Dynamic Duo Bringing Comedy & Music to Great River Arts

Two talented friends of mine and a rising new star will be coming to Little Falls for a night of laughter, live music, and stories you won't want to miss.

Jason Schommer and Michael Shynes, Little Falls natives, are teaming up again for 'Schommer & Shynes: An Evening of Comedy and Music'.

A GREAT DATE NIGHT OUT WITH FRIENDS

You'll be laughing and crying tears of joy when these two fabulous performers come to Little Falls on Saturday, October 24th. There will also be a special guest performance from comedian Sam Bondhus, who has become wildly popular in Minnesota. He has a completely different way of looking at the world that you will appreciate, and it creates some fresh new comedy that will literally make you laugh, cry, and possibly pee your pants (be prepared).

Photo by Jason Schommer

Jason and Michael have learned that their different talents blend beautifully when they come together. Comedy, storytelling, music, and their very different personalities create a magical potion that will cast its spell on you.

MAGIC IN THE MAKING

Schommer and Shynes first teamed up in 2019 with their show 'Small Town Big Dreams'... sharing stories about growing up in Little Falls and pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. Since then, they've continued entertaining audiences throughout the region, bringing their own mix of humor, music, and personal stories to the stage. Since they didn't grow up together, it's fun to hear how different and sometimes the same their experiences of life in small-town Minnesota can be.

I spoke with Jason recently, who told me, 'I love returning to my hometown and performing at the beautiful Great River Arts. The town holds so many great memories for me, and it's great to come back, see so many familiar faces, and laugh and forget about the world's troubles for a while. The audiences are always fantastic, and some of my very best shows have been on the stage at Great River Arts.'

JASON TALKS ABOUT MEETING DOLLY PARTON

Jason recently won 'The Moth StorySlam' in September with his story about meeting Dolly Parton. He'll be bringing that story, along with some of his most requested comedy routines and lots of fresh, new material to entertain you.

RELATED STORIES BY AUTHOR KELLY CORDES

Join The Laughter At ‘Relative Chaos!’ With Schommer And Shynes

TOP TALENT CLOSE TO HOME

Jason didn't only open for Louie Anderson...he became Louie's best friend. So many people that they were father and son! Jason spent two years opening for Louie in Las Vegas and toured regularly with him for a decade. He's also a regular performer with The Moth, winning multiple StorySlam competitions and earning invitations to perform at major storytelling events at the Fitzgerald Theater, Guthrie Theater and Pantages Theater. His work has reached audiences nationwide through The Moth Radio Hour and podcast.

Photo by Michael Shynes

NEW ALBUM NEARING COMPLETION FOR MICHAEL

Meanwhile, Michael Shynes has been busy making music. The singer-songwriter has released 12 albums, earned a platinum record in Poland, and had one of his songs featured on Netflix's reality series Temptation Island. Talking to Michael, you would never know that you're sitting next to a superstar. He's down to earth, and he loves the Minnesota life: quiet, peaceful, and in the country.

Right now, Michael is putting the finishing touches on his next album, expected to be ready for release later this year. I asked Michael what it's like to have all this success and still come back to perform in his hometown. 'Performing in my hometown is both a blessing and a reminder. To go back to the place that raised you and have people willing to spend their hard-earned cash to see you is a special feeling. And it means more when it's where you're from, because long story short, they saw you when you weren't good, when you were figuring it out. But there was enough there for them to stick with you. Not everybody gets that appreciation from their hometown, so I don't think it's something either of us takes for granted.'

Photo by Sam Bondhus

LET US NOT FORGET COMEDIAN SAM BONDHUS

Joining the hometown duo is comedian Sam Bondhus, whose physical comedy and quirky observations have helped him build a following. Bondhus was named St. Paul's Funniest Person in 2024 and finished as runner-up in the Funniest Person in Minneapolis competition in 2025.

HOW TO GET TICKETS

The show takes place at Great River Arts in Little Falls on Saturday, October 24th. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $25, and seating is general admission. There is NOT a bad seat in the house. I recommend that you don't wait to get your tickets, because people have learned that waiting can sometimes mean there won't be any available when you arrive.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets can be purchased by calling Great River Arts at 320-632-0960, visiting the office during business hours, or going online to greatart.org. Tickets may also be available at the door... if you want to take your chances. I wouldn't wait if I were you.