"As an adopted child raised by a Mexican mother and a Jewish father, Marc Yaffee found out in his 20s that he’s of Navajo, Mexican and Irish descent. Now, he makes his living as a stand-up comedian who focuses largely on his Native American roots.

By his own estimate, there are only “10 (full-time Native American comedians), maybe a dozen on a good day.”

Yaffee makes up one-third of the Pow Wow Comedy Jam, the other two thirds being fellow comics Vaughn Eaglebear and Howie Miller. All three will perform Friday at Scottsdale’s Casino Arizona.

Q: You have Native American roots, but you were raised by a Mexican mother and a Jewish father. Has this diverse upbringing, mixed with your diverse genetics, broadened the range of subjects you feel you can explore in your act?

A: People give you a lot of leeway. You’re not pigeon-holed as much. On the flipside, in comedy now, it’s so distinct. People want that certain brand, like ‘Oh yeah, it’s that fat comedian, that’s that skinny black comedian or that’s that Latino comedian.’ And then, when they’re like ‘Oh wow, what are you?’ I’m kind of Mexican, I’m kind of grey. It dilutes my brand in a way. People, they want that real sharp image. That’s the one thing that works against me. The flipside is it does gives me a little more freedom. I can say, ‘Well hey, I’m part this, part this. So, hey, I’m having fun with everybody.’"

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5 questions With Marc Yaffee of Pow Wow Comedy Jam (The East Valley Tribune 1/11)