click to enlarge SX1 Entertainment / Rustin McCann
To say the bars on Cleveland's west side are over saturated with comedy shows is an understatement. Bar patrons frequently arrive to their watering hole of choice to unwind after a busy work day only to discover they've walked into the thunderdome that is open-mic night. Realizing a change needed to be made, the people behind SX1 Entertainment (Spyder Jones, Jess Faulstich and Elizabeth Seman) have decided to break out of the traditional space of bars (and the west side in general) to offer a unique comedy showcase experience.
Premiering Sunday, SX1 Entertainment presents Couch Gags
, a biweekly comedy showcase that's BYOB and dog friendly. The new show is to replace the former Red Light Showcase at the Avenue Taphouse in Lakewood, moving to the Skidmark Garage outside Asiatown, occurring every 1st and 3rd Sunday.
"Skidmark Garage literally hit all the marks. It's a motorcycle garage with an intimate and retro lounge space," said Faulstich. "Couch Gags promises all the advantages of a house show without someone having to clean up after everyone or worrying about losing your security deposit because some rowdy comedy fans showed up and damaged your apartment. It's a motorcycle garage full of big dudes fixing their bikes, people can bring their dogs and no one minds a mess.
"We won't be annoying bar patrons who just happened to get a comedy show dropped into their laps, and comedians won't have to compete with crowd noise to show off their sets," she said.
One of the biggest challenges of bar hosted comedy shows are the patrons who are there for the bar and definitely not the comedy. Faulstich continued, "It opens up so much more opportunities for comedy with a fun and relaxed atmosphere, being a venue that people purposefully go to to watch comedy."
Hosted by Faulstich, Couch Gags' inaugural show will feature performances from Josh Lawhorn, Amber Maeda, Brett Thomas, Liz Blanc and headliner Bill Squire of
The Alan Cox Show.
Admission is on a donation basis; though a donation of some amount of money will be required for entrance, even if it's a little couch cushion change. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m.
The Skidmark Garage is located at 5401 Hamilton Ave.