James Austin Johnson Heads to Salt Lake City This Weekend
Grab tickets now for an uproarious stand-up show featuring spot-on celebrity impressions!!

Image: Instagram
Saturday Night Live standout James Austin Johnson is bringing his hit Return to Office Tour to Utah this weekend with two shows booked at Wiseguys Comedy Club at The Gateway in Salt Lake City. Fans eager for Johnson’s razor-sharp celebrity impressions and high-energy stand-up can secure tickets via the link in his bio, per a recent Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DLGjICAsMB7/).
Snl Star Rising
Johnson first caught widespread attention for his uncanny Donald Trump impression, eventually parlaying viral clips into a role on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Born in 1989 in Chicago and raised in St. Louis, he sharpened his comedic instincts at The Second City and the Upright Citizens Brigade. According to his Wikipedia profile, Johnson joined SNL as a featured player in late 2023 and has since delivered memorable sketches lampooning everyone from political figures to pop-culture icons. Critics and viewers alike praise his nerve for blending sharp satire with approachable humor.
On SNL, Johnson’s character work extends beyond the headlines. He’s known for shifting seamlessly from a bombastic campaign rally moment to a soft-spoken celebrity cameo. His versatility earned him a dedicated following, with clips frequently hitting trending lists on social platforms.
From Honolulu To Salt Lake City: The Return To Office Tour
Following a well-received stint in Hawaii—where he posted “Mahalo vibes! Thank you Honolulu, y’all were sick as hell” alongside panoramic beach snaps—Johnson has been crisscrossing North America on his Return to Office Tour. Early stops included Norfolk, Nebraska on June 13, and a pair of Salt Lake City nights on June 20 and 21. Afterwards, he heads to San Diego on June 27 before co-headlining in Nashville on July 11 and 12 with comedian Zach Pugh. Fans can review full tour dates and guest support details in his recent schedule post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKh1tLcy5Oh/).
Each city stop features a mix of Johnson’s signature political impressions—like his viral Trump routines—and lighter set-pieces based on everyday absurdities. The social media aftermath of his Portland and San Diego dates shows sold-out notices and standing ovations, a testament to his growing fan base.
Wiseguys Showtime
Local audiences can catch Johnson at Wiseguys Comedy Club this Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with performances kicking off at 6:30 p.m. each night. Nestled in The Gateway entertainment district, the venue boasts an intimate 200-seat theater with top-tier sound and lighting. Johnson’s Instagram teaser—“salt lake city this weekend tix in bio”—underscores the urgency for advance booking, as both nights are trending near sell-out on the club’s website.
Ticket tiers include general admission and a limited VIP package, which offers early entry and a post-show meet-and-greet. Interested patrons should visit the ticket link in Johnson’s Instagram profile to reserve seats before they vanish.
Beyond The Impressions
While Johnson’s celebrity mimicry is a major draw, his stand-up also weaves personal anecdotes and interactive bits. Clips posted on his YouTube channel reveal a storyteller comfortable riffing on topics from airport security lines to streaming service overload. His guest appearance on The Best Show podcast showcased a natural rapport with hosts, highlighting his behind-the-scenes wit and collaborative energy.
Johnson’s crossover appeal extends to unscripted TV. He recently teased an appearance on American Ninja Warrior, blending comedy with athletic stunts in a segment announced via his Instagram handle.
Local Tips And Fan Reactions
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and explore The Gateway’s mix of restaurants and art installations. Nearby options like The Copper Onion or Carté offer pre-show dinner spots. Venue staff report a surge in snack bar sales during Johnson’s intermission, a sign of the high-energy crowd.
Post-show, Johnson frequently shares fan reactions via Instagram Stories, reposting clips of sold-out venue signs and backstage celebrations. In Salt Lake City, local comedy bloggers have flagged his shows as “must-see” events, with some nights already reaching capacity.
Don’t Miss Out
With each tour stop, Johnson reinforces the skill set that secured his place on Saturday Night Live. For Mountain West residents, Salt Lake City provides a rare chance to experience his polished parody live. Follow @jajcenter on Instagram and hit the bio link for tickets, because when it comes to comedy’s sharpest impressions, seats disappear fast.

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