It didn’t take long for Comedian Lorne Elliott to get a Merritt audience roaring with laughter, Oct. 23.

Elliott appeared on the Capital Stage at Iron Mountain Music in Merritt, performing his unique mixture of stand-up, stories and songs.

Elliott offered some comedic jabs at Merritt and other B.C. communities.

He described Fort St. John as “one of those places where you can stand knee-deep in mud, but still get dust in your eyes”.

When discussing Quesnel, Elliott noted how it seemed like a giant bowl that one could never escape from.

But Elliott noted that walking around Nelson was good for his health, while recovering from a heart attack he had two years ago. “A week in Nelson, you got thighs on you like a bullfrog.”

“If I ever have a heart transplant, I want the donor to be from Nelson.”

Elliott also recalled Cortes Island, in the Strait of Georgia. “The community hall was woven out of hemp,” he joked.

Elliott found the murals of Merritt to be of particular comedic interest.

Elliott suggested saving the wall of the liquor store for a mural of politicians. “Because we all know what happens on liquor store walls.”

“I would be honoured to be on the wall of the thrift store in Merritt,” said Elliott.

“Do you like country music in this town, or are you just plain plumb sick of it?” Elliott asked the crowd. “You gotta be bombarded with it.”

He had a unique euphemism for bear behavior, after learning of their presence in Merritt. “They might walk away if they see you; they might rip off your head and eat your brains. They’re whimsical that way,” Elliott said.

His performance was arranged by the Nicola Valley Arts Council.