BY ANDREA NEALON

The Salt Lake Tribune once wrote that "between his comic songs, Bruce's hilarious musings about life, love and the state of the world kept the audience in stitches."

This sentiment applies beyond Utah, to audiences across the U.S. For 20 years, Fredericksburg resident R. Bruce has performed stand-up comedy at clubs, colleges, theaters and conventions for audiences of all ages.

This weekend, he plays two shows at The Loft in downtown Fredericksburg.

"It's so rewarding to share humor and a night of fun with a wonderfully appreciative audience," Bruce told Weekender.

He has also become a favorite of comedy fans outside the U.S.--including in the U.K., Australia, Canada and the Cayman Islands.

Once, during a sold-out tour in the U.K., Bruce broke the attendance record at the i.e. Theater for the Performing Arts.

Bruce, a Hampton native, was also one of the featured performers at the 2008 Melbourne International Comedy Festival in Australia.

Bruce is revered not only by his audiences, but also by his fellow entertainers.

The group Saffire--The Uppity Blues Women has recorded Bruce's song "Too Much Butt" for its new album, "Havin' the Last Word," on Alligator Records.

Bruce Inglauer, founder of Alligator, said that he thinks the song will be the hit of the album.

"What constitutes a blues hit, I don't know," Bruce said.

"I felt like a 'proud father' or something, hearing my silly song being performed so beautifully. Their version really sounds great!"

Bruce has even collaborated with comedian Matthew Lumpkin, whom he describes as "talented and fast-rising," on the album "Double Bill." Bruce's most recent solo disc is titled "Late Bloomer," and includes the tracks "Too Much Butt," "Born to Mow" and the fictional "Sharks Ate My Baby Brother."

ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

Following his performance, at 10:30 p.m., the Lisa Lim Band will take the stage.

An accomplished musician on lead and rhythm electric and acoustic guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion and vocals, Lisa Lim has been a prominent name in the local music scene for about two decades.

Her focus is blues, but she dabbles in funk, folk and crossover country.

The muscle-car-collecting musician draws inspiration from bandmates Brian Schebish, bass/vocals, and Bart Balderson, drums.

"The Lisa Lim Band wouldn't be the Lisa Lim Band without these talented gentlemen," said Lim. "They are very much appreciated."

Lim also teaches music at her studio, Lim's Music, in Northern Virginia. The Fredericksburg native has taught various instruments and styles for more than 16 years.

She began her pursuit of music at the age of 7 with the piano, and at age 10 she picked up a guitar and hasn't looked back.

"I get to share what I love with others through performing and teaching," said Lim. "I'm incredibly blessed."

Like Bruce, Lim is a local performer admired by fans and contemporaries. Lim was recently nominated by the Washington Area Music Association in the blues and traditional R&B recording category for the 23rd-annual "Wammie" Awards.

WAMA is a nonprofit organization of music industry professionals that promotes and recognize Washington-area music.

"Because you must be a member of WAMA to vote, it was very gratifying to be nominated by my peers," Lim said.

Andrea Nealon: 540/374-5779
Email: anealon@freelancestar.com