It’s been said that the closer you are to something, the more you see its flaws. Comedian Kiley Cook, who was born and raised in Utah, has plenty to say about the Beehive State’s shortcomings but is able to do so with the love that only a hometown boy can. While he got a fairly late start into comedy, he has moved up the ranks quickly, winning an amateur comedy competition his fourth time ever performing, and opening for such notable comedians as Norm MacDonald, Lewis Black and Dave Attell.

It’s Cook’s goal when he gets on stage to help people forget about their lives for a little while. He knows all about dealing with life’s curveballs—working what he calls “a big-boy job” instead of pursuing comedy full-time in order to support his son as a single dad. Does he ever see himself getting back into comedy full-time? “For sure,” says Cook, “but further down the road, when my kid gets older.” Until then, his performances are a refreshing change of pace and a great escape from your daily trials and tribulations. 

Kiley Cook @ Wiseguys Trolley Square, 505 S. 600 East, 801-532-5233, Aug. 21-22, 8 & 10 p.m. WiseguysComedy.com