By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
A 15-year Texas comedy legend, Mario Salazar is returning to Del Rio as he tries to take the next big step in his storied career.
Salazar, who’s opened for stars like Paul Rodriguez and Raymond Orta at the historic Paul Poag Theatre, will now be headlining his own show there at 8 p.m. July 10.
The show is being filmed and will be shopped to HBO, Comedy Central and other channels that feature live comedy.
Loves Del Rio
“Whenever I’ve performed in Del Rio, I’ve just loved everything about the town, it’s a really special place,” Salazar said from his home in McAllen. “And the Paul Poag Theatre, it’s just really something great. It takes your breath away, it’s just beautiful.”
So when his management team brought him the idea of filming a special, it was the first place he thought of.
“The audiences there have always been great,” he said. His comedy is known for shedding a humorous light on the everyday experience and quirks of life along the Texas and Mexico border. “I’m from the Rio Grande Valley but Del Rio gets my humor so when I want to put my best foot forward, I want to be in Del Rio.”
After the seven-person production crew records and edits the show, his management team will help find it a home on a network’s airwaves. “If this succeeds, it will be a great step for my career,” Salazar said.
His career has been steadily growing over the last 15 years with a steady national touring schedule, opening for numerous national acts like Ice Cube and Cypress Hill, as well as more than his share of viral videos.
Viral videos
Salazar is designated as a “Super Fan” by the now Los Angeles Chargers and was selected to announce the Chargers’ draft pick shortly after they moved to Los Angeles.
“I pretty much trolled the NFL for the San Diego Chargers,” he said. “When I announced the draft pick, I said the ‘always in my heart San Diego Chargers,’ instead of Los Angeles Chargers.”
Naturally, the video went viral among the Chargers faithful with several million adoring views.
He’s also specialized in giving humorous commentary to public fights that are recorded and put on Facebook and Youtube. Salazar takes the fights and puts commentary to them with a special flair that’s received as many as 11 million views.
However, Saturday’s performance will be about his stand-up comedy, not viral videos.
He’ll have an all-star comedy lineup bringing Del Rio native Irma Ruiz, Freddy G, Sonia Trevino and Rudy Barba to this all-star comedy feature.
Tickets can be purchased for $20 to $36 at www.SuperstarComedy.net.
