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This rising comedy star is from New West - and you can see him live in November

A rising star in the world of comedy – and a former New Westminster resident – is on his way back home to entertain. Gavin Matts, who was raised in New Westminster and now lives in L.A., is a rapidly rising star in the world of comedy.
Record Staff
Gavin Matts
New Westminster-raised Gavin Matts is returning to Vancouver from L.A. for a comedy show on Nov. 16 at the Biltmore Cabaret.Yoko Haraoka, contributed

A rising star in the world of comedy – and a former New Westminster resident – is on his way back home to entertain.

Gavin Matts, who was raised in New Westminster and now lives in L.A., is a rapidly rising star in the world of comedy.  He’s set to perform later this month in Vancouver - at the Biltmore Cabaret on Saturday, Nov. 16, in a show presented by JFL NorthWest.

Matts has been making waves in the comedy world. In September, he made his late-night TV debut on Conan, and he was a writer on the past season of CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes.

Matts’ style has been recognized by the top scouts who are always on the lookout for new talent. Last fall, the New York Comedy Festival and Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco selected Matts to perform in its coveted TBS Comics to Watch showcase, featuring 10 top new comedians. Matts’ appearance put him in the ranks of previously featured stand-ups Ali Wong and Michael Che, as well as comics who have gone on to write for The Tonight Show and The Daily Show. His hilarious set earned him one of only two appearances being offered on Conan.

“Off-season at JFL NorthWest, we continue to seek out great talent and bring that comedy to Vancouver,” explains Heather Wallace, festival director for JFL NorthWest. “And when we can present one of Vancouver’s own comics to a hometown crowd, then that makes it all the more fun. This is an excellent chance to see Gavin Matts in a small, intimate venue while you still can.”

Matts has performed at venues and as part of specials usually saved for seasoned comics, such as Comedy Central, Caroline’s on Broadway and Just for Laughs. The 20-something Matts was also hand-picked by comedian Bill Burr to record a set for his new stand-up showcase Bill Burr Presents, coming to Comedy Central this January.

Matts also has a comedy album, Premature, with 604 Records, intertwining stand-up with sketches. It premiered at number 1 on the iTunes comedy charts and is now available on all streaming services.

Tickets to Matts’ Vancouver show are $19, on sale now through www.eventbrite.ca.