Manteca just fits Robert Duchaine.
The seasoned comedy veteran, who will be headlining a Deaf Puppy’s show on Saturday night at Strings, has visited before as a guest of Chris Teicheira and Anthony Krayenhagen, and fell in love with the working class feel of those who came out to support independent artists doing what it is that they love.
So when Teicheira extended the invitation to have Duchaine return to Manteca – this time playing a room much more like an authentic comedy club than the wide-open expanses of the MRPS Hall he performed in his first time – it was a no-brainer.
Whether it’s the fact that Manteca doesn’t have a comedy club of its own nearby, or the fact that local residents are just easier to joke with, Duchaine said he was looking forward to his return.
“I think that the people really appreciate it more that way,” Duchaine said of there not being a local club that specifically caters to local or traveling comedians. “And what I loved about it is that they’re real people that aren’t just there trying to impress other people – it’s a less politically correct crowd.
“That means I get to do what I want to do and don’t have to worry about offending anybody – they can take a joke and laugh at other people too.”
An established national touring comedy headliner, Duchaine cut his teeth at Harvey’s Comedy Club in Portland, Oregon more than two decades ago, and hasn’t slowed down since. From regular annual runs at the Punch Line Comedy Club in San Francisco to shows throughout the country. With appearances on Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing and HBO and recurring bits running on SiriusXM satellite radio, Duchaine has built up a steady following of fans who appreciate his raw, unforgiving style and a show that The Oregonian said is “like having a one-sided conversation with your funniest friend.”
Knowing that he’ll get to come to Manteca and have a host in Teicheira – who he has become friends with after working together – is icing on the cake when he knows that his audience is going to respond to his unique brand of humor, devoid of all pretentiousness.
“Right now, everybody is trying to save the world with comedy,” Duchaine said. “I didn’t know I was supposed to have all of the answers – I thought I was just supposed to be funny.
“I’m not trying to be on the right side of history here, I’m just trying to make people laugh. It’s what I do.”
Joining him on stage as a featured act will be Sacramento comedian Mike Cella – known for his hilarious sports podcast and for being the commissioner of the regional comedians fantasy football league, of which he has won for the last three years straight.
The show takes place on Saturday, March 24, at Strings Bar and Grill – located at 680 N. Main Street – at 8:30 p.m., and the $10 tickets can be purchased in advance at the restaurant or at the door. Seating is limited, so arriving early is encouraged.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.