Get ready to laugh.

Stand-up comedian Zane Thomas is returning to Burns, and he’s bringing some of Portland’s funniest people with him.

Comedy Night with Zane Thomas & Friends will be held Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at Steens Mountain Brewing Company Tap Room, which is located inside Figaro’s Pizza at 673 W. Monroe St. in Burns.

Although he now lives and primarily performs in Portland, Zane launched his comedy career here in Harney County.

He moved to Burns when he was in seventh grade and started considering comedy when he was a senior in high school.

“I started researching it, watching documentaries, and watching stand-up just for the sake of learning it,” Zane said.

Unfortunately, after graduating from high school in 2010, Zane took a few wrong turns and found himself in the Harney County Jail.

“I robbed a shoe store just for kicks,” he joked.

Undeterred, Zane used his time behind bars to propel his life in a more positive

direction. He wrote his first stand-up set on the back of a postcard and practiced his delivery into a tube of toothpaste.

“Nobody messed with me. They thought I was insane,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t strike people as a pacifist.”

Zane advised, “When writing your first stand-up set in a jail cell, remember to write small because postcards are expensive, and what you call a punchline, they call a confession.”

Eleven days after he was released from jail (New Year’s Eve 2011), Zane performed his first stand-up set.

“It was like 45 minutes long, and I killed it! I haven’t done a set that long since then,” he said proudly.

The performance, which was held at the former Showtime Bar & Grill in downtown Burns, also featured local musicians Marcus Cain and Dylan Thompson who have continued their careers in other parts of the country.

Zane, who is also a musician, said he uses both comedy and music as outlets for creative expression.

“There’s a lot of stuff that I can say in music that I can’t say in comedy and vice versa,” he explained.

Although he uses both crafts to tell his story, Zane said comedy helps him laugh at “the really bad stuff” that he’s endured. He also incorporates puns, one-liners, and word play into his comedy, which could be described as “R-rated dad jokes.”

Although it’s an all-ages show, Comedy Night with Zane Thomas & Friends will contain adult content.

“If you’re a good parent, don’t bring your kids to this,” Zane said with a laugh.

Zane will be joined by comedians Adam Pasi, Amanda Lynn Deal, and Mike Lindsey. Adam, who won Willamette Week’s Funniest Five poll in 2016, will likely serve as the show’s headliner.

“He’s going to do a longer set because he has more experience,” Zane explained.

Zane said he’s excited to introduce all three comedians to Harney County.

“This is a great opportunity to get out of the house and see something that you don’t normally see in Burns,” he said.

In addition to laughs, the show will offer ample opportunities to help community members in need. Admission is free, but donations toward CAN Cancer of Harney County are encouraged. The event will also include a bake sale and silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting CAN Cancer.

Sponsored by C&B Sanitary Service and Harney District Hospital, CAN Cancer provides financial and emotional support for Harney County residents who are fighting cancer.

“I am always down to help people in the community,” Zane said, adding that he’s performing in honor of his cousin’s father-in-law, a local cancer patient who is raising funds for the program that supported him.

For additional information or to donate items toward the bake sale or silent auction, call Christina at 541-668-2602.