Welcome to

49 LAUGHS COMEDY

Indian Country’s Premier Stand-Up Comedy

About us

In 2009, James Junes and Ernest David Tsosie teamed up with fellow entertainers, Pax Harvey and Tatanka Means, to form 49 Laughs Comedy. The crew went on the road and was an instant hit. In 2010 in Farmington, New Mexico, Adrianne Chalepah opened for the show. Months later, she officially joined the crew on tour. With sold-out venues, the stand-up comedy show became a favorite in casinos, colleges, tribal events, conferences, and festivals. Today, the troupe continues to perform with all five original members. The team represents family, humor, and healing.

Meet the 49'ers.

Tatanka Means is an award-winning actor and stand-up comedian from Chinle, Arizona. He represents the Navajo, Oglala Lakota and Omaha Nations. He is one of the busiest touring Native American comedians performing today. Means was voted Best Comedian by Albuquerque The Magazine. The National Indian Gaming Association named Means as the Entertainer of The Year at the annual Chairman's banquet in Las Vegas NV. Tatanka is proud to be an alcohol & drug-free sober performer.
Ernie Tsosie is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association. He can seen on popular Netflix/AMC TV shows: “Longmire” and “Better Call Saul.” Ernie can also be seen in upcoming season two of “Rutherford Falls” on NBC’s Peacock. As a comedian Ernie has performed coast to coast, from the world famous Laugh Factory in LA, to the House Of Comedy in Phoenix and the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
James Junes headshot
James Junes is Diné and Hopi. He resides in Farmington, New Mexico USA with his wife and four children. As a comedian, motivational speaker and actor for 20 years, he is a part of James & Ernie Comedy and 49 Laughs Comedy. His heritage, personal stories and experiences add to his presentations for what he calls "humor-healing." James Junes can also be seen in "More Than Frybread," "Mile Post 398," and "Drunk Town's Finest."
Adrianne hs
Adrianne Chalepah's early days of stand-up can be traced to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Adrianne is a boarding school graduate and hails from both the Kiowa and Apache Tribes of Oklahoma. She is also an actress, screenwriter, and mother of four. A 2021Yes and Laughter Lab Finalist, and recipient of the inaugural TimeWarner Media IAIA Creative Writing Scholarship, she holds a BA in English Communications and an upcoming MFA in Screenwriting from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Pax Harvey
Pax Harvey is a comedian, speaker, and consultant. With his humourous style, he specializes in tales from a "Rez Boy," and observations as a family and businessman. Pax is a member of the Navajo Nation and is the owner of Pax Harvey Consulting. Pax is also an experienced performer. He is featured in the film "More Than Frybread," an award-winning mockumentary.

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