By Ed Condran
Much has changed for Nate Bargatze. Six years ago, the fledgling comic was playing clubs. Fast forward just over a half-decade later and Bargatze is headlining arenas and featured on legendary TV shows.
Bargatze’s mind was blown in October 2023 when he hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the first time. “That was just insane,” Bargatze said. “I watched ‘Saturday Night Live’ a ton when I was a kid.
“I became friends with (‘SNL’ alums) David Spade and Adam Sandler. I was just happy to know some of the greats from ‘SNL,’ but then I got to host the show. It is the most fun thing I’ve done in my career.”
Bargatze, 45, is an unusual comic who is generally reserved and regarded as one of the nicest standups on the circuit. Comics are stereotyped as selfish and egocentric, but the married father of a 12-year-old daughter is happily laidback.
“That’s just the way I am,” Bargatze said while calling from Nashville. “I guess I am nice, but I don’t like to make fun of people or make fun of the crowd. I prefer to make fun of myself and just talk about what’s on my mind.”
Bargatze will wax about being a guy from the last century. “I talk about being from the 1900s,” Bargatze said. “It was a different time. I graduated from high school in 1997, and it’s just a completely different world that we’re in.
“There are so many people who can relate to how different things are now and who are used to an old way of life and aren’t so good with modern technology. Some people feel like they’re left behind.”
Many comics from the 1900s broke courtesy of appearances on “The Tonight Show,” but Bargatze is a 21st century entertainer who became a sensation courtesy of three Netflix specials and podcast appearances.
“Comedy is everywhere now,” Bargatze said. “Comedy is in your pocket. Pull out your phone, and you have access to some amazing comedians. Appearing on a podcast, not just having one, but appearing on a popular one can change your life.”
Bargatze’s life has changed dramatically. Within a half-decade, Bargatze, who will perform Jan. 8 and 10-11 at Encore Theater in Wynn Vegas, went from performing to a double-digit audience at clubs to selling out arenas.
A few months before playing Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in April 2023, Bargatze attended a Twenty One Pilots concert with his daughter. “I asked her how she thought I would do playing there.
“And she said, ‘I don’t know. This is a really big place.’ ” No problem. Bargatze can handle it.
If You Go
7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and 10-11, 3121 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. (702) 770-7000; WynnLasVegas.com
