08/20/2024
Due to emergent health issues, we've made the difficult decision to suspend operations for an undetermined amount of time. All remaining shows are cancelled. We sincerely regret the inconvenience this will cause our fans, venues, and comedians. We wish we all could see the amazing performances we had lined up. Where possible, we're encouraging comedians and venues to connect on their own terms. Our social media and website will remain active, so we can pick back up when appropriate.
We started this business because comedy has been a big part of both of our lives, from a young age. While we were serving in the Navy, comedy was there to get us through the hard times. When we faced the struggles of transitioning into a post-military life, comedy was there for us. So, when fate landed us back in Josh's hometown of Lake Linden, we decided to bring comedy to us. The past 25 years have been challenging and emotional for many people, and we knew comedy could lift some of that weight.
We initially wanted to start a non-profit, as this was never about making money, but it ultimately proved to be too complex of an undertaking at the time. Instead, we decided on a model that would seek minimal profit. We offered comedy shows to local venues, free of charge. We found the comedians, paid them, and put them up in quality hotels. We learned Adobe Software so we could design and purchase flyers, paper tickets, and banners, to promote the show. We paid for advertising too promote the events, and bring people to the venues. We purchased sound and lighting equipment, learned how to run it, and produced the shows ourselves.
To cover our costs, we sold tickets to the shows. (We never paid ourselves.) Initially, we set our prices at what we thought was fair for a night out ($25-35). This past winter, however, was hard on the entire local economy and people were hurting. It's times like that, when it feels like the whole world (or the weather) is against you, that comedy helps so very much. We made the decision to lower our ticket prices to $15 for the rest of the winter and spring shows. We knew that meant we would lose money on every show, but it was worth it in our eyes. We were investing in the well-being of our community, and bringing people out to local businesses to spend money and tip staff. The community that built around us was our reward.
Early on we decided we wanted to have a full comedy scene, with the opportunity for people to try comedy for the very first time or hone their craft over time. With that in mind, we ran a year of free open mics around the U.P., but mostly at Eva's Hideaway in Calumet. For one year we provided a monthly, or greater, stage for aspiring comedians to pursue their dream. In that year, we witnessed so many talented individuals grace our stages. Many of those comedians are now 'working comedians', performing on stages around the country. Getting to see people's dreams come true, is a memory we will cherish forever.
We would like to thank all the local businesses: who were willing to work with or sponsor us; that let us put up flyers; who understood the value we freely gave; and were willing to take a chance on two salty Navy vets. We'd also like to thank all the amazing people who came out to our shows and supported us on social media, we never would have been so successful without you. Lastly, and most of all, we'd like to thank Holly and Mike from Eva's Hideaway for going above and beyond in their support of our dream.
Now, unfortunately, we have to pause our dream while we tend to our health. We look forward to bringing amazing comedy to wonderful audiences in the future, but in the mean time, continue to support live entertainment in your area.
