Acclaimed comedian Jiaoying Summers chatted talks about her upcoming benefit show at Hollywood Improv on February 13.
It will raise funds for Stand with Asians Community Fund to help victims of gun violence following the tragedies on Lunar New York.
Hollywood Improv
On this forthcoming comedy show, she said, “Some of the best comics in the LA area are coming together to raise money for the families that were affected by the gun violence in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, CA this year.”
“We are standing together to bring love, light and laughter during such uncertain times to remind our Asian community we are here for them and they are not alone. We comics will bring our A game and include new material just for the night. It will be a very special event, a night to remember,” she elaborated.
“You should clear your schedule for Monday the 13th and come out to the Hollywood Improv to support an incredible cause and also laugh your ass off,” she said. “You know laughing burns calories, right? So when you drink at a comedy show, as long as the comics are good, the calories from the drinks don’t count.”
On her comedic routine inspirations, she shared, “Politics, celebrities, and people I love. I live to roast hot topics and my family. Anything that I feel passionate about inspires my comedic routine and perspective.”
Asian Hall of Fame inductee
She has been inducted into the hallowed Asian Hall of Fame. “That was the honor of my life, I’m now an Asian Hall of Fame inductee,” she exclaimed.
“That moment, holding two trophies in my hand! My Asian Hall of Fame inductee trophy and my old pal – the microphone. Being a part of the Asian Hall of Fame has lifted me up so high, I’ll do whatever I can to keep amplifying the AAPI voice in comedy and push boundaries and reclaim the narrative of the AAPI experience with humor and respect,” she added.
Regarding his plans for the future, she said, “TV Comedy Special, National Comedy Tour and producing a TV show about my life. Also, the Apollo Theatre… I’m thinking all good things.”
The digital age
Summers opened up about being a comedian in the digital age, especially now with streaming and technology being so prevalent. “I am so grateful for TikTok and Instagram and all the platforms where my comedy can reach countries and small towns I will never get the opportunity to visit,” she said.
“It’s truly amazing to have fans all over the globe in places I have never visited and the best part is that this happened organically! I went viral and my comedy career truly started…. Uber Karen is a hit,” she added.
Podcast
She spoke about launching her podcast “Tiger MILF.” “That has been amazing, simply amazing,” she said. “I love all of the guests. I have the most talented and interesting comics come on my show. I also love seeing little clips from our episodes soar into the millions of views and likes!”
“I am very proud of the podcast. It is also another avenue for me to spread my voice and experience to people who need to hear what I have to say. Because I don’t hold back. I tell the truth,” she added.
Success
On her definition of success, Summers said, “Success means that we made it. By ‘we,’ I mean my team, including me, but not only me. We work together like a well oiled machine and push through and keep going. There will be bumps and setbacks but as long as we can all work together and get to where we want to go we are successful.”
To learn more about Asian comedy queen Jiaoying Summers, follow her on Instagram.
