Big Daddy Tazz is playing free shows in Meadow Lake and St. Walburg this week. (submitted photo)

By Ian Roach

MENTAL HEALTH

Comedian takes on mental health stigma with free shows in Meadow Lake and St. Walburg

Nov 2, 2022 | 5:00 AM

Manitoba-based comedian Big Daddy Tazz is playing two free shows this week.

One show is scheduled in Meadow Lake Wednesday, Nov. 2, and the second show in St. Walburg will happen Thursday, Nov. 3. The shows use humour to address suicide and mental heatlh.

The free shows are hosted by Roots of Hope and Positively Parenting. Roots of Hope is a community-based suicide prevention project. Positively Parenting enhances community well-being through education, support and counselling for families and individuals.

Big Daddy Tazz uses comedy to talk about mental health and suicide. Tazz speaks candidly about his struggles and his triumphs over being diagnosed with mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it.

Tazz says talking about mental health is crucial.

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“If I can talk openly about my struggles and you can relate to it, then you realize, oh, here’s a fellow that has struggled a lot, but he’s also quite successful, and I can be successful as well,” he said.

Along with the two evening performances, Tazz will do presentations at local schools. Tazz says just a few years ago, it wasn’t easy to get into schools to talk about mental health. Now he says he is getting called to do it.

“We’re losing too many students and adults to their mental health struggles because we’re afraid to talk. And the other half of us is afraid to listen,” he said.

After previous events organized by Roots of Hope, volunteers and staff asked for feedback from participants. The idea of bringing a comedian in to talk about mental health and suicide was one of the suggestions. For organizers, Tazz seemed like a good fit with the mission.

Admission to both events is free. Tazz is at the Meadow Lake Civic Centre Wednesday, Nov. 2, and at St. Walburg Elks Hall, on Thursday, Nov. 3. Both shows start at 7 p.m. There will be free refreshments and door prizes. Organizers say you can just show up, or you can pre-register for free to help event volunteers and staff plan for the refreshments and snacks.