National Comedian Performs In Jasper, Local Station Brings Laughs

Costaki Economopoulos took the stage at the Astra Theatre in Jasper on December 3, 2025 in a show presented by WRZR 94.5 FM. The station promoted the event as a night of laughs and entertainment, and the appearance marked one of the higher profile comedy bookings in the county this year.

Economopoulos has worked full time as a stand up comic for two decades, and his resume includes writing for Bette Midler and Jay Leno as well as for television outlets MTV and BET. He has appeared on Showtime and SiriusXM, and is best known for long running segments on the Bob & Tom Show. Tickets for the engagement had been available through astratheater.com.

The event mattered for local residents because it combined outside talent with local infrastructure. The Astra Theatre, an established venue in Jasper, served as the host, reinforcing its role as a community cultural asset. WRZR 94.5 FM stepped into a promoter role that extended beyond traditional broadcasting, using its platform to bring a nationally recognized performer to a regional audience.

Local businesses near the theater typically see increased foot traffic when events draw visitors from around the county, and cultural programming like this contributes to downtown vitality. For civic leaders and arts organizers, the booking demonstrates the feasibility of attracting touring performers to Dubois County when local outlets and venues collaborate.

The performance also served an audience development purpose. Residents who attend shows at the Astra are more likely to participate in future cultural events, and radio station sponsorships can introduce new listeners to both the station and the venue. For community stakeholders assessing investments in arts and public engagement, the event offers a model of partnership between media, venue operators, and touring talent that can be replicated to expand local programming.