Louisville Laughs has a slew of comedy shows set for March and April with shows that include top touring comedians and locals. Hope to see you out there!
Join Louisville Laughs for a night of fun on our popular monthly Comedy Night at Gravely.
March’s show features Chicago comic Matt Banwart, Lexington’s Luke Diamond and Louisville favorites James Ferguson, Peter Swanz and host Mairead Thomas.
Come for a night of laughter, great craft beer and burgers and more from Grub at Gravely.
Join us Saturday, March 23, in the upstairs event space at Monnik Beer Co. for a special standup comedy show featuring the top finishers in the Caravan Comedy Contest — Ronaldo Mercado and Cory Miller.
Ronaldo, a St. Louis comic, won over the audience and the judges at The Caravan with his hilarious brand of comedy.
Cory, a Louisville favorite, has had a terrific run. He won the Amateur Division in the Funniest Person in Louisville contest in 2023 and was runner-up in the Caravan Comedy Contest out of 60 comics from across the Midwest.
The show also features up-and-coming Louisville comic Sherri Arnett and special guest Andrew Gaffigan. Plus a special appearance by Nashville comic Kelsey Dixon.
It promises to be a night of laughter, terrific craft beer and delicious food from Monnik.
Louisville Laughs has a special show for you on Thursday, April 11, at Monnik Beer Co. with internationally touring comedian Jessica Michelle Singleton.
Raw and fast-paced, JMS has a unique style of comedy which delivers in a stream of consciousness flow, combining introspective observations and vulnerable personal stories coupled with ideas from her hyperactive, weird and slightly deranged imagination.
Her standup performances have received accolades from A-List stars like Jim Carrey, William H. Macy and Gerard Butler.
She’s a paid regular at The World Famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles, where she can be seen performing whenever she’s in town between touring. Most recently, Jessica Michelle was the breakout star of Iliza’s Locals, a series of mini-specials produced by Last Comic Standing winner, Iliza Shlesinger.
The show in the upstairs event space at Monnik also features Louisville favorite Sean Smith and a special appearance by Mairead Thomas.
Come for a night of laughter, terrific craft beer and delicious food from Monnik.
Join Louisville Laughs for a night of fun on our popular monthly Comedy Night at Gravely.
March’s show features Chicago comic Matt Banwart, Lexington’s Luke Diamond and Louisville favorites James Ferguson, Peter Swanz and host Mairead Thomas.
Come for a night of laughter, great craft beer and burgers and more from Grub at Gravely.
Join us Saturday, March 23, in the upstairs event space at Monnik Beer Co. for a special standup comedy show featuring the top finishers in the Caravan Comedy Contest — Ronaldo Mercado and Cory Miller.
Ronaldo, a St. Louis comic, won over the audience and the judges at The Caravan with his hilarious brand of comedy.
Cory, a Louisville favorite, has had a terrific run. He won the Amateur Division in the Funniest Person in Louisville contest in 2023 and was runner-up in the Caravan Comedy Contest out of 60 comics from across the Midwest.
The show also features up-and-coming Louisville comic Sherri Arnett and special guest Andrew Gaffigan.
It promsies to be a night of laughter, terrific craft beer and delicious food from Monnik.
Eight of the top comics from the region will take the stage at The Caravan Louisville on this special Wednesday night show.
Comics include Sean Smith, Jake Hovis, Lena Beamish, Eric Kimbrough, Adam Minnick, RJ Ryan, Corbin LeMaster and host Creig Ewing. They will be performing their best material to submit to the Sirius XM comedy channels.
Come out for a night that promises to be a great time. Tickets just $5.
We have a terrific Valentine’s Day show for you upstairs at Monnik Beer Co.
The show features headliner Shanda Sung, a Bloomington, Ind., favorite and regular at the Comedy Attic, where she will be taping her first special this year.
Shanda has been featured at the Limestone Comedy Festival, the Milwaukee Comedy Festival and the Finger Lakes Comedy Festival.
Also on the show are Bloomington’s Erin Depke, and Lexington’s Dannielle Wornall and Kate Kremers.
Join us for a night of laughter, terrific craft beer and delicious food from Monnik.
Use Promo Code HEART to get $5 off while they last.
Join Louisville Laughs for a night of fun on our monthly Comedy Night at Gravely.
February’s show features Louisville favorites Lucious Williams, June Dempsey and Nathaniel Potts-Wells as well as Nashville comics Marianna Barksdale and Kate Carter.
Enjoy a night of laughter, great craft beer and the new burgers and more from Grub at Gravely.
Join Louisville Laughs on Sunday, Feb. 18 at TEN20 Craft Brewery in Butchertown for our New Comics Showcase.
We selected some of our favorite newer comics to showcase their best material, including Logan Dunbar, Sam Montgomery, Lynn Benson, Ben Stewart, Jon Lenz and James Song.
Then veteran comic Keith McGill will close out the show.
It will be a night of laughter, terrific craft beer and delicious food from MozzaPi.
Join us Thursday, Feb. 22, in the upstairs event space at Monnik Beer Co. for a special standup comedy show with two of the best comics in the region — Dwight Simmons and Mandee McKelvey.
Dwight’s debut comedy special, “Who’s The Master” debuted on YouTube on July of 2023. In that same year, he was selected to the 10,000 Laughs, Milwaukee, Flyover and West-End Comedy Festivals. He was listed as Indiana’s selection for Thrillist’s 50 Best Undiscovered Comics in the country.
Mandee was Kentucky’s selection for Thrillist’s 50 Best Undiscovered Comics in the country and recently recorded her one-woman show.
Eight of the top comics from the region will take the stage at The Caravan Louisville on this special Wednesday night show.
Comics include Sean Smith, Jake Hovis, Lena Beamish, Eric Kimbrough, Adam Minnick, RJ Ryan, Corbin LeMaster and host Creig Ewing. They will be performing their best material to submit to the Sirius XM comedy channels.
Come out for a night that promises to be a great time. Tickets just $5.
You decided you want to try stand-up comedy. Congratulations. Whether it’s a bucket-list goal or you believe you’re the next Dave Chappelle, here are some tips to make your first (or next) time on stage a success.
Gather your jokes
Some people try to go onstage and wing it. Don’t be one of those people. Compile your set of jokes.
Whatever jokes you tell should say something about you. Anyone call tell a joke about the the president. You are the expert on your family, your friends, your life.
Write your ideas down
At first, I wrote down every joke by hand. Now I do a lot of the editing in my head, but I always carry a notebook or something to write down joke ideas.
If writing by hand isn’t your thing, type or dictate them into a phone. Ideas may come to you at any time. A cashier says something funny. You’re helping a friend move. If you have an idea, write it down or record it. If you are certain you’ll remember it later, you will be sorry.
A pretty good way to spot a comic is to find someone scribbling in a well-worn notebook.
Practice your routine
Go over your material. You can do it in front of a mirror, before other comics or in your head. I often go over what I am going to say in my head while I’m taking a walk. It helps to keep you free from distractions.
While reviewing your jokes, always look to get rid of words that aren’t needed to get laughs.
Time yourself
As a new comic, you probably will get 3 to 5 minutes on stage. Comedy clubs are serious about the time allowed. At most places you will get a light alerting you there is a minute left. If you go over your time that is called “running the light” and is frowned upon.
It’s no sin to leave the stage with some time left. It is to go over your time. When timing yourself, leave some room for laughs.
Cut out wasted words
Your job is to get laughs. Keep the words that are needed to get to the funny and cut the rest. What words could be cut out of this joke, for example?
“Common sense isn’t so common anymore, is it? Yesterday I had to run to Kroger to buy some groceries because we were running low on food and stuff, and the cashier put dryer sheets in the bag with my lunch meat. Now my bologna tastes like Bounce.”
Use original material
It is understood in stand-up comedy that the jokes you are telling on stage are jokes that you’ve written. Sometimes you will hear new comics tell jokes that have been told around the water cooler forever. Those are called “street jokes.” You don’t want to tell them on stage.
If you get successful enough, you can buy jokes from joke writers. For now, concentrate on writing your own material.
Sometimes you hear comics tell jokes that other comics have told. That is called joke theft, and you also don’t want to be known for that.
It’s not unusual for comics to arrive at the same basic joke at the same time. This especially happens if you are writing jokes about current events or common joke topics like online dating. The more original you are, the fewer problems you’ll have telling jokes similar to others.
I would encourage new comics to try clean or PG 13 material to start. Comics can get laughs being dirty in some places and turn off the audience in others.
See live shows beforehand
If you’re going on stage and you’ve never seen a comedy show outside of Netflix, see some in person. If possible, go to the club or venue where you are going to go up for the first time.
It will help to get more comfortable. You can see where the comics sit, where the list for the order of the performance is kept, who is in charge, what the audience reacts to and what doesn’t work. It will put you way ahead for your big night.
The more shows or open mics you see, the better grasp you will have of what works and what doesn’t. Be aware that all open mics are not equal.
Schedule your open mic
Not all open mics work the same. For a comedy club, you may need to email for a date that could be weeks away. If you email a club about an open mic, tell them your name, where you are from and you can tell them it’s your first time. Clubs like first-timers because they tend to bring audience members.
You don’t have to explain that your friends think you are funny or that you were in your middle-school play. It’s an open mic, so everyone gets the chance on stage.
A Thursday night open mic at a bar may be “show up and sign up” meaning you go and put your name on the list for a spot that night. Some of these types of mics are popular and the list fills up early.
Don’t assume that an open mic means you can show up with no warning with all your friends and get on stage. Do some research.
Be confident or fake it
Confidence is a big factor in successful comedy. Teachers often do well because they are used to talking to a room full of people. You’ve practiced your jokes, you know them by heart, your friends laughed, so get up there confident that the audience will love you.
You’re still going to be scared, but trust yourself. You got this. If you appear overly nervous, people may not laugh because they are worried for you.
Stay sober
It’s tempting to have a few shots of liquid courage before you go onstage. Save it for after your set when you are celebrating.
Remember when you went to the open mic and saw the guy say, “I’m so toasted I can’t remember what I was going to say?” Don’t be that comic.
Tell people it’s your first time
If it’s your first time on stage doing standup, let the host know and let the audience know. If it’s an open mic with mostly comedians, you will have their attention. And audience members are supportive of new comics. You’re doing something most of them couldn’t imagine doing.
Move the mic stand behind you
You’re introduced, and now you’re on stage. The first thing you should do is take the mic out of the stand and move the mic stand behind or beside you. You don’t want it to be in front of you blocking you.
My first time I was afraid I would drop the mic, so I left it in the stand. It’s fine, to leave the mic in the stand, and it frees up your hands. But if you take the mic out, you don’t want an empty mic stand in front of you. It’s a distraction for the audience.
Look at the audience
You are telling your jokes, but where do you look? Look at the audience. Move and turn to address the whole room. Ideally, you look straight at certain audience members if a joke seems to relate to them (you’re telling a joke about dating and a couple is in the front row).
But if this is too much the first time, look slightly over their heads. Don’t put your head down and talk to the floor. The sooner you are able to look at the audience the easier it will be.
Hold the mic below your chin
You’re doing great and have moved the mic stand behind you. Make sure to keep the microphone close to and below your chin. Sometimes comics wave their arms around and forget they are holding the mic. We can’t hear you if the mic is near your belly button.
But don’t put the mic right in front of your face. Then we can’t see you. And don’t cup the mic like a rapper. That distorts the sound.
Also, don’t scream into the mic. You want everyone to hear you but not bust any eardrums. If you have a bit where you scream, move the mic away.
Don’t fiddle with the stand. And definitely don’t drop the mic. It’s not funny and good mics are expensive.
Look for the light
You’re almost done. Keep an eye for the light signaling your time is almost up. It may be a small light from a phone. New comics often are so into the moment they don’t see the light.
You will have no sense of time on stage. Trust me. Your 3 minutes can seem to go by in 3 seconds or 3 hours. But you have practiced and timed yourself so you know that your time is wrapping up just by where you are in your jokes.
The light signaling your time is almost up should not be confused with the spotlights. Don’t stare into them. They may be really bright.
You did it
You’re wrapping up. Put the mic back into the stand and put the stand back in front. It’s a signal that you are done. Thank the crowd and wait for the host to come up on the stage.
Congratulations!
Stay for the rest of the show
Unless you were the last comic, don’t leave the show with all the friends and family you brought till it’s over. Nothing kills the vibe of a show like a first-time comic who brought 30 people and who all leave as soon as their friend performs.
Stay till the end. Talk to some other comics afterward. That’s your first step to getting on your next show.
About the authors
Creig Ewing is a comedian, show producer and the person behind Louisville Laughs. He has helped to put on hundreds of open mics, showcases and comedy shows in the Louisville area. He has hosted numerous shows and has featured at The Caravan Comedy Club and Planet of the Tapes in Louisville.
Keith McGill is a comedian who toured internationally working cruise ships and is a much sought-after entertaining for corporate events.
We have a terrific Valentine’s Day show for you upstairs at Monnik Beer Co.
The show features headliner Shanda Sung, a Bloomington, Ind., favorite and regular at the Comedy Attic, where she will be taping her first special this year.
Shanda has been featured at the Limestone Comedy Festival, the Milwaukee Comedy Festival and the Finger Lakes Comedy Festival.
Also on the show are Bloomington’s Erin Depke, and Lexington’s Dannielle Wornall and Kate Kremers.
Join us for a night of laughter, terrific craft beer and delicious food from Monnik.
Use Promo Code HEART to get $5 off while they last.
Join Louisville Laughs for a night of fun on our monthly Comedy Night at Gravely.
February’s show features Louisville favorites Lucious Williams, June Dempsey and Nathaniel Potts-Wells as well as Nashville comics Marianna Barksdale and Kate Carter.
Enjoy a night of laughter, great craft beer and burgers and more from Grub at Gravely.
Admission is free. Tickets ensure seating.
Enjoy a night of laughter, great craft beer and the new burgers and more from Grub at Gravely.
Join us Thursday, Feb. 22, in the upstairs event space at Monnik Beer Co. for a special standup comedy show with Dwight Simmons and Mandee McKelvey.
Dwight’s debut comedy special, “Who’s The Master” debuted on YouTube on July of 2023. In that same year, he was selected to the 10,000 Laughs, Milwaukee, Flyover and West-End Comedy Festivals. He was listed as Indiana’s selection for Thrillist’s 50 Best Undiscovered Comics in the country.
Mandee was Kentucky’s selection for Thrillist’s 50 Best Undiscovered Comics in the country and recently recorded her one-woman show.
Come for a night of laughter, terrific craft beer and delicious food from Monnik.
Louisville Laughs is kicking off 2024 by sponsoring the Caravan Comedy Contest at the Caravan Comedy Club. Sixty up-and-coming comics from across the region will compete over four nights, and the audience helps decide the winners.
Qualifying shows start Wednesday, Jan. 3, and go through Saturday, Jan. 6, at 7:30. The finals are Jan. 6 at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $17 for the qualifying rounds. Look for a Promo Code from your favorite contestant to save $2. Tickets for the finals are $20.
Join us Jan. 18 for our popular Comedy Night at Gravely Brewing Co.
January’s show features veteran Louisville comic Tim Northern as well as a trio of comics from Nashville — Ritu Tirthani, Taija Leftwich and Rhonda Sweat — plus Patrick Devine!
Enjoy a night of laughter, great craft beer and the new burgers and more from Grub at Gravely.
Invest in yourself in 2024. If stand-up comedy is something you’ve always dreamed of or want to do better, Louisville Laughs has classes to help you get going in the right direction.
The Comedy Writing class is geared toward newer comics and will help you find or refine material. This class is perfect before your first time on stage or the 100th time.
The Comedy Emceeing/Hosting class will help you learn the techniques to be a good host and be more comfortable on stage overall. Good hosts are always in demand.
Instructors Keith McGill and Bret Sohl have decades of experience teaching comedy. Classes are $75 each or both for $125.
Join us Nov. 16 for our popular Comedy Night at Gravely Brewing Co.
November’s show features a trio of top comics from Indianapolis — Gwen Sunkel, Dyke Michaels and Dustin Burkert. Plus Louisville comics Holly Kennedy and Johnny Doss.
You’re going to love the comedy, great craft beer and delicious burgers and more from Lil Toasty’s.
Join us at TEN20 Craft Brewery for a special show as beloved Louisville comic Danny Hucks celebrates his 40th birthday.
Danny invited some of his favorite comics from near and far to entertain you, including Chris Scriva and Justin Powers of Morgantown, WV; Phil Pointer and Jon Holmes of Cincinnati; and Will McKenzie and June Dempsey of Louisville.
It’s going to be a blast. Plus, enjoy great craft beer from TEN20 and delicious food from MozzaPi and Happy Belly Bistro.
Admission is free. Reservations ensure seating and help determine how many seats to set out and how much cake we need.
Join us Nov. 16 for our popular Comedy Night at Gravely Brewing Co.
November’s show features a trio of top comics from Indianapolis — Gwen Sunkel, Dyke Michaels and Dustin Burkert. Plus Louisville comics Holly Kennedy and Johnny Doss.
It’s going to be a night of laughter, great craft beer and delicious burgers and more from Lil Toasty’s.
August’s popular Comedy Night at Gravely standup showcases show features Cincinnati comedians Chris Weir and Billy Devore and Louisville favorites June Dempsey, Crystal Phoenix and host Creig Ewing.
Tickets are free but ensure seating.
Come for a night of laughter, great craft beer and great burgers and more from Lil’ Toasty’s!
