by Will Thomas
Crystal Koosman lives in Missoula, Montana with her husband and two cats.
Afternoon, Crystal. Good to actually chat with you. So to start, what do you think of Montana as a comedy haven?
Montana really surprised me. I moved to Missoula 3 years ago, and I didn’t go see comedy right away. When I finally went to a Roxy showcase, about two years ago, I was astonished by how great it was. Missoula comics are really really funny. The first comics to really make an impression on me here were Charley Macorn, Clinton Lawson, and Sarah Aswell. People here work hard to be good at what they do. And the scene is incredibly welcoming and supportive.
I'd agree, Missoula is surprising and supportive. But now you're making your way to Billings? Have you done comedy on this side of the state before?
I have not. Back on the Mississippi watershed side of the Continental Divide! I’m from the Twin Cities and that’s where I started performing stand-up. Wikipedia says Billings has a population of about 110,000. That’s about 30% bigger than Missoula’s population, but it’s still a small city. Something I love about living in a smaller place is that it seems easier to get people together and create a vibrant artistic scene. And by art I’m including all kinds of art.
I'd agree. This festival is combining art, music and comedy of all sorts, which is why I'm glad you're going to be a part of it! What type of music do you regularly listen to?
I’m a volunteer DJ for Missoula’s college radio station KBGA, so I’m really into music. Are you sure you want to ask me this question?
I opened the saran-wrapped bundle of joy....
My favorite two bands are Stereolab and Guided by Voices. Stereolab are a band of women and men from France and England who play brass instruments and analog synths. Guided by Voices are from Dayton, Ohio, and they’re the greatest garage-rock band of all time.
Haha. I can say now that I’ve at least heard about someone who’s heard of them. Ok. So if you had a superpower, which would you choose?
Mm. Re-freezing the icecaps? For real though, time travel.
Sweet! Time travel, one of the most complex powers. I love it. Where would you travel to, with that skillset.
That’s classified information…but I’d even be OK with limited time travel. Like if I could re-visit my earlier life with my current knowledge.
I see. Well, we'll switch gears and dive into some other questions, yes? How long have you been doing stand up comedy?
Off and on since 2009. I hate telling people that though. Please have low expectations so you can be pleasantly surprised. Just like I had low expectations of Montana.
I think the crowds here will love you all the same. Now, what would be the food you could eat everyday if you could only have one meal forever?
It would have to be well-balanced. A platter with assorted fruits, bread, cheese, olives, and fresh and pickled vegetables. And grapes. I know grapes are fruit, but I want to specifically mention them for some reason. Actually olives are fruit too.
I would like to point out that you are the first person to actually say a well-balanced meal. I've asked that questions to tons of folks and that was by and away the best answer.
Hehehehe
Also, did not think about olives being fruit. Interesting! Any other random facts you wanna toss out there to the general public about you before the show on Aug 11th?
Um, nope!
Guess we're keeping it a surprise then, folks! Crystal, great to chat with you and looking forward to hearing you next month!
Likewise! Thank you Will for inviting me to be part of the show.
