Comedian Erica Rhodes,known for her appearances on NPR’s “A Prairie Home Companion” and CBS’s “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” is set to perform in Illinois this week. Rhodes will be at The Comedy Vault in Batavia from Thursday through Saturday,and at Yellow & Co. Events in Mahomet on Sunday.
Rhodes, who released her album “Ladybug” recently, discussed the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy and the challenges of navigating online algorithms in a recent interview. She highlighted the significance of late-night television appearances for comedians, noting that while these shows once made careers, their impact has diminished due to the proliferation of other platforms. The recent announcement of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” ending in May was met with disappointment by Rhodes,as it further reduces the number of major late-night outlets available for comics.
Speaking about the digital age, Rhodes described a “love-hate relationship” with online platforms and the constant need to feed algorithms to maintain relevance. She expressed that while these platforms are valuable for distributing content, the unpredictable nature of algorithmic reach can be frustrating. This is why Rhodes emphasizes the enduring appeal of live comedy,which she believes connects with audiences who are actively seeking the experience rather than passively scrolling through their phones.
when asked about audience differences, Rhodes noted that while larger cities like New York and Los Angeles are generally easier for performers, she finds audiences in places like Batavia, Illinois, to be very receptive to comedy.