Comedian Joe Bartnick returns home to Pittsburgh for birthday celebration

Legendary funnyman Joe Bartnick returns home to Pittsburgh on Friday for an event five decades in the making.

The best-selling author will take the stage at Club Cafe for a birthday bash.

Doors open at 10 p.m. with the show starting at 10:30 at 56 S. 12th St. in the South Side.

“I turn 50, so if you bet the under you lost,” Bartnick said about the celebration. “I’m better at performing now than I was in my 20’s. Comedy is one of the only things that gets better with age. If you keep working hard you’re bound to improve.”

Bartnick was born on the South Side and lived in different parts of the South Hills and Bethel Park.

He said the Steel City is where he “learned to eat, drink and be funny.”

“It always feels great to come back to Pittsburgh,” Bartnick said. “It’s where my family is, and I have great friends here. Randy (Baumann) and the ‘DVE Morning Show (102.5 FM) always makes me feel at home, too. Always great to be surrounded by only Penguins and Steelers fans, plus the food. I always look forward to seeing my parents and a Danny Hoagie.”

The Seton-La Salle graduate moved to California and started his comedy career in 1997.

His television projects include the ESPYs, and starred in Playboy TV’s series “King of Clubs.”

Bartnick has written for and opened for the “Queen of Mean” Lisa Lampanelli. He’s opened for Bill Burr and headlined shows many times.

Barnick also scores roles in movies like “Zombie Wars,” “National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie,” “What Dreams May Come” and “The Last Hurrah.”

When not on stage talking about fatherhood, dieting, drugs, drinking or relationships, Barnick enjoys talking about his other passion, sports.

He’s co-host of the hockey podcast Puck Off, a columnist for Pro Hockey News and a regular guest on Ferrall on the Bench and “The Mark Madden Show” on 105.9 the X to name a few. Other writing accomplishments include “You Might Be a Metal Head” with Don Jamieson and contributions to Eddie Griffin’s “Going For Broke” and Snoop Dogg After Dark.

Stand-up comedy remains at the top of Bartnick’s to-do list.

“I’m happy right now with my act,” Bartnick said. “I’m prepping for a special with All Things Comedy, and I have a ton of new jokes I’m excited about.”

Friday night’s celebration is presented by WDVE and Opus One Comedy.

Special guests, including Collin Chamberlin, will be in attendance.

“He is awesome,” Bartnick said of Chamberlin. “It’s going to be a great show and fun after-party. So come on dahn the South Side.”

Tickets for the 21 and older show are $10 and available at ticketweb.com.

More information about Bartnick is available online at www.joebartnick.com.