Long brown locks, a trucker hat, flannel, and oversized glasses give Dusty Slay a distinctive look.
His brand of comedy – clean, observational, and with a southern touch – is what separates the Alabama native from most of his stand-up peers.
Slay, who is among the nation’s fastest-rising comics, often blends his natural wit while sharing anecdotes about his formative years growing up in a trailer park.
The jokes have landed for wide-ranging audiences, helping him become the youngest comedian to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. He has since appeared on Netflix, the Tonight Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and other major comic platforms
But Slay, who will perform May 7-8 at Blue Room Comedy Club, wasn’t always a coveted talent.
When the Nashville resident was beginning to pick up some steam earlier in his career, he stopped in Springfield during the genesis of Blue Room in 2016, when it shows were at a pool hall and bar known as Billiards.
Slay and Blue Room owner Chris Richelle hit the streets, trying to recruit a Springfield audience by asking patrons “want to watch a comedy show for free?” and yielding little success
A homeless man took up the offer, but he didn’t stay around very long.
“There wasn’t many people, and it was the first time (Blue Room) was doing Sunday shows,” Slay recalled. “It was so new that many things weren’t even set up yet.”
Slay stayed with Richelle’s relatives during his initial stops in Springfield in lieu of a hotel. As his career burgeoned, though, the Blue Room began to gain traction in the region before growing into the successful venue it is today.
Slay, who is preparing to shoot a comedy special next month that will likely appear on a major streaming platform, can afford to skip the Springfield market for bigger venues these days, including theaters.
His appreciation for the Queen City and his friendship with Richelle is what brought him back.
“It’s kind of sad, because this may be the last time we get Dusty for a long time,” said Richelle, acknowledging Slay’s ascendance and demand.
Slay said the Blue Room was among the first clubs to pay him “good” money, and that his hotel improved with each stay over the years.
Now when Slay comes to Springfield, he is placed at Hotel Vandivort, the city’s only AAA 4 Diamond-rated hotel.
“It’s a nice place, kind of illuminati-looking,” Slay joked. “I like to go Bass Pro when I’m in town, walk to to Mudhouse to coffee, and a record store.”
Slay, who is often compared to fellow comedian Nate Bargatze, sees Springfield as an opportunity to improve his craft and perform for an audience that has long supported his endeavors.
Both Slay and Blue Room have notably evolved since their first partnership.
“Each time I came, the Blue Room keeps getting better and better,” Slay said.