Best known for his one minute songs, Tim Cavanagh has enjoyed a successful career in comedy for over 25 years. Though his musical creations last for only 60 seconds, they provide a timeless amount of pleasure.
"I'm not a singer, that will be made evident after you hear one of my songs," Cavanaugh said. What he may lack in tune, Cavanaugh makes up for with the sharp wit of his songs which include "The Bible Factory Outlet" and "Give Beef a Chance."
While in school, Cavanaugh was studious and received more requests for answers than laughs from his classmates as he released his humor only on paper by writing short songs. After he had accumulated a repertoire, Cavanaugh stepped into comedy and accelerated in his stand-up career by taking the stage on an open-mic night at Zanies, a Chicago comedy club. His debut was made on a Sunday, was asked back for Wednesday and was being paid to perform by Friday.
"I'm very fortunate, I love my job. I'm blessed with the ability to make people laugh, which is a gift these days."
Cavanaugh's career blossomed from radio appearances, especially on Bob and Tom, whom he called regularly with a song. The hosts of the syndicated morning show that reaches 120 markets nationwide, including WTUE (104.7), were instrumental in the widened exposure of the one minute songs. Featuring Cavanaugh in a weekly segment, Tom Griswold had him call in with a song, which he did for several years. Now, once a week, he presents Tim Cavanaugh's Cavalcade of Celebrity Birthdays.
"They have been an incredible help and have made a huge difference. Thanks to them, my name is out there, such as when I come to Dayton people know me," he said of Bob and Tom.
Local fans will have the opportunity to see Cavanaugh live at the historic Wiley's of Dayton, March 4-6, for some fun filled evenings. In addition to his songs, accompanying himself on guitar, Cavanaugh uses his comedic talents to tell jokes and stories. "I also like to involve the audience in a gentle non threatening way."
With a Philosophy degree from Loyola University, which according to Cavanaugh, "prepared him for nothing," he taught religion for three years at a Catholic girls' school, an experience that he very much enjoyed despite the hard work and overwhelming amount of time required. Being a nice guy, Cavanaugh was thankful for the strong discipline that had been established to maintain good behavior because he's not much of a disciplinarian. It was towards the end of his teaching career that Cavanaugh began to venture into the world of comedy, equipped with the confidence to get up in front of a group of people.
"There were times I got mixed up and would start teaching about Genesis on stage and the crowd would get confused."
His time as a teacher also prepared Cavanaugh with another quality for being a comedian; the ability to "make people think you know what you're doing."
The material in Cavanaugh's act is clean enough that it won't make a Catholic school girl blush but still contains lethal doses of comedy. "It's a show you can bring your mom to." Married for thirty years to his high school sweetheart, Cavanaugh feels blessed to have the job that he loves made even better by the support of his wife.
For the last fifteen years, Cavanaugh has also been performing at corporate events, which makes up a large part of his business. He delivers a customized show for the company after doing his homework to research the nature of the business and its clientele, and then tailors his songs and other material just for them.
Cavanaugh takes pride in the fact that he has endured for over two decades but refuses to rest on his credentials. "There is always new material, you are never done learning. I want to continue producing quality material and keep improving my show. That's what drives me."
No man brings more pleasure in one minute than Cavanaugh and audiences can experience his sixty second songs and more at Wiley's, 101 Pine Street in Dayton's Oregon District, March 4-6; 4th at 8:00 p.m. - $5; 5th at 9:00 p.m. - $10; 6th at 8:00 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. -$12. Call 937-224-JOKE for reservations.
Learn more about Tim Cavanaugh or book him for your corporate event at www.timcav.com.
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