Pandolfi, manager at the Habitat Re-Store at 630 Rosser Avenue, said the $25 tickets are supporting that great cause.

“It stays local. It’s really important when people are spending money to know it stays right here, and helps out the community right away,” Pandolfi said.

Pandolfi said that Big Daddy Tazz is a favourite which is why they keep bringing him back. And it doesn’t hurt that the two of them have a bit of history.

“I’ve known Tazz for 12 or 13 years, and I’ve done various events with him. He’s very close, I consider him family,” Padolfi said.

“We’ve done a lot of shows together and I was very lucky and fortunate and blessed and everything to be able to bring that partnership over to Habitat and start doing shows for Habitat.”

Tazz has props for Pandolfi and said their relationship is a key reason he does the show.

“He is just so passionate about helping people. He’s become my little brother and I’m an uncle to his son Logan,” Tazz said.

“We tease each other ‘cause I’m round and he’s teeny — so if I held him in my arms, we kind of look like the letter Q on its side.”

Tazz’s affections also extend to Habitat.

“You know, I love this organization so much. Habitat is such a great charity that helps people who will never be able to get a house because of financial limits. They can now have a house … a house that’s theirs,” Tazz said.

Tazz also points out that the families who benefit aren’t getting a “free house.” Recipients are at an income threshold, receive a Habitat Manitoba mortgage with no down payment or interest, are required to spend 500 hours on the build among other requirements to ensure success and future financial stability.

Tazz is pumped and ready to hit the stage.

“I love me some Brandon, right? I love the people and I always have fun out there. And this being our sixth annual, it just always feels like I’m coming not quite home, but to my auntie’s place … that I actually like to stay at!”

Big Daddy Tazz and Friends Comedy Show takes place Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 7 p.m. Get tickets from Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (wmca.ca), email info@wmca.ca, call: 204-728-9510 or go directly to the WMCA box office at 205 20th Street.

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