We Own The Laughs: Modesto (Starring Jack Jr.)

MODESTO! GET READY FOR AN INCREDIBLE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND NIGHT OF LAUGHTER AS ONE OF LATINX’S BIGGEST NAMES IN COMEDY SHINES IN THE 209!
One of the nation’s premier comedy entertainment companies returns to Modesto, CA, with the wildest group of performers in stand-up comedy as part of We Own The Laughs: Modesto on Saturday November 28th inside The State Theatre.
The event will feature hilarious performances by Ilina Cortes, Tyson Paul, Julian Gonzalez, and our evening’s headliner, comedy star Jack Jr.
Drink, Mingle, & Laugh as our evening host, 209 native Gabe Alexander, takes the stage.
Enjoy an amazing Thanksgiving weekend of laughs with your family and friends while sharing some excellent snacks and adult beverages courtesy of The State Theatre.
It will be the funniest part of your weekend!
We Own The Laughs: Modesto
Saturday November 28th, 2026
The State Theatre
1307 J Street
Modesto, CA
18+ Comedy Event
Doors Open: 7pm Showtime: 8pm
Host
Gabe Alexander
Alexander stormed onto the Northern California scene using quick wit and a style of comedy that’s true to who he is—hosting various open mics and cutting his teeth as a producer with the Broken House comedy show. Make sure to watch Gabriel as an up-and-coming comedian, as he is as funny as he is hungry.
Featured Comedians:
Ilina Cortes
A rising comedian known for her sharp storytelling, quick wit, and fearless honesty on stage. Blending personal experiences with sharp cultural observations, Ilina Cortes delivers a style of comedy that is both relatable and refreshingly candid, often drawing from her life, relationships, and the everyday absurdities of modern adulthood. Originally developing her voice in stand-up through performances across clubs, showcases, and independent comedy productions, Cortes has built a reputation as a confident and engaging performer with a natural stage presence. Her material often balances vulnerability with punchy humor, allowing audiences to connect with her perspective while keeping them laughing throughout. In addition to stand-up, Cortes has expanded her reach through digital content and podcast appearances, where her conversational humor and charismatic personality translate effortlessly off the stage. Her growing fanbase continues to follow her work online and at live shows as she builds momentum within the next generation of emerging comics.
Tyson Paul
A veteran comedian based in Central California who has spent most of his adult years in the comedy business, the We Own The Laughs founder has performed in various comedy clubs all over the West Coast, including The Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv, Punchline Sacramento, The Well Comedy Club, Mic Drop Comedy Club, and Cobbs Comedy Club. A career currently spanning over two decades, Tyson has been fortunate enough to share the stage with some of comedy’s biggest stars, including Tiffany Haddish, Amy Schumer, Ari Shaffir, and Alfred Robles.
Julian Gonzalez
El Gordo Mamon (Julian Gonzalez) is a Mexican American full-time stand-up comedian and content creator whose relatable and original digital skits — in English and Spanish — have earned hundreds of thousands of views online. Born in San Jose and raised in the small farm town of Salinas, California, Gordo grew up surrounded by gangs and violence. But by the time he’d earned the title of “class clown” in high school, he knew that his innate gift of comedic timing and delivery would take him into a different, more positive territory. Gordo joined the military after high school, where he used his powerful arsenal of jokes and skits to ignite laughter in times of fear. The US Army Veteran, whose missions took him overseas to Iraq, continued to study the art of comedy like he studied the art of war. In Mamon’s three years of service, performing for his fellow soldiers, he realized his humor also had the power to heal. Years later, Gordo finally brought his talents online, creating, writing, and editing one-of-a-kind, hilarious videos that have been a hit on social media. As his social media following and influence grew, so did the demand for Gordo to do live stand-up. His first show was a success, and he went on to co-write and produce “Sports Comedy Night at the Sports Tavern.”

Event Headliner
Jack JR.
Jack Jr. is a nationally recognized stand-up comedian, producer, and podcast host whose sharp storytelling, infectious energy, and authentic stage presence have made him one of comedy's most respected independent voices.
Jack has appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show as part of the 2022 Netflix Is A Joke Festival, Amazon Prime's Laugh After Dark (2022), and the Amazon documentary Make America Laugh Again. His growing reputation earned him a coveted selection at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival, and in 2019 he was a finalist on NBC's stand-up comedy competition series Bring The Funny.
Beyond the stage, Jack has made a lasting impact on the comedy community as the creator of the acclaimed NoHo Comedy Festival, an event that showcased some of the nation's most talented comedians and became a celebrated gathering place for performers and fans alike.
A respected voice within the comedy industry, Jack currently hosts the popular podcast Comedy Club Confessions, where he shares candid conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of stand-up. He has also been featured on notable podcasts including The Church of What's Happening Now with Joey Diaz and About Last Night with Adam Ray.
Whether performing in comedy clubs, theaters, festivals, or appearing on podcasts and television, Jack Jr. continues to captivate audiences with his unique perspective, relentless work ethic, and undeniable passion for comedy.
HAVE SOME BIG LAUGHS, GOOD FOOD, & GREAT DRINKS WITH FRIENDS AS WE GIVE YOU A REASON TO LAUGH AT LIFE, BECAUSE IT’S ACTUALLY PRETTY FUNNY!