Meet Lars Callieou!
Today, HOLR is chatting with Lars Callieou, from Calgary, Alberta, to discuss his experience being part of the annual Volkswagen Volksgiving and how it is celebrating owners who have a special story to tell.
Keep reading to learn all about Lars and his story.
What has being part of this year’s Volksgiving meant to you?
It’s so surreal. It’s still hard to wrap my head around the incredible trip Volkswagen sent me on. New York City on New Year’s Eve to watch the Ball Drop in Times Square, it’s unbelievable. Being a part of Volksgiving made me feel appreciated as a customer, I’m glad I purchased a Volkswagen. I love my car, the trip was a HUGE bonus I wasn’t expecting, it was the trip of a lifetime (there are pictures on Instagram @ExtraLars).
What is the most rewarding thing about your work?
Doing tours for the military might be the most rewarding part of the job. I’ve had the pleasure of entertaining the troops five times. It feels special to bring laughter to those who are trying to make the world a better place. Being able to help charities in 2020 and 2021 was a very close second. Food Banks, the Christmas Bureau, Santa’s Anonymous, were all in such need, I’m glad I was able to help where I could (we donated over $23,000 to charities in 2020).
Travelling during a tour is as much a road trip as any. How do you keep yourself entertained during the trip?
It sure is. There’s a saying in comedy, ‘They pay us for the travel, we do the show for free. With 736,000 kms on my 2009 Jetta, I’ve been on a few road trips. If I’m by myself I’ll listen to audiobooks, if I’m lucky enough to be touring with another comedian, we’ll chat about everything and anything. And listen to music, Jimmy Whiffen’s song ‘It’s a Livin’ but it Ain’t No Life’ starts a lot of the tours. Sidenote: I’m planning a big celebration for my car at 768,800 kms. That’s the distance to the Moon and back!
What inspired you to start your comedic journey?
My parents were professional musicians, I grew up in a family of entertainers. I thought I would follow in their footsteps, but the music gene skipped me, I couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. I’ve always loved comedy, I started collecting jokes when I was about 6 years old and won a drama award in Jr. High, I knew I wanted to be on stage. The first time I tried stand up in 2003 I knew I found my calling, I felt like I was supposed to be there. 14 years of comedy being my job, I still can’t believe it. When I’m filling out a form and there’s a line for ‘Occupation’, I hesitate to write ‘comedian’, I’m worried they’ll think it’s a joke.
What’s been your biggest challenge professionally during the pandemic? What’s the most rewarding?
Great question. As someone who makes his living in comedy clubs and theatres etch, venues were closed for the majority of 2020 and had limited capacity in 2021. I took the show outdoors, I started the Firepit Comedy Tour and did 205 shows in people’s backyards. Comedy outdoors is less than ideal but I was happy to be working. During the winters I did over 100 virtual shows, once again, not ideal but I wanted to work. The term ‘pivot’ is applicable, I suppose. That’s what most entertainers were doing, adapting. Reinventing the wheel, trying to do the thing we love. The most rewarding part is probably hearing people say ‘I really needed a laugh’ after a show finishes. I don’t know if laughter is the best medicine, but it’s a good one. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get going, I have 264,000 kms to put on my Jetta.
If you’re interested in learning more about the owners being celebrated as part of this year’s Volksgiving campaign, be sure to check out the brand’s website for more information.
Published by HOLR Magazine.