Funny Bones
Jerry Farber Celebrates His 87th Birthday at the Loft, March 20
By Frank Etheridge
Stand-up legend Jerry Farber looms large as a comedy icon.
It’s no easy feat to be a living legend in the world of stand-up comedy, but Jerry Farber has taken the challenge in stride, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that age is just a number—and a punchline. Mark your calendars for March 20, because the comedy world is coming together for a night of hilarity in honor of this philosophical funnyman’s 87th birthday. Yes, you heard that right—87!
Get ready for a celebration at The Loft’s Green Room, where Farber will lead the charge, with his dear friend James Etchison opening the show. “I consider him a friend and mentor, ” Etchison says by phone. “Jerry’s a wise, serious person who is also always hilarious. I love how you never know which way he’s going to go, if it’s to a punchline or to ponder something serious. I appreciate his perspective on life.”
Farber is a storyteller with a knack for meshing wit and wisdom that hooks audiences from the very first line. From his Buckhead apartment, he reminisces about his humble beginnings, growing up during the Great Depression in a tiny North Carolina town. There, his parents instilled in him the importance of giving back, often requesting that gifts be donated to charity instead of pocketed—a karmic investment that would guide him throughout his life. “These birthday shows, I’ve long enjoyed turning them into charity events,” Farber chuckles. “This year, it’s all going to my front pocket. Truly in need, my front pocket.”
As a testament to his enduring spirit, Farber continues to share his comic genius not just for the applause but to connect with others. “Nothing compares to seeing a baby smile, or strangers coming together to laugh,” he muses. “Sure, getting paid is nice—especially when you can take your 24-year-old kid out for dinner—but even without the pay, I’d still do it.”
This year’s birthday bash has a charitable twist. Proceeds will support the beloved Zuma Coffee & Provisions, a cherished spot in Marshall, North Carolina, that has been closed since devastating floods hit the area last fall. Just another layer of Farber’s mission to uplift others, proving that laughter and compassion go hand in hand.
But don’t think this will be a solemn, teary-eyed affair. Knowing Farber, expect his signature humor to shine bright, tackling everything from life’s absurdities to the quirks of age with a wry grin. “At 87, I feel like I could play for the Giants for two more years,” he jokes, adding, “but I’m just living my life, grateful to wake up each day without terminal pains.”
Freshly 87 (the Pisces’s birthday is March 8), Farber acknowledges his humor has evolved over the years. And there’s no ignoring the Grim Reaper who is coming for each and every one of us.
Yet, even that’s funny.
Farber references Woody Allen when joking that he’s not afraid of dying – he “just doesn’t want to be there when it happens.” As far as the afterlife, he’s not sure, but “packing an extra pair of underwear just in case.”
His humor isn’t lost on the notion of our current political climate. “I can’t wrap my head around how divided we are as a nation,” he reflects. “It feels like the Civil War out there, and I hope we can figure it out and come together again.” One can’t help but admire his candid acknowledgment of the state of affairs, delivered with the same punchline-style insight that has fueled his comedy career.
As the day approaches, fans can expect the usual raucous laughter and a packed crowd—after all, Farber’s birthday shows are notorious for selling out. So, grab your tickets for just $10 in advance and prepare to bask in the comedic light of a true icon. This is bound to be a night of high spirits, hearty laughs, and a collection of nostalgic tales spun with Farber’s special brand of charm.
Join us at The Loft on March 20, where laughter will echo, stories will flow, and perhaps a life lesson or two will slip between the punchlines. In the words of the legend himself, “I don’t do political jokes, because every time I do, they get elected.” Hopefully, this birthday will inspire laughter, unity, and perhaps a smidgen of that long-lost civility we all crave. Cheers to Jerry Farber—a king among jesters—who shows no signs of slowing down.
Crown & Comedy: Jerry Farber 87th Birthday Stand-Up Show feat. James Etchison
7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20
The Loft’s Green Room, 1032 Broadway
Tickets $10 (buy in advance – Farber bday bashes always sell out)
*IT’S A JOKE, Y’ALL: Proceeds from Farber’s 87th birthday shows will benefit the beloved Zuma Coffee & Provisions, a beloved haven for bluegrass and baked goods in the mountain town of Marshall, North Carolina, still shuttered from last fall’s devastating floods.
