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Culture Stage

Daryn Jones

Forget those U.S. headliners. I predict Daryn Jones’s four shows will be the hit of JFL42 (September 19 and 26, the Garrison September 20 and 24, the Drake). Ever since his gonzo days on Buzz, on through stints at YTV, MTV and now CBC (where he hosted the reality show Over The Rainbow and does segments for Hockey Night In Canada), Jones has proven the consummate interviewer: clever, relaxed and in the moment.

A terrific stand-up in his own right, Jones will talk with lots of his comedy pals, including Jean Paul, Tim Steeves, Gilson Lubin, Arthur Simeon and Pete Zedlacher. Special guests range from Elisha Cuthbert to Off The Record’s Michael Landsberg. And one night there’s even an appearance by the “Daryn Jones Dancers.”

If it’s a hit, maybe CBC will pick it up. They could use some smart programming. jfl42.com/act/daryn-jones.

Who are you looking forward to having on your show?

I’m thrilled Elisha Cuthbert is my special guest for show #1 (Thursday, September 19, at the Garrison, 9 pm). She’s so open and lovely and so much fun. Plus, I want to get to the bottom of that eye-rolling incident that happened during the playoffs this year (bit.ly/167YuSO). Also, Colin Mochrie drops by Show #3 (Tuesday, September 24, at the Drake, 7 pm). But he’s a total diva and needs everything scripted. So that show will be a slog for sure.

Who would you not want to interview?

Me. You’re doing God’s work, Sumi.

You’ve worked with Rick Mercer, Don Cherry and Danielle Wade (winner of Over The Rainbow). If the four of you got into a wrestling ring, what would happen?

Rick works harder than anyone I’ve ever met, so he’d be off shooting a rant with his tilty camera or something. Danielle would sing a stunning version of O Canada, and then Don would say women don’t belong in wrestling rings. Then he would hit me with an illegal starched collar and I would start to cry. (Full disclosure: I haven’t actually met Mr. Cherry, but by all accounts he is a lovely fellow.)

Ever since your Buzz days, you’ve always looked like you’re having a good time on air. Have you never thrown hissy fits?

Of course I have! Why get into showbiz otherwise? It’s the only job where you can be a total dick and people call it your “process.”

Where do you keep your Gemini Award?

I won my first Gemini for my old show, Buzz, and I have a lot of good memories from then. So I proudly keep that Gemini on my mantle. But I keep my mantle in the garage under some old paint cloths, so it evens out.

Dumbest heckle?

Maybe I’m rare in that I don’t freak out when people heckle. I like to talk to people during my show. And then call them the C-word. Because I’m an artist.

Advice for Miley Cyrus?

Right, because she really needs my advice. “Hey, Miley, you are rich and successful. I think I can help you be the opposite of that.”

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