SALT LAKE CITY — It’s a big deal for Dan Whitney to miss a University of Nebraska home game.
The Nebraska native, better known by the stage moniker “Larry the Cable Guy,” would only miss a Cornhuskers game under very special circumstances. And one of those circumstances, as it turns out, is a visit to Salt Lake City on a tour with comedian Jeff Foxworthy and musician Eddie Money.
“You know, I think it’s going to be fun because I’m actually missing two Nebraska home games and I never, ever do that,” Whitney said. “I’m going to catch a lot of flak from everybody in my home state. … But I’m doing it because it’s going to be a blast and I’m a fan of the bands.”
The tour is an outdoor “comedy and music festival,” and it’s a new experience for Whitney. While he’s performed at concerts before, he hasn’t often performed outdoors, and he hasn’t toured during late summer or early fall for the past few years.
“I’m slowing down a little bit,” Whitney said. “I’ve got kids. My little boy just turned 11; my little girl’s about to turn 10. They grew up on a tour bus. I used to do about 260 days a year, and I did that for probably 12 years in a row. So I’m chilling out a little bit.”
The comedian now only takes about 35 to 40 tour dates every year. He normally takes off this part of the year, but he agreed to do this tour because it sounded like too much fun to pass up.
Whitney said this tour will be similar to previous shows, save for the inclusion of musical acts. He and Foxworthy are hoping for the chance to join the bands in their performances, be it through singing or Whitney’s famed air guitar band.
“It gives Jeff and me a chance to go onstage and live our dreams of being rock stars,” Whitney said. “I’ve tried to learn one song from each band, so hopefully they’ll invite me up to play.”
Whitney previously performed in Utah with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, and Utahns may know him as the voice of Mater in the Pixar's Cars franchise.
“I’ve been (to Utah) several times,” Whitney said. “I love it. I have a good time. People like to laugh in Utah.”
If you go …
What: Jeff and Larry’s Backyard BBQ
Where: USANA Amphitheatre, 5150 Upper Ridge Rd., West Valley City
When: Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.
How much: $29-$80
Phone: 801-417-5343
Web: smithstix.com