Rocky LaPorte

In 1988, Rocky LaPorte quit his day job as a truck driver to become a professional comedian. Turned out to be a good move. LaPorte hasn't forgotten his roots, and in his standup routines, he makes simple observations about the oddities of life. In one bit, the comedian talks about listing your parents as your emergency contacts. "What are my parents going to do?" he joked. "'Mrs. LaPorte, your son has been in a horrific car accident.' 'Well give him some ice cream; he likes ice cream.'" It's that sort of simple observation that makes LaPorte's material stand out from the pack of other truck drivers turned comics. He performs tonight at 8 at Pickwick and Frolic. Tickets start at $23; additional shows are scheduled through Saturday. (William Hoffman)