An overview of "Maine humor"

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on February 19th, 2006

It’s a whole different world up there in Maine. And it appears they have their own humor. Check out this article in the Portsmouth Herald Accent (“50 years after ‘Bert and I’, Maine humor retains its appeal”) to get a feel for the “scene,” such as it is.

There are a handful of humorist making a decent living by spinning yarns in the peculiar laid back style that has become part of the Pine Tree State culture.

Contemporary comedian Bob Marley is mentioned, but it’s clear that the author perceives Marley as a departure from the traditional humorists.

His brand of comedy, he said, comes at a different pace.

“On The Tonight Show, they want a laugh every 20 seconds. A Maine humorist might take four minutes to get the first laugh,” he said.

Maine humor is presented most often at theaters, festivals and professional gatherings, not comedy clubs or bars. Humorists steer clear of off-color language and say they avoid performing in venues where liquor flows because their material demands an audience’s close attention.

Sounds like a corporate gig.

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