James Austin Johnson Brings Biden Bits Live to Salt Lake City

This weekend, comedy fans in Salt Lake City have a date with Saturday Night Live’s breakout mimic. James Austin Johnson, whose uncanny President Joe Biden impression has gone viral across social media and late-night TV, will perform at Wise Guys Comedy at The Gateway on Friday and Saturday, June 20-21. Shows start at 6:30pm both nights, with doors opening at 5:30pm.

About James Austin Johnson

James Austin Johnson first gained widespread attention online for perfectly capturing the cadence and quirks of President Biden. A graduate of the University of North Texas, he spent years honing his craft on the stand-up circuit and writing for National Lampoon before joining SNL as a featured player in season 49 (2023-24). His Biden sketches have racked up millions of views on NBC’s YouTube channel, and his turn as Dustin Hoffman on the show earned praise from fellow cast members and fans alike.

Stage Details

Wise Guys Comedy, located in The Gateway shopping district, is known for its intimate setting and top-tier headliners. Johnson’s two-night run on June 20 and 21 promises a mix of character work, original material, and interactive bits. According to his Instagram caption, “Don’t miss SNL’s James Austin Johnson LIVE @wiseguyscomedy @atthegateway THIS Fr/Sat June 20-21! Shows 6:30p each night. Doors 5:30p.” The venue’s 200-seat showroom will allow fans to experience his spot-on impersonations up close.

Tour Snapshot

Johnson is currently on his “Return to Office Tour,” which kicked off earlier this month. An Instagram update from June 13 reads: “These beautiful beach shots… seem like a good time to announce 4 SHOWS ADDED FOR NASHVILLE TENNESSEE. Les goo.” That same post lays out upcoming dates including:
• June 20-21 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Wise Guys Comedy
• June 27 – San Diego, CA
• July 11-12 – Nashville, TN
• July 15-16 – Raleigh & Charlotte, NC
David Standridge, Sam Wiles and Zach Pugh will join select dates as opening acts.

From the Gateway stage to larger theaters down the line, Johnson’s calendar is packed through August, with stops in Dallas, Houston, St. Louis, Chicago and more. Fans who catch him in Salt Lake City will get an early look at material he’s developing for his first Netflix special, slated for release next spring.

Whether he’s riffing on local politics or channeling the Onion-style absurdity of Washington insiders, Johnson’s SNL pedigree and viral following make this weekend’s shows a must-see. Tickets are available now through the Wise Guys Comedy website, and word is seats are selling fast.

With polished impressions and a knack for crowd work, James Austin Johnson brings both the Biden White House and his own off-script wit to the Wise Guys stage. Comedy lovers shouldn’t wait to grab a seat before doors crack open at 5:30pm.

Trivia

James Austin Johnson has a notable presence on social media, where he shares comedic content with his followers.

Reporter

Sakshi

 

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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