Review: Tim Heidecker at The Orange Peel

Pointless and counterproductive as it is to review comedy shows, the blend of jokes and music on display in Tim Heidecker’s Feb. 13 stop at The Orange Peel nevertheless warrants praise.

Somewhat shockingly taking the stage shortly after 8 p.m., when many attendees were expecting “opener” DJ Douggpound (and may very well have been at a bar up the street, counting on the usual 9 p.m. start time), the headliner peppered his setlist with his distinct style of humor like a modern-day Steve Martin. Backed by The Very Good Band — composed of Eliana Athayde (bass/vocals), Josh Adams (drums), Vic Berger (keys), and Connor “Catfish” Gallaher (guitar/pedal steel) — a smattering of the gags even took musical form, allowing Heidecker to brilliantly face his dual “fears” of audience apathy and The Grateful Dead head-on.

Tight as the group was, Heidecker’s catalog isn’t especially deep or catchy, and even with a fun, faithful cover of George Harrison’s “Wah-Wah,” the schtick has a shelf-life of about an hour — roughly the length of a headlining stand-up set. As such, it was an inspired decision to position DJ Douggpound’s contributions in the middle of the performance, not merely to give Heidecker’s comedy room to breathe but to properly showcase the wit and skills of his longtime collaborator.

The parody DJ’s set deserves a packed house — which, through some combination of steep ticket prices, WNC residents’ slashed post-Helene budgets, and uncertainty over what kind of show to expect from Heidecker, he sadly didn’t get — and deserves to be experienced in person. Thankfully, no amount of play-by-play can adequately convey the depth of his funny business. But it’s safe to say that his mix of samples, commentary, original recordings, and a “special guest” works extraordinarily well and never overstays its welcome.

If anything, it was a bummer to see DJ Douggpound go, though Heidecker and The Very Good Band’s second set remained plenty engaging, particularly a rendition of “What the Brokenhearted Do” that included some extremely silly audience participation. The ensemble also saved some of its most sonically rich jamming for last, hinting that if this group wanted to take the sincere, traditional band route, it most certainly could.

But then it wouldn’t be a Tim Heidecker show, and the world is a better place with his distinct perspective in it.

(Photos by Jonny Leather)