Comedian Mary Mack Returns to Bemidji With New Material at Rail River Folk School

Comedian Mary Mack, known for her warm Midwestern humor and storytelling style, is making her return to Bemidji, Minnesota, for a live performance this Friday, November 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. The show will take place at the Rail River Folk School, a venue Mack describes as the perfect fit for her down-to-earth comedy.

Born in Minnesota and raised in Wisconsin, Mack grew up “in the woods,” surrounded by a family of storytellers. That upbringing helped shape her unique voice in stand-up comedy. She didn’t originally set out to be a comedian — in fact, it wasn’t even on her radar when she was growing up. “I only saw one comedy special in my life, and it was on a VHS tape of Louie Anderson,” she recalled. “I didn’t even think that was his job.”

Her journey into comedy started by accident. While performing in a polka band she formed with her college roommate in Nashville, Mack filled the time between songs by chatting with the audience. The crowd quickly made it clear what they preferred. “Pretty soon, they said, ‘We like the talking better than the song,’” Mack said. That feedback nudged her toward stand-up.

It took her a while to find her comedic “voice,” but eventually, she realized she didn’t have to pretend to be anyone else. “I guess all your life experiences help you find your voice,” she said. What began as performing silly folk songs on a mandolin evolved into sharp, efficient jokes woven through stories that reflect her life and roots.

Mack credits the Minnesota sense of humor — the ability to laugh at oneself — for why the state has produced so many successful comedians. “It ebbs and flows each decade,” she said, “but it seems to be at a high point lately.”

This upcoming Bemidji performance isn’t her first in town, but Mack says she feels a special connection with the community. She described Bemidji as “a fantastic place for my style of comedy,” explaining that its arts and craft culture fits her approach. And yes, she admits, the cold might play a role too. “I feel like the colder you go, the better the sense of humor,” she joked.

Her show at the Rail River Folk School is expected to include two parts, featuring new material she’s been developing. Tickets are available through her official website and the Rail River Folk School Facebook page.

Mack said the venue feels ideal for her performance style. “It’s a little outside of town, kind of rural and folksy, so it’s a really good fit for my comedy,” she said.

Outside of stand-up, Mack also lends her voice to the hit Hulu animated series Solar Opposites, which recently launched its sixth season. She plays the role of Jesse Wearsprada Opposites, one of the show’s main characters.

In addition, Mack produces and hosts her own multi-camera variety show and podcast, North Star Comedy Hour, which she describes as “Prairie Home Companion meets Red Green with an edge.” The show, available on Apple Podcasts, combines music, sketch comedy, and storytelling — a reflection of her lifelong blend of humor and heart.

For those in northern Minnesota looking for a night of laughter and storytelling with a local touch, Mary Mack’s return to Bemidji promises exactly that: a cozy, funny, and authentic evening in a place that shares her spirit.