Chicago’s Comic: Amer Zahr

Q: What inspired you to start stand-up comedy?
A: I had the opportunity to tell the story of our Arab-American and Palestinian-American experiences effectively. I saw comedians like Dave Chapelle, George Lopez and more who were telling their cultural narrative through comedy.
Q: Describe your first performance.
A: It was an open mic at the University of Michigan in 2003.
Q: Do you have pre-show rituals? If so, what are they?
A: Not really. But I always have to pee like 30 seconds before I hit the stage.

Q: Where in the world is your favorite place to perform stand-up? Why is this your favorite place?
A: Palestine, specifically Jerusalem. The emotion is real and raw among the crowds there and it makes for amazing energy on stage.
Q: What are three of your favorite things?
A: Maqlooba, mloukhiyeh, knafe… look it up.
Q: What is your favorite sammich?
A: A great, herbacious falafel.

Q: What’s one thing people assume about you, that is or isn’t true?
A: They mostly assume comedy isn’t my full-time job. “Oh, you’re so funny. So, what do you really do?”
Q: If you weren’t a comic, what other job would you love to do?
A: Civil rights attorney.
Q: What are some comedy goals/dreams you have on your To Do List?
A: To perform in Gaza.

Q: What quality, trait and/or body part do you really like about yourself?
A: I always try to stay optimistic.
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
A: I have a Master’s degree in Middle East Studies and a Law degree. And believe it or not, they lend themselves very well to my material.
Q: How will you know you “Made It?”
A: I always feel like I’ve made it when fellow Arabs tell me, “Thank you.”
COMING UP
- Look out for the annual “1001 Laughs Dearborn Comedy Festival” at the Arab American National Museum
AROUND THE WEB
- Website: amerzahr.com
- Facebook: Amer Zahr
- Instagram: @amerzahr
- Twitter: @amerzahr
- Read “Being Palestinian Makes Me Smile,” available on Amazon
- Watch “We’re Not White” documentary on YouTube
- Read “The Civil Arab” on civilarab.com