In Focus | Jordan Strauss

Meet Jordan! He's a local comedian, born and raised here in Kelowna!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Kelowna for the most part. Its been my home for about two decades.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My lovely girlfriend because of how invested she gets in movies even when they suck.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Woodfire Bakery holds a dear place in my stomach's heart. Smoked beef on a kaiser...

Describe yourself in one word.
Loopy.

.If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Woodfire Bakery because of smoked beef on a kaiser. Or Tokyo, because of Robots.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Doing stand up comedy at Dakoda's Comedy Lounge. Having a barbeque at the beach with friends is a close second.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
A very loud and obnoxious sounding alarm went off on my cellphone while some very emotional wedding vows were being said in a large church...it took me what seemed like a million years to turn it off and the entire ceremony ground to a halt. No one would look at me during the reception.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching my parents become successful artists.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I used to love watching my older brothers play video games. Especially the old Zelda games. Also anytime there was a dog within reach.

Where do you give back in the community?
We raise thousands of dollars a month putting on comedy shows for local charities and foundations. The comedians in Kelowna are happy to perform for free if it's for a good cause. Contact Kelowna Comedy if you have a cause you'd like to raise funds for!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd make the land parts water and the water parts land.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My bedroom is a realistic answer, but I've always loved the many parks that run throughout Glenmore. That whole neighbourhood makes me feel relaxed.

Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
Obviously homelessness has become a huge issue in our downtown core and it would be lovely to see these people getting a better quality of life and a warm place to sleep. I know these issues are complicated and "easier said than done" but its a change I'd like to see.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Okanagan Lake. Also.. Woodfire Bakery.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I'd like to touch a snow leopard's tail at least once. I'd love to do comedy overseas at some point. And if space travel ever becomes available to the public...it moves to the top of my list.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can juggle. (Pool balls, oranges, small skulls, anything really).

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Jordan Jameson G Strauss
Instagram: jordanjstrauss

What is the name of your business/organization?
Jordan Strauss Comedian

Why did you get into this business?
I felt an empty hole in my soul. So I signed up for open mic one night and began filling that hole with positive affirmations from strangers.

What is the goal of your business?
Quit my day job so that I can sleep in. Paying my bills with jokes is the only goal.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Cleaning porta-potties for 9 months was pretty rough on my ego and my body...I also realize that if that was my biggest struggle than I've lived a very easy life, indeed.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I like to sing my own remixes to popular songs.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I'm a very happy man for the most part so I'd be a fool to mess with that. The only thing I would do differently is I would've started doing stand up at a much younger age.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Put your head down and keep plowin'.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Probably one of my comedy heroes Bill Burr. or Jeff Goldblum.



Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because economy.. Spending local puts money back into your city.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My current moustache.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My Grandpa! Because he's been crushing it as my Grandpa for 28 years straight with zero bad years.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Bonnie Esson.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Keep your puck on the ice.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!