“Toys for Tots is a great organization,” Sample said before he described how often he incorporates local charities into his performances. “Folks will call me up and say we’re struggling to raise funds for our nonprofit group and we need some help.”
Folks can expect classic bits from Sample’s “Bert and I” days and new material at Saturday’s performance. On sale will be copies of Sample’s recent book “Answers to Questions Nobody Was Askin’: And Other Revelations”, as well as copies of “Drunken Fireworks” an audio book written by Maine author Stephen King and narrated by Sample.
Sample said this isn’t his first time he’s worked with King, “[Drunken Fireworks] is a Maine humor story, classic Steve King. I had a ton of fun doing it and I always love working with Steve.” According to Sample the story is about two families on a lake in Maine having a feud year after year. “Drunken Fireworks” was released earlier this summer by Simon and Schuster.
Sample made his first appearance at the CPAC in 1989, and shortly afterward began his own label on which he’s produced 12 comedy albums. He would later be back to film an episode of CBS Sunday Morning’s “Postcards from Maine” featuring the National Symphony Orchestra on the CPAC stage.
Sample said he’s lucky to have been born inside instead of out in the cold in Fort Fairfield. “I love Aroostook County. I’ve performed all sorts of shows over the years: the swan song when they closed the officers club at Loring Air Force Base, Houlton, Ashland, Fort Fairfield and more. I’ve had some wonderful memorable nights. County people are the nicest in the world and they always have great audiences there, it’s just terrific.”
Sample’s comedic stylings and Maine observations are always evolving. A lot of people ask him where he gets his material and he’ll casually respond with “obviously you’re not paying attention.” As the world of comedy has changed around him over the years relying more on vulgarity to get yucks, Sample as remained the same: down to earth, and family friendly.
