The Pierce couple are working to raise awareness about mental health in order to help the community they love.
After seeing Big Daddy Taz speak to the Nucor staff, Josh and Angie Mattson knew it would be a great opportunity to bring the comedian, who makes positive mental health a focus of his performances, to their hometown to share a message of hope.
“Suicide prevention is important to me because I lost my brother,” Angie Mattson said.
With the support of local businesses, the Mattson family is able to bring Big Daddy Taz to Pierce for two free shows on Saturday, June 1st at 5pm and Sunday, June 2nd at 1pm, both performances will be held at Pierce Public High School.
Big Daddy Taz has been performing at corporate events, fundraisers, festivals and on television for over 30 years. Today, audiences join him on his bike ride to recovery, bringing his message of mental health to audiences. His show is equal parts comedy and mental health advocacy.
After 30 years of denying the mental illnesses that controlled his life, Big Daddy Taz realized that being manic-depressive, having attention deficit disorder, social anxiety disorder and dyslexia could either ruin his life or enrich it. The choice was his.
Big Daddy Taz’s performances take audiences on sometimes humorous, sometimes moving journeys that challenge old belief systems, deepen understanding of mental health challenges and reimagine a more inclusive future.
Audience members living with their own or someone else’s mental illness and stigma will leave feeling empowered, inspired and proud of who they are – and with a greater understanding of how stigma negatively impacts so many people and prevents them from getting the help they need.
Big Daddy Taz will also be speaking to children, presenting a special show for kids ages 5-8 at the Pierce Fire Station on Saturday, June 1 at 3 p.m. He will read the children the book “Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Bullying” and talk to them about protecting themselves from bullies and the importance of words.
“We encourage families to tune in to the high school show,” Angie Mattson said. “It is our hope that the information shared will spark meaningful conversations in your homes. Parents, please participate at your own discretion. While the show is clean, due to the sensitive nature of mental health topics, it may address some heavy themes that may be upsetting to some.”
The event is presented by Pierce Rescue, Hardware Hank, Midwest Bank, Elkhorn Valley Bank, Pierce Telephone Co., Pierce Dental and Nucor.
