Donnie Baker almost never made it to the Bob & Tom Show, where he is now a staple. The character’s creator, Ron Sexton, had a difficult time getting his foot in the popular duo’s studio door. Sexton worked in the same building as Bob and Tom in Indianapolis, although he was doing sports on a sister station. “I would send tapes to their program director,” says Sexton, “and send a list of voices I could do and bit ideas, and never really had much luck at all.” Finally, Sexton decided to start going to open mics and developing a stand-up set, which led to him be invited on to The Bob & Tom Show as a guest comedian. The two hosts were knocked out by his initial appearance. “It was such a sucker punch. They were used to speaking to me in a sports light in the hallways, and here I come on doing impressions and characters.” His Donnie Baker character has since become a fan favorite, as have his other characters, Kenny Tarmac and Floyd the Trucker. It is Baker, however, who will take the stage this week at Go Bananas — we swear to God it is. Bob Zany will also perform. Donnie Baker performs Thursday, June 7 through Saturday, June 9 while Bob Zany headlines Sunday, June 10. 8 p.m., with a 10:30 p.m. set Friday and Saturday. 21 and up. $10-$18. Go Bananas Comedy Club, Montgomery. 513-984-9288, gobananascomedy.com.
