Jo Koy

Jo Koy could be working for a casino resort now instead of headlining its stage – and then some – had he not followed his dream and dropped out of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to pursue stand-up comedy.

It hasn’t hurt to have the support of people like Chelsea Handler and Adam Carolla from an early stage, either.

He’s made the transition from Las Vegas coffeehouses to an upcoming eight-night run at Honolulu’s 2,180-capacity Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall – with talks for up to three additional dates underway at press time.

Courtesy Netflix – Jo Koy
Cover photo 11/13/17

“Jo’s business primarily has been in comedy clubs, but we have strategically added casinos and specific theatres over the last few years,” explained Koy’s agent, Matt Blake of CAA.  “The major shift took place when the release date of his Netflix special was announced, and Jo began a newfound focus in social media in order to push viewers to Netflix and drive ticket sales. 

“His [live] business has taken off dramatically, but there are other milestones worth mentioning here as well.  He has sold out two Florida theatres in Jacksonville and we are doing four shows at the Club Regent Event Center in Winnipeg, both being new markets for Jo.  He also sold 5,700 tickets on his own at Thunder Valley Casino Amphitheater [in Lincoln, Calif.], where he has previously played on festival shows,” Blake said.

Koy, like many younger comedians, has taken maximum advantage of new platforms by which to reach new fans. No longer are HBO or even Comedy Central specials the only means of hooking viewers.

“At Netflix, some comedians have modest results and, for others, their career can change.  Jo Koy’s ticket sales have increased dramatically and the beautiful part is it isn’t restricted to solely one demographic.  His audience has increased in numbers across the board,” Blake said.

“Since Jo is great about adding shows when he feels momentum, we’ve been strategic when choosing theatre venues knowing that when we hit gold like we did in Hawaii, he will add shows until we run out of space!”