Backstage At The Wyndham
Welcome to Kenosha’s entertainment scene, where laughter meets lakeside luxury. Every weekend, the Kenosha Comedy Club (5125 Sixth Avenue) lights up the city with professional stand-up comedians from across the nation. Located inside the Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel, this premier comedy venue offers 90-minute shows every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., featuring a mix of national and regional headliners.
The Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel adds to the experience with captivating views of Lake Michigan. Located in beautiful downtown Kenosha, the hotel features newly renovated rooms, an indoor heated pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a complimentary hot breakfast. Its close proximity to local attractions, restaurants, and the vibrant Lakeside Deck—known for its own lineup of entertainment and food—makes it an ideal spot for both relaxation and nightlife.
Local writer and host Elaina Myers takes you backstage at the Wyndham with exclusive interviews featuring some of the comedians performing at the Kenosha Comedy Club. Stay tuned as she dives into conversations about each comic’s style, how they got started, and what audiences can expect from their upcoming performance.
Chicago comedy icon Larry Reeb is back for Thanksgiving weekend at the Kenosha Comedy Club
Chicago’s comedy scene has produced plenty of legends, but few are as instantly recognizable as Larry Reeb, better known as Uncle Lar. With his signature deadpan and treasure chest of one-liners, Larry’s impressive career has become a blueprint for Midwestern stand-up. A regular on The Bob and Tom Show, a recipient of the Chicago Tribune’s “Comedian of the Year,” and a staple at clubs around the country for decades, he’s the kind of comic who’s impact lasts long after the lights come up. Get tickets for his shows on Thanksgiving weekend (November 28 and 29) now at hap2it.com.
Elaina Myers: How did you first get started in comedy?
Larry Reeb: I went to an open mic night at the Comedy Womb in Lyons, IL, and to everyone’s surprise I got some laughs. They kept booking me back after that and that’s where I really built my stage confidence. It was called Comedy Womb after all, where comedians are born.
Elaina Myers: What is the biggest inspiration behind most of your material?
Larry Reeb: My dad loved comedians. We would watch comics on Ed Sullivan and Johnny Carson almost every night. Then, in high school, I gave a hilarious speech that received laughs from everyone and an A+. The only A+ I ever received in high school! My dad was so proud of me, so I decided to pursue comedy.
Elaina Myers: Which city or club has been the most welcoming to you?
Larry Reeb: I love working at Brad Garrett’s comedy club in Las Vegas, Zanies in Rosemont, IL and of course the Kenosha Comedy Club! Frank and Kim are amazing hosts.
Elaina Myers: What has been the biggest change in the comedy industry since the 80s?
Larry Reeb: TikTok has completely changed the game. People do some silly bit that gets millions of views and followers and get booked because they can pack the place. Most of the time they don’t even have to be funny these days. But this wave of social media has really opened the door for comedians and allowed us to reach people we never would have.
Elaina Myers: What should people expect if they come to your show?
Larry Reeb: To laugh, I hope! Also, I’m hoping this can be a great night for families to enjoy together because what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend than to laugh the night away with the ones you love?
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
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Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Wisconsin’s very own Kevin Farley is back to perform in Kenosha on November 21 & 22
Archive article from 11/17/25
Kevin Farley got his start in comedy studying at the famous Second City in Chicago. Soon after, he moved to Los Angeles and began landing roles in films such as Tommy Boy and Black Sheep with his older brother Chris and The Waterboy with Adam Sandler, as well as leading roles in An American Carol and White Knight. Kevin has also guest-starred on endless television shows including That ’70s Show, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Kevin has a podcast The Farley Farm with his wife, and performs at the best comedy venues and theatres nationwide. Get your tickets now at hapit.com for his shows on November 21st and 22nd with special guest openers Steve Casey, owner of Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations, and comedian Des Mulrooney.
Elaina Myers: Out of all the places you’ve performed, which stands out as the most welcoming?
Kevin Farley: Honestly, any Wisconsin venue. I love coming to Wisconsin because I was born here and have many fond childhood memories here. I love how friendly the people are and that they are always ready to laugh.
Elaina Myers: If you could go back in time to when you were first starting in comedy, what would you tell yourself?
Kevin Farley:: I would say, “Just be yourself without trying to be anybody you think you should be. You are enough.” I think that goes for a lot of things.
Elaina Myers: Of all the guest appearances you’ve done on television shows/sitcoms, which one was your favorite and why?
Kevin Farley:: The most fun I’ve ever had on a television series was on ‘2ge+ther’ that aired on MTV in the early 2000s. It was a short-lived series that followed a mock boy band that poked fun at the fad trend. I never thought I would be singing and dancing like that.
Elaina Myers: When did you first get the idea to start the Farley Farm Podcast with your wife?
Kevin Farley:: One day, my wife and I looked around the house and realized we had seven dogs. A number we chalked up to that of a small farm. We thought it’d be funny to start a podcast about it, and we’ve been doing it for a while now.
Elaina Myers: What is one thing you hope people take away from your show?
Kevin Farley:: I mean I just hope people have a real good time and are able to escape their hectic lives for a couple hours. I like to have fun and create a positive atmosphere where people can let loose and laugh.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 11/18/25
Check out some other great local stories by Donny Stancato CLICK HERE
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived article from 11/11/2025
Stand-up star Lynne Koplitz brings her signature humor to Kenosha
Long Island comedian and actress Lynne Koplitz is making her Kenosha Comedy Club debut on November 14th and 15th. After transitioning from theatre to New York’s comedy scene, she quickly gained recognition through appearances on Comedy Central and the Just For Laughs Festival. She then released a Netflix special titled Hormonal Beast that earned critical acclaim. Beyond stand-up, Lynne has cohosted a slew of television shows and has starred in IFC’s Z Rock, Top Five, and The King of Staten Island alongside Pete Davidson. Get tickets now at hap2it.com, because you won’t want to miss this unapologetically honest performer.
Elaina Myers: In your early days, how did performing in venues like Comedy Cellar and Stand-Up New York shape your voice as a comedian?
Lynne Koplitz: I actually started at Gladys Comedy Room inside Hamburger Harry’s off Times Square. I had to bark to get customers in, which meant I had to go out and advertise myself to get stage time. That really built my confidence, which inevitably led to my performing in bigger venues.
Elaina Myers: As a woman entering a male-dominated stand-up world, what were the challenges you faced?
Lynne Koplitz: Honestly, my challenges were the same as everyone else: be funny. I had to learn how to be funny for three minutes, and then five, and then fifteen, and then an hour. And through that process, I also had to find my comedy voice.
Elaina Myers: How did your Netflix special Hormonal Beast first come about?
Lynne Koplitz: The special came about after I opened for Louis C.K. in Madison Square Garden. I was approached by Netflix reps, who wanted me to do a special, but said it had to be about hormones. I obviously agreed but put my own twist on it, and I am very happy that I did.
Elaina Myers: You dedicated that special to Joan Rivers. What was the most meaningful lesson you took from her?
Lynne Koplitz: Joan influenced my life in many ways, as a friend and a comedy mentor. She always used to say, “There are givers and takers in this world. The givers can take, but the takers never give.” That will always stay with me.
Elaina Myers: If you were starting out today, what is one thing you would focus on or do differently?
Lynne Koplitz: I would tell any young comedian that if there is anything else you could see yourself doing, do that! All jokes aside, I think I would have been more ambitious. Ambition is what helps you make connections and gets you in the door again and again.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 11/11/25
Check out some other great local stories by Donny Stancato CLICK HERE
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived article from11/4/2025
The Bad Momz of Comedy took the Chicago comedy scene by storm, and now they are making their way to Kenosha
When it comes to delivering uproarious takes on parenting, marriage, and the everyday chaos of being an adult, few do it better than Orly K.G. A Chicago-based stand-up comic, Orly founded the all-female troupe Bad Momz of Comedy. Over the years, the group has grown into a large roster of over 100 female comics that have performed at renowned venues like Second City and Zanies. The group takes the Kenosha Comedy Club stage on November 8th, so whether you’re a parent who needs a night off or are just simply looking to laugh, this is the perfect show for you!
Elaina Myers: What inspired you to create Bad Momz of Comedy?
Bad Momz of Comedy: I was looking for a comedy show that would tie in parenting, marriage, aging, and everyday craziness. Since I couldn’t find it, I made it! And Bad Momz of Comedy totally took off. We started with four comics and now we have a roster of over 100 funny-AF women all over the country that we choose from for each show.
Elaina Myers: What was the original vision behind the group when it first started?
Bad Momz of Comedy: The original vision was to perform for PTAs in the Chicago area. But Bad Momz of Comedy quickly grew. We were soon having shows at Zanies Comedy Clubs, City Winery locations, and theaters across the country.
Elaina Myers: How does motherhood shape the group’s comedic voice?
Bad Momz of Comedy: Parenting can be hard and funny. We have jokes about our real lives as wives (or ex-wives), being a parent, being a woman, aging, and everyday topics that drive us all crazy. Even if you aren’t married or a parent, you will still be able to relate to our humor.
Elaina Myers: How did you first get into comedy yourself?
Bad Momz of Comedy: I was at a weird time in my life where my job was steady and my kids were suddenly teenagers. So, I took a stand-up comedy class, and that was it. I started producing Bad Momz of Comedy six months later, had our first moms-night-out PTA event two months after that, and we were on The Kelly Clarkson Show four months after that.
Elaina Myers: What should our Kenosha audience expect if they come to your show?
Bad Momz of Comedy: If you have a good sense of humor, you will love Bad Momz of Comedy. You don’t have to be a mom or even a woman to enjoy our show– we are funny, a little raunchy, adorable yet tough women who know how to put on a great comedy show.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 11/04/25
Check out some other great local stories by Donny Stancato CLICK HERE
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Seinfeld star Steve Hytner is back at the Kenosha Comedy Club on November 7 and 8
Perhaps the perfect way Steve Hytner could describe his upcoming standup shows in Kenosha on November 7 and 8 would be “The best!” Or “Gold!”
Those are, of course, Hytner’s most enduring catchphrases from his appearances on the award-winning TV sitcom Seinfeld, where he played Kenny Bania, a character that Hytner continues to be recognized for even today. But, in a recent interview with Happenings, Hytner said he’s perfectly OK with that even though his career has encompassed much more than a single show.
“I still can’t walk out my front door without someone yelling, ‘That’s gold, Jerry!’ Gold!’ at me, but somehow it never gets old,” said Hytner. “Bania was never supposed to be a recurring role, but the studio audience reacted so strongly to him that they wrote him into the next episode and the next.”
In total, Kenny Bania appeared in six Seinfeld episodes, including the iconic Soup episode in season six and the Soup Nazi episode in season seven, which remains one of the highest-rated Seinfeld episodes among viewers.
“Honestly, I’m just really grateful for my time on the show,” Hytner says, “Jerry was very specific about the characters and who played them. It didn’t matter if you had a great episode, because if he didn’t like you as a person, you weren’t coming back. By the time we had the finale, which was basically a reunion show, not only was everybody good, but everybody was a good person.”
Hytner has a long list of credits in addition to Seinfeld that includes The Goldbergs, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Friends, The King of Queens, Two and a Half Men, Dharma & Greg, The XFiles, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Mike & Molly, and several Disney shows including The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, That’s So Raven, and Sonny with a Chance. A career highlight for him was working with Clint Eastwood in In the Line of Fire.
“I have been very, very fortunate. I’ve had some big breaks in television and with my relationship to Disney,” said Hytner. “People always think Seinfeld was the biggest one, but don’t realize I was working like crazy before Seinfeld and for a long time after.”
While his acting opportunities remain a stunning accomplishment, Hytner says he’s refocused his attention on his stand-up career. For the last few years, Hytner has been headlining shows at comedy venues around the country.
“I had an amazing 25-year run in acting, and stand-up was pushed to the back burner during that stretch. I originally moved to New York in the 80s to pursue acting, but it was a struggle to book anything, so I tried my hand at as many open mic nights as I could. I fell in love with the art form that was stand-up,” said Hytner. “Going back to stand-up later in my life, I realized I had so much more to talk about and so many amazing experiences to share now. It just feels like I’m completing the perfect full-circle moment.”
Last February, Hytner brought the house down with his newly branded comedy at the Kenosha Comedy Club, and he’s back to do it again. And if you are among the millions of Seinfeld fans, Hytner will also be hosting a special Seinfeld Trivia and Q&A session after his show, so make sure to stick around. The night will truly be… gold!
By Gary Schneeberger and Elaina Myers
Check out some other great local stories by Donny Stancato CLICK HERE
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 11/04/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived article 10/20/25
Jym Elders is bringing his mind-reading expertise for a spooktacular show at the Kenosha Comedy Club
For more than twenty years, Jym Elders’s award-winning mentalism has been wowing audiences of all kinds from New York to Los Angeles and everywhere in between. Jym combines his distinct humor with mesmerizing mind games and predictions of the future, making him one of the last comedic mentalists working today. He’s performed for almost every crowd imaginable, including McDonald’s, Home Depot, the University of Alabama, and John Deere. He’s back at the Kenosha Comedy Club the weekend before Halloween (October 24th and 25th) to kick off the spooky holiday vibes.
Q: What was one of your favorite parts about your last performance at the Kenosha Comedy Club?
Jym Elders: I really enjoyed seeing some repeat audience members, some of whom were at back-to-back shows! But as far as the show itself, I made a connection with an audience member where I was able to predict the whereabouts of a long-lost family member.
Q: What’s one common misconception people have about mentalists?
Jym Elders: A lot of people think that I must be using help from outside sources (secret listening devices, friends in the audience, the internet, etc.) in order to achieve what I do. But everything comes from me and me only.
Q: Do you ever use your mentalism skills in real life- like reading people at a party or in a meeting, etc.?
Jym Elders: I don’t have an on/off switch for what I do. Maybe just a dimmer switch. Most of the time I keep my thoughts to myself, although I will occasionally use it in situations of “need” but not for fun.
Q: What’s your ultimate goal as a performer- the message or feeling you hope audiences walk away with?
Jym Elders: I just want people to experience something different. In this day of AI technology, it’s easy to become desensitized to much of what we see on a screen, but in my show, you will see the real deal happen right in front of you!
Q: Do you have anything exciting in the works for these upcoming shows?
Jym Elders: I’ll be performing mostly Halloween-themed material, some of which I have never performed myself! I’ll try to receive a message from the spirit world and see if the audience can be mesmerized by the ghost of Rasputin. I can’t wait!
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 10/20/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
Check out some other great local stories by Donny Stancato CLICK HERE
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Archived article from 10/14/25
Two for the price of one: Comedians Nick Cobb and Todd Glover take the Kenosha Comedy Club stage as co-headliners
Comedy fans are in for a treat when Nick Cobb and Todd Glover team up to co-headline the Kenosha Comedy Club on October 17th and 18th, bringing two distinct yet complimentary comedic voices to one stage. Nick is a Last Comic Standing finalist and has appeared on many television programs earning acclaim for his story-driven humor. Todd, on the other hand, reinvented himself through comedy by producing innovative comedy showcases and performing regularly at Chicago’s Second City and Zanies. The two will prove to be the perfect mix for a night of nonstop laughs.
Q: You’re a graduate of Second City and Improv Olympic, how did training there shape your approach to stand-up and producing comedy?
Todd: It helped me become sharper when I interact with the crowd. I also learned how to share the stage, which now allows me to put together some amazing lineups when I am producing shows.
Q: How did winning a stand-up competition at a bar on Beale Street change your career trajectory?
Nick: It was a confidence boost for sure. In my early days when I had no clue how any show was going to go, so winning any kind of contest made me feel like I was headed in the right direction.
Q: You produce and promote shows for comedy venues across the Midwest, what does your process look like when you decide to produce a show yourself (versus just performing)?
Todd: When I produce a show, I am a nervous wreck. I have to worry about not only the show, but hosting, the other comics and everything in between. When I am booked at a club, I just show up and do my act. I can concentrate more when it’s just me.
Q: Your Dry Bar special has over a million views, how did that special come about and what did you learn from it?
Nick: Don Friesen, an old friend of mine, recommended me as the other act for the night he filmed his special. I had to do 45 minutes squeaky clean for the taping. I never thought of myself as a dirty comic, but the level of clean they wanted was challenging. I had to learn how to talk about things with a completely different, more positive attitude.
Q: What should people expect from your upcoming co-headlining shows in Kenosha?
Todd: Expect to laugh! Nick and I work really well together because we are so different on stage. We are at totally different places in life, so it makes for some great entertainment.
Nick: Honestly, I prefer the days when people came to shows with no expectations. It’s cool to work with a clean slate, but that’s because I know you’re bound to have a great time.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 10/14/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
Check out some other great local stories by Donny Stancato CLICK HERE
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Archived article from 9/15/25
Nathan “Tricky” Allen is bringing the magic back to the Kenosha Comedy Club
This Iowa-based magician doesn’t wear tuxedos or bring sparkly boxes containing white rabbits on stage, but instead has gained his following through his clever illusions, witty commentary and hilarious audience interaction. Nathan “Tricky” Allen has created one of the most unique magic/ comedy shows in the US, igniting standing ovations in every venue from comedy clubs to biker bars to casinos and corporate events. If you want to laugh and be wowed all at the same time, then get your tickets now for his shows at the Kenosha Comedy Club on September 19th and 20th!
Q: Who have been your biggest influences in both comedy and magic?
Nathan “Tricky” Allen: For magic, my biggest influences are masters of magic that the general public has never heard of, but I also admire David Copperfield and Houdini. They both figured out how to be larger-than-life while achieving the impossible. As for comedy, it ranges from stand-ups like George Carlin, Bill Hicks, and Richard Pryor, to goofy guys like Carrot Top and Gallagher.
Q: What is the biggest challenge of combining comedy and magic in a live show?
Nathan “Tricky” Allen: The biggest challenge is making sure it’s all one cohesive experience. In a show like mine, the comedy must be born out of the magic and audience interaction itself, so the humor flows naturally from the absurdity of what’s happening on stage.
Q: What’s the most memorable audience reaction you’ve ever had?
Nathan “Tricky” Allen: I had a guy in the front row who laughed so hard that he passed out. Like a fainting goat. He came to a few seconds later and was fine, but his friend was just as shocked as I was. It was a perfect mix of hilarious and terrifying.
Q: Have you ever had a trick go wrong on stage?
Nathan “Tricky” Allen: Little mistakes happen all the time, but the key is not to let the audience know. It’s about having a Plan B, C, and sometimes even a Plan D ready to go. I find that as long as I can laugh at a disaster, the audience will laugh right along with me.
Q: How do you keep your act fresh after years of doing shows?
Nathan “Tricky” Allen: It’s a constant cycle of working on new material. Every new routine takes me about a year of tweaking and rewriting before I’m comfortable with it. I have to nail down the technical magic, mix in the funny, and add music cues. It’s a never-ending process of listening to the audience, editing, and rolling with the punches.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
Check out some great local stories by Donny Stancato CLICK HERE
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Archived from 9/4/25
Chicago’s triple threat: Stand-up, actor, and writer Dwayne Kennedy is back in Kenosha for one night only
Dwayne Kennedy has truly done it all. He’s made appearances in some of the most classic tv sitcoms including Seinfeld, Martin, 227, and Amen. He won an Emmy award in 2019 for producing the CNN original series United Shades of America that follows comedian W. Kamau Bell on a trek around the country. He’s the winner of Best Comedian at the 2002 HBO US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. And he’s written for The Arsenio Hall Show on CBS and for FX’s The Orlando Jones Show. This talented entertainer is back for just one night at the Kenosha Comedy Club on September 12th, so get your tickets now at hap2it.com.
Q: Who were some of your early comedic influences? Who are some comedians you admire today?
Dwayne Kennedy: Growing up I watched Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, and Robert Klein. The comedians I admire today are Adelle Givens, Maria Bamford, Brian Reagan, Ian Edwards. Honestly there are too many to write down.
Q: You’ve performed on many late-night television programs including The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, and Late Night with Conan O’Brien— which one stands out the most to you?
Dwayne Kennedy: If I absolutely had to pick, it would be David Letterman, because I thought he was the best late-night host in my lifetime.
Q: How has your comedic style evolved over the years?
Dwayne Kennedy: My humor is constantly evolving as I get older, which I think is common for everyone. I think the biggest change is that I’ve become more conversational. When you’re new to the game it can almost feel performative, but as you gain more experience you realize that connecting with your audience is the most important part.
Q: How did your first full length comedy special “Who the Hell is Dwayne Kennedy?” come about?
Dwayne Kennedy: It came about as a result of people who knew me wanting me to put out an album and helping me do so. I’ve been involved in so many projects that it never seemed necessary for me to have a special, but my friends were insistent.
Q: How do you balance tackling serious topics with keeping your sets funny and engaging? Do you try to avoid them altogether?
Dwayne Kennedy: I definitely don’t avoid the most serious topics. I feel those are the subjects that can prove to be the funniest and most compelling during a set.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
Check out some great local stories by Donny Stancato CLICK HERE
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The original psychic comedian, Karen Rontowski is making her Kenosha Comedy Club debut
Karen Rontowski is known as the original psychic comedian, blending comedy with her background as a tarot reader and paranormal investigator to create a show that’s as hilarious as it is unique. She’s been featured on David Letterman, Comedy Central, and is a regular on the Bob and Tom Radio Show. Get tickets for her upcoming performances at the Kenosha Comedy Club on October 3rd and 4th now at hap2it.com.
Q: What first drew you to stand-up comedy and how did you get started in the industry?
Karen: I used to tell old jokes at my church and was always the class clown in school. When I got to college, I started watching comedy shows and realized that stand-up could be a real career. So, once I graduated, I moved to Las Vegas and met a Belman who did stand-up, and he took me to an open mic. During my first show, I got only one huge laugh, but I was so happy to be there that I kept at it.
Q: Was there a particular experience that made you realize you had psychic abilities?
Karen: My sister had epilepsy and one day we were swimming together at the beach. While in the water, she screamed, “I’m going to have a seizure!” so I grabbed her and swam her to shore. When the seizure ended, I asked my dad why he didn’t jump in when she screamed but he said she never did. My sister also said she never screamed.
Q: Do you find humor to be a useful tool to help make spiritual ideas more approachable for skeptics?
Karen: Absolutely! I always say that you don’t have to believe in what I do because you’re going to have fun either way. I am not bothered by skeptics, as long as they aren’t rude, but I think most people are smart enough not to be rude to a comedian.
Q: What do you enjoy most about reading Tarot for people?
Karen: In private readings, I always enjoy when they learn something about themselves. Sometimes Tarot is about showing people a different way to look at something. On stage, I love receiving big laughs and gasps from people who can’t believe how accurate the reading was.
Q: If you could read the “future” of stand-up comedy, what do you think it looks like?
Karen: When you look at the sociology of comedy, what is popular is usually reflected by what is happening. We are currently going through a political stage, so I believe we are going to be move back to the incredibly silly style of comedy. People are going to want a fun escape that takes them out of their everyday life.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
Check out some great local stories by Donny Stancato CLICK HERE
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Archived from 8/28/2025
Prepare to celebrate your Labor Day weekend with a one-of-a-kind performance by comedian Mike Ball at the Kenosha Comedy Club on August 29th and 30th. As creator of The Future of Comedy Show, that’s been featured at the Chicago Laugh Factory and venues all around the Midwest, Mike has built a reputation for blending high-energy comedy with unforgettable crowd work, often turning his spontaneous audience interactions into hilarious on-the-spot guitar improv songs. With his knack for bringing along standout special guests and delivering a show that’s never the same twice, he has become Kenosha’s go-to holiday weekend performer.
Q: When did you first learn to play guitar? How did this manifest into the guitar improv you do at your shows?
Mike Ball: My dad passed away and left me a Les Paul guitar and I decided I better learn how to play. One of my soccer coaches played in a local band and gave lessons. I took a couple oflessons and learned the rest on YouTube. It actually was in between sets of my coach’s band that I performed my first set of comedy. Eventually, I got good at freestyling and thought it would be really fun to incorporate the guitar on stage.
Q: Do you have any crowd work moments that you will remember forever?
Mike Ball: I have had people get engaged at my shows, I even officiated a marriage at one of my shows while on stage, and unfortunately, someone passed away during a show. So, I guess till death do us part.
Q: What has been the biggest hardship as a comedian and the biggest reward?
Mike Ball: The hardest part is the beginning. You don’t know anythingand perform in places where people don’t know you, so you have to fight for their attention. It all pays off though because the reward is doing what you love. It is having a passion that allows you to bring people together and share a laugh, which is needed more than ever right now.
Q: What are some rules you have for yourself regarding your comedy and performances?
Mike Ball: I only have two rules: be yourself and be funny.
Q: After performing for many years and creating the successful Future of Comedy Show, is there anything about the industry that has surprised you?
Mike Ball: What really is surprising is that when you think you’ve seen it all, you will see something else that will blow your mind.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived from 8/20/2025
Hailing from Milwaukee, stand-up comedian Chris Barnes has made an incredible mark on the comedy scene for over 40 years now.
He started doing open mics in 1980 and has since been a frequent performer around the Midwest and East Coast. He can be best described as a high-energy comic who grabs an audience and brings them to life with his signature humor and unforgettable facial expressions that have coined him as “The Man of Many Faces”. Chris is so good that we offer a money-back guarantee if you don’t laugh, which we guarantee you won’t have to cash in. Get tickets for his upcoming performances at the Kenosha Comedy Club on August 22nd and 23rd now!
Q: How did you get your start in the Milwaukee comedy scene?
Chris Barnes: I was interested in the comedy scene, so I started performing at open mic nights at a jazz club on the east side of town called Sardino’s. The open mic night featured comedians, singers, magicians, etc., so I met a lot of people who helped build my act and confidence.
Q: What was it like growing up in Milwaukee— how did your upbringing shape your sense of humor?
Chris Barnes: I was always surrounded by friends and family during that time, so I have so many great memories and stories that I still work into my material today. Some of my favorite jokes are centered around Milwaukee and the funny things I did growing up.
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Q: Do you think the comedy industry has gotten easier or harder to pursue over time?
Chris Barnes: Social media has definitely made it easier to get your content out there and broaden your audience. As a comedian, you aren’t going to get anywhere without loyal fans, so YouTube and TikTok have really helped build those connections in my industry.
Q: What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of so far?
Chris Barnes: I was inducted into the Performing Arts Center Hall of Fame in 1993. It was a great honor and a moment I will never forget.
Q: If you could perform anywhere in the States again, where would it be and why?
Chris Barnes: I honestly love performing everywhere because I get to meet so many new people every day, but if I absolutely had to choose, I would pick Atlanta. I always get amazing crowds in Atlanta.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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A Kenosha favorite from last year is back! Joe DeVito is truly one of the funniest guys you’ll see on stage with his relatable riffs on family, dating, and stories of growing up. You may notice him as a frequent panelist and contributing writer for the Fox News show Gutfeld!, where he brings a satirical edge to current events discussions. He’s also made over 150 other television appearances on shows like The Late Late Show, Comedy Central, and Comics Unleashed, to name a few. He has a stand-up album out called First Date with Joe Devito, and his Dry Bar Comedy special has garnered millions of views on YouTube. Get tickets now for his upcoming performances on August 15th and 16th at the Kenosha Comedy Club on hap2it.com.
Q: How did you first get started in comedy?
Joe DeVito: I always loved making people laugh but never considered getting onstage. Then some coworkers at my corporate job said I was too funny to not give it a try. Of course, now I realize, they just wanted to get some work done.
Q: What has been the biggest change in the comedy industry since you first started?
Joe DeVito: It’s never been easier to find an audience, and it’s never been easier for killjoys to complain. There will always be a place for comics who make people laugh, but finding stage time was the biggest struggle when I first started. I don’t think that’s something up-and-coming comics have to deal with anymore.
Q: What should people expect if they come to see your show?
Joe DeVito: Full-frontal nudity. Not from me, but if you paid for your ticket, show us what you got. (Don’t actually).
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Q: What has been the biggest hardship as a comedian?
Joe DeVito: I’d say it’s performing from inside an iron lung. It makes travel difficult, and most clubs don’t have the appropriate electrical outlets onstage.
Q: Do you have any jokes or certain shows that you wish you could do over?
Joe DeVito: I regret making that previous joke about being in an iron lung.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 6/2/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived interview
Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine from VH1’s ‘That Metal Show’ reunite to host Tribute Island 2025
Metalheads and comedy lovers, mark your calendars because Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine, former co-hosts of VH1’s That Metal Show, are reuniting to host and perform at Tribute Island on August 1st and 2nd. The dynamic duo, famed for interviewing rock’s greatest acts, are bringing their one-of-a-kind banter back to this year’s festivities. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this reunion promises an unforgettable night on the Kenosha stage plus access into the festival for the rest of the bands after. Get tickets now on hap2it.com.
Q: You’re both coming back to host Tribute Island this year- how is this event special to you?
Don: I’m from NJ, which is the land of tribute bands. They play up and down the Jersey shore all summer and make more money than most doctors. So, by law, I have to love them, but in Wisconsin I can watch and eat cheese curds at the same time.
Jim: This is my third year hosting Tribute Island now and it’s always a great time with some amazing cover bands. The music has me coming back year after year.
Q: You’ve toured all over the United States- how does performing in the Midwest differ from other regions?
Don: Not to stereotype Wisconsinites, but you truly do have better cheese curds than most places.
Jim: I’m usually doing shows on the East Coast and West Coast, but as a comedian, you know your jokes are funny when they work in the Midwest because your humor is the best.
Q: What is something fans might be surprised to learn about you off-stage?
Don: I like cheap beer and expensive wine, which honestly may not come as much of a mystery.
Jim: I live a pretty clean lifestyle. I don’t do drugs or smoke weed or take edibles, and I don’t have any tattoos.
Q: How has your approach to writing new material evolved over the years?
Don: I try to make my material more and more personal to me with each coming year. I also talk about a wide variety of topics such as music and current events, so there’s always something new.
Jim: I always write about what’s going on in my life at the current moment, so I guess as you evolve as a human being your material evolves. Then again, I still write jokes about my penis so have I really evolved?
Q: What can people expect from you at Tribute Island this year- any surprises?
Don: I am going to be dressed as a giant cheese curd the whole weekend, come see for yourself.
Jim: Expect brand new jokes, I like to switch things up since I perform in Kenosha multiple times a year.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 6/2/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived interview from 7/24/25
Carlos Mencia brings his Liberated Comedy Tour to Kenosha on July 25th & 26th
If there is one thing to know about stand-up comedian and actor Carlos Mencia, it’s that he isn’t afraid to talk about the controversial stuff. His bold delivery and willingness to tackle tough topics head-on have made him a standout star in the comedy world for decades. Whether riffing on politics, family or identity, Mencia brings a unique voice to his material, shaped by his Honduran-American background and the struggle he faced to fit in as an immigrant. “I will never forget the first time I performed on stage because it was the most liberating experience I had ever had. Like most Hispanic mothers, mine would censor a lot of my language growing up, so during that first performance in 1988, I said all the things she would never let me,” said Mencia in an exclusive interview with Happenings. “And I had a lot to say. I was an immigrant, meaning I was an insider and outsider no matter where I went, but that allowed me to touch on things most comics weren’t at the time.”
After that first amateur performance at the Laugh Factory, Mencia took the Los Angeles comedy circuit by storm. He earned a regular spot at The Comedy Store, where he learned and worked alongside other established comedians such as Richard Pryor and Paul Rodriguez. These early performances led to him being named “International Comedy Grand Champion” on the popular show Buscando Estrellas, the Latino version of Star Search, as well as multiple hosting opportunities on HBO’s Loco Slam and Funny is Funny! on Galavision.
But Mencia’s big television breakthrough came in 2002 after creating and producing the Comedy Central series Mind of Mencia. The four-season show highlighted his unapologetic humor with bold sketches and street interviews that quickly became one of the network’s highest-rated programs at its peak. “At the time, I didn’t really bask in the show like I would have today. I was so focused on writing material that worked for a television audience while still touring nationally. It’s nice to look back on the show now and see the impact it made, because that was the whole point,” said Mencia.
His time on television opened the door to acting, with his first big role playing Ben Stiller’s best friend in the 2007 Farrelly Brothers romantic comedy The Heartbreak Kid and three years later in the film Our Family Wedding as a lead alongside America Ferrera and Forest Whitaker. In addition to his on-screen acting, Mencia also lent his voice to all three seasons of the Disney Channel show The Proud Family as Felix Boulevardez, as well as the revival of the show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, with its fourth season coming soon.
Reinvigorated after some public controversies and time away to reflect, Mencia created his third national comedy tour that kicked off earlier this year called The Liberated Tour, which pays homage to his very first time on stage. The tour highlights his growth as a performer while staying true to the fearless and uncensored comedy that has made him a household name. “I never got into stand-up with the thought of becoming famous. I genuinely just loved performing, and the fame happened to follow. It’s taken me ten years to accept that people are going to have a lot of positive and negative things to say about me,” said Mencia. “I just have to continue on.” And continue on is exactly what Mencia will do when he performs Friday and Saturday night (July 25th and 26th) at the Kenosha Comedy Club. His shows will sell out, so get tickets now on hap2it.com.
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Archived interview from 7/17/25
The Kenosha Comedy Club welcomes back the iconic Mr. Showtime
The King of Standing Ovations and most highly requested performer to have ever graced our stage is back! Mr. Showtime is best known for his high-energy performances and wild mix of comedy, music, and sheer showmanship. With a career that spans decades and a reputation for leaving audiences breathless with laughter, Mr. Showtime’s return is always highly anticipated. Whether you’re a recurring fan or an eager newcomer, get tickets now for his shows at the Kenosha Comedy Club on July 18th and 19th. You will not be disappointed!
Q: How did you first come up with your stage name, Mr. Showtime?
Mr. Showtime: When I was coming up with this new character, I asked three of my closest comedy friends to describe me in a few words. They all came back with some variation of showtime or showy or the ‘whole show’ and from that I came up with Mr. Showtime. It’s simple and yet it tells you all you need to know.
Q: What’s one thing you always try to bring to the stage, no matter the location or audience?
Mr. Showtime: I could say something silly like ‘I always wear underwear to every show’ (sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t). But seriously, I try to bring my full enthusiasm every time, because I want the crowd to know I’m giving them all I’ve got.
Q: How has your act evolved over the years?
Mr. Showtime: My show is always evolving based on how I’m feeling, or let’s be honest, my age. I’m not a spring chicken anymore. I think my show is more interesting the older I get because I see things differently than I did when I was 25.
Q: If you could go back in time and talk to yourself when you were first starting as a performer, what would you say?
Mr. Showtime: Being a stand-up comedian isn’t like being a rock star. There are no groupies, and no one is throwing their bras on the stage. Also, buy $5000 of Nvidia stock in 2008.
Q: Do you have any exciting projects or gigs coming soon that people should look out for?
Mr. Showtime: I’m not sure if I’m able to talk about this yet, but I’m currently working on a new sitcom. I’m in the process of writing it now, and hopefully I can share more about it later this year.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 6/2/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived interview from 7/10/25
Laughter is on the schedule, and this time, the doctor is in! Dr. Bill Miller, a real-life doctor and touring stand-up comedian, is back at the Kenosha Comedy Club located in the Wyndham Garden Hotel on July 12th. (Tickets available here) Best known for blending his medical expertise with a razor-sharp sense of humor, Dr. Bill delivers a unique brand of comedy that’s as smart as it is hilarious. Whether he is poking fun at the quirks of the healthcare system or sharing stories from the exam room, his act promises a night of laughter that’s just what the doctor ordered.
Q: What was one of your favorite parts about performing in Kenosha last time?
A: By far the audience. They are hip and come to laugh. My other favorite parts are the staff! Frank, Kim and the others are super nice.
Q: Seeing as you are a real doctor and share real stories about patients, are there any topics you avoid in your sets?
A: Of course, there are sensitive areas about illnesses and situations where the patients feel uncomfortable, so I try to make those lighthearted if I talk about them at all. Trauma with bad outcomes is obviously not funny. 
Q: You took a break from stand-up to help raise your children; how did the stand-up world change in that time?
A: During my hiatus to raise my kids, it seemed like the comedians got younger… or I got older. Funny was still funny when I started back up.
Q: What’s the weirdest or most unexpected gig you have done?
A: I did a gig on one of the river tour boats in Chicago. They had all the chairs on the deck set up with a spotlight and stage background. In the middle of my set, it started to pour rain. I had an overhang, but the audience got up and ran inside. When the boat went under a bridge, I yelled into the mic, “Stop the boat right here!” It got a big laugh, but the show was sadly over.
Q: What’s in the works for you— any upcoming gigs or projects people should look out for?
A: I have a Medical Retreat for several hospitals that I am looking forward to. This is something I am cultivating: annual hospital parties or medical society meetings. I will be in Bolingbrook in the fall, and I have some local one-nighters around the Chicago area. Check out my website, drbillcomedy.com for future dates.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 6/2/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived interview from 7/03/25
Get ready, Kenosha— WGN Radio personality, John DaCosse, is performing at the Kenosha Comedy Club located in the Wyndham Garden Hotel on July 5th at 8 pm. Whether you’ve seen him opening for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Craig Ferguson, and Billy Gardell or heard his voice on The Steve Cochran Show, John’s magnetic presence and hilarious facial expressions promise a comedy night to remember. Get your tickets now at hap2it.com because this show will be the cherry on top of your Fourth of July weekend!
Q: How did you first get into stand-up comedy?
John DaCosse: After I graduated from college, my girlfriend (now wife) told me to audition at the Comedy Cottage in Chicago. I put together a ten-minute set, and they hired me on the spot. Two months later, I booked two shows at a weekend room. I couldn’t believe it and decided right there that I could make a living at this!
Q: Who were your biggest influences when you were starting out, and who inspires you now?
John DaCosse: When I first started doing gigs, I loved Richard Prior, David Brenner, and Joan Rivers. I got to open for both David and Joan, which was a dream come true. Today, I really enjoy watching and working with Nate Bargatze and Kevin James. They are funny without being dirty.
Q: You have worked with a lot of big names throughout your career— who’s been the most memorable so far?
John DaCosse: I worked with Damon Wayans, and he flew me out to LA to audition for a TV show called In Living Color. I didn’t book the show, but I got to meet some of the celebrities who did. I’ve also done audience warmups at the Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Springer shows.
Q: Do you think comedy is evolving? How do you keep your set fresh?
John DaCosse: Social media has been a game-changer for comics. For good and bad. Some acts have a great social media presence and can fill a room, but don’t have an act yet, while others who do have an act are no longer forced to have bookers dictate their progress. Personally, I just keep adding to my set and am always trying out new material.
Q: What should people expect if they come to your show in Kenosha?
John DaCosse: I am a clean comic who likes to have fun and not offend anyone. Expect me to interact with the audience because that always brings out the best stories.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 6/2/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived interview from 6/24/25
The beloved veteran of the stand-up scene, Maryellen Hooper, is bringing her witty personality and heartfelt humor to Kenosha for the very first time June 27th and 28th at 8 pm. Hooper has graced every major stage – from comedy clubs and college campuses to national television, scoring multiple spots on your favorite late-night programs and headlining her own half-hour specials on Comedy Central.
Known for her physical storytelling, Hooper draws hilarious insights from her roles as wife, mother, and DIY enthusiast that overflow with the kind of real-life authenticity that leaves audiences laughing until they ache. Whether she is sharing tales of her fixer-upper home disasters, fits of teenage hormones, or navigating marriage with flair, Hooper’s performance is a warm and wildly relatable homage to the rollercoaster ride of life.
This won’t be just another comedy show, but a chance to experience a storytelling master up close and personal at the Kenosha Comedy Club. In anticipation of her upcoming shows, Hooper sat down with us to talk about her comedy journey.
Q: Do you remember your first time on stage? What made you decide to keep doing it?
My first time on stage was 40 years ago! I was at a club in Ft Lauderdale called The Comic Strip. I had been watching the new comics and thought, “I can be at least as bad as they are…” I was right. Actually, I got quite a few laughs, probably because I was a theater kid. That, and the fact that I was being compared to those who hadn’t even held a microphone before. How did that first laugh feel? Have you ever been to a party, you’re telling a story and everyone’s eyes are on you… you get to the punchline and BOOM! Everyone laughs. It’s like that, but with a stage and 250 strangers who paid you to do it. It’s a powerful high.
Q: Your husband is from Kenosha- how did you two meet? What are you most looking forward to about now performing here yourself?
My #1 fan lives in Kenosha and has been begging me to come to his city to perform for years… my father-in-law, John! Which makes my husband Mark a Kenoshan (or is that Kenoshanite?), and my whole family will be coming. It’ll kinda be like performing at one of our Thanksgiving dinners. Mark and I met many moons ago when he hired me to perform at his college. He was my liaison and protected me from the school mascot, the Bulldog. I still tease him that he was jealous of “the dog”. We had an old-fashioned, long-distance courtship through letters and $500 phone bills. After 2 years, I lured him out to L.A., where he became a successful scenic artist for film and television.
Q: You have always been a clean comic- was there ever a conscious decision to make sure that’s the way you were going to operate?
Early in my career, I saw a comic performing a late-night show that was filthy. I thought, “I wonder how you’re gonna feel when your kids see that show one day.” That’s when I made a conscious decision to work clean. I mean, I don’t talk like that off stage, why would I on stage? Let me preface that by saying I’m not against blue humor – Richard Pryor is one of my favorite comics! It’s just not who I am on stage.
Q: You are one of the few comics to have performed on all four of the Disney cruises- how did this opportunity first come about?
My husband is the Manager of Theatrical Design for Disney Live Entertainment! We love Disney, in fact, our 2 sons practically grew up on the cruise ships. My big break came when I was asked to open for Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy. Every Disney muckety-muck was at the show… and I killed! On a cruise ship, you live and die by the comment cards. I got so many positive comments that the cruise line decided to give me my own show on future cruises.
Q: What is your process like for writing new material- how do you workshop that new material into your sets?
When I first started, I was an anomaly. A woman who was trying to be seen AND heard! I’m a storyteller. I share all the trials and tribulations of being a woman. It was easier writing jokes about my sons when they were babies. Now I hear, “Don’t talk about this on stage, Mom!” It’s a constant negotiation, “If you two don’t clean up your rooms…it’s going into the act!” People always ask me how I write my material. I just live my life and (with permission) talk about it that night on stage. It’s way cheaper than therapy.
Get tickets now on hap2it.com for her shows on June 27th and 28th at 8 pm and prepare for two nights of top-tier entertainment.
OMG! There is even more comedy this weekend at the Kenosha Comedy Club!!! Well Elaina Myers gets the inside details with Michael Palascak as he is bringing his hilarious set back to the Kenosha Comedy Club
If you like your comedy smart, relatable, and just the right amount of awkward, then you have to get tickets now for Michael Palascak when he’s at the Kenosha Comedy Club located in the Wyndham Hotel on June 27th and 28th. His laid-back delivery and knack for turning everyday moments into laugh-out-loud material has brought him to some of comedy’s biggest stages. He’s appeared on almost every late-night show including The Tonight Show, Conan, and Letterman and he was a finalist on Last Comic Standing. Check out his new comedy special “He’s Friendly” available now on YouTube before buying tickets to his show at hap2it.com.
Q: What was one of your favorite parts about performing in Kenosha last time?
I love being on the water. If you’ve never been, the Wyndham Hotel is right on Lake Michigan, and I love walking along the waterfront each time I stay.
Q: If you could go back to your first ever open mic with one piece of advice for yourself, what would it be?
A: I feel like the first time you perform doesn’t garner any advice. Because the fact that you’re doing it is the accomplishment. I guess I would just tell myself to keep doing it and trying new things on stage.
Q: What’s something you learned from your experience on Last Comic Standing that still influences how you perform today?
This might sound obvious, but that show gave me confidence. I never thought I would advance that far into the season, so when I did, I realized that I was on the right path.
Q: You have a very clean style of comedy- was that a conscious choice from the start or did it evolve into that?
I wanted everyone and anyone to be able to enjoy my stand-up, which means keeping it clean. Plus being clean makes it possible for me to book talk shows, which I really love doing.
Q: You often write jokes centered around the everyday monotony- how do you know when something mundane is actually gold for your set?
I think it’s really all about what you notice. If something happens that sticks with me or stands out in my day, that’s always a sign for me to try to write material about it. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 6/2/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Jackie and Kevin Flynn bring their ‘Brothers from Another Mother’ comedy show to Kenosha
Comedians Jackie and Kevin Flynn share the same last name but are not related, although some say they do have the same funny bone. When the two perform together, they cover miles of comedic ground, combining their years of stand-up and acting experience. Get tickets now on hap2it.com for their one-night show at the Kenosha Comedy Club located in the Wyndham Garden Hotel on June 19th at 7 pm!
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with each other?
Jackie: Kevin and I met in 1987 doing open mics in Boston and have been good friends ever since. There’s nothing better than traveling and working with a great friend. We really understand each other’s sensibilities and styles.
Kevin: As you become a “headliner,” you are always working alone. It’s fun now to have a partner in crime. When the two of us are on the same show, I know people will have a great time!
Q: You have had great success as an actor as well as a stand-up, do you approach preparing for a role the same way you approach preparing a set, or are they completely different muscles?
Jackie: I would say they are very different muscles that complement each other. My humor can greatly help my acting, and my ability to be more theatrical helps my stand-up.
Kevin: I am rather animated and physical in my delivery on stage, which I definitely think came from my acting experiences. There are also ample opportunities for improv in both of the disciplines, which is my favorite.
Q: If you could go back in time when you were first starting as a stand-up, what advice would you give yourself?
Jackie: Write more! The more jokes you have at your disposal, the better.
Kevin: Be yourself. That’s always easier said than done, since most comedians agree that it takes a few years to find out who you are on stage, but as long as you stay authentic, it comes.
Q: Do you find it easier to be someone else (in acting) or brutally yourself (in stand-up)?
Jackie: For me, it’s always been easier to just be myself on stage, but I enjoy the challenge of acting.
Kevin: It’s true that you are another person when acting a role, but you still bring different parts of yourself to that role. In acting, you can (and do) hide behind the character you’re playing, so that does make it a little easier. With standup, it’s all you, which can be scary at times but incredibly rewarding.
Q: Do you have anything big in the works that people should look out for this year?
Jackie: My new comedy special, Wicked Funny, just dropped and is available now on Amazon Prime. Check it out before coming to see me live!
Kevin: I have an autobiographical “one-man play” that I am currently performing called FEAR OF HEIGHTS. It’s about my working-class roots and how I made the transition into comedy, family, divorce, and all that comes after. It’s my story, but it’s also universal to so many, as we all make our way in life.
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 6/2/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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This Father’s Day, treat your dad to a special show by the hilarious father-son duo Des and TP Mulrooney at the Kenosha Comedy Club located in the Wyndham Garden Hotel on June 20th and 21st. TP has been performing as a stand-up ever since college, but it wasn’t until he discovered a love of golf that his target audience was born. Now, TP is a comedian for fellow golfers, having performed at hundreds of golf events and on the Golf Channel. Des is following in his footsteps as a clean and up-and-coming stand-up who has won multiple contests in Illinois. In 2023, he starred in the film The Road Dog opposite comedy legend Doug Stanhope. Get tickets now at hap2it.com and gift your father with a night of laughter.
Q: What is one of your favorite parts about performing in Kenosha?
Des: I love the staff and the crowds. Everyone is very friendly. But if I had to pick a favorite part about the club, it would probably be the pork sliders.
Q: As a veteran in the stand-up world, what advice did you give your son when he started in the industry?
TP: Don’t do it. He didn’t listen to that, but I said if you’re going to do it, don’t follow the crowd. Be yourself and do what you think is funny, because it’s the only way to stay happy in this business. I’m pleased to say he’s done that; there’s nobody else like Des.
Q: What do you enjoy most about performing with your dad?
Des: There’s a huge comfort level in traveling on the road with family and having your dad as your business partner. I don’t have to be nervous on stage with him because he always has my back, even if some of the jokes are at my expense.
Q: You are known as the golf comic, how did this come to be?
TP: I started playing golf when I was 35 and, without realizing it, more and more golf material was sneaking into my act. Some people in the business said it would be impossible to have a career in golf comedy because no one has ever done it, so I took that as a challenge.
Q: What should people expect if they come to your upcoming show at the Kenosha Comedy Club?
TP: That Des will make fun of me a lot, which I know he will enjoy, right up until the time that I leave him out of my will because of it.
Archived interview from 6/3/25
Tickets available HERE
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 6/2/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived interview from 6/3/25
On June 6th and 7th, there will be two headliners for the price of one at the Kenosha Comedy Club located in the Wyndham Garden Hotel! Chicago-based comedians Lucky Luciano and Jayson Cross are coming together for an unforgettable night of comedy. Both have been regular openers at the club, receiving such high praise that we are bringing them back for their very own shows. Get tickets now at hap2it.com.
Q: How did you get started in comedy?
Lucky: After taking Improv classes at Second City for over a year, I didn’t think improv was for me. But in 2008, I decided to try a stand-up comedy class instead and absolutely fell in love.
Jayson: I started off doing print modeling in New York City. A friend suggested I try stand-up comedy as a way to get in front of more casting directors. After my very first show, I fell in love with it.
Q: What is one of your favorite parts about performing in Kenosha?
Lucky: I feel like the Kenosha Comedy Club is my home club because I connect so well with the crowd. Frank and Kim are also the loveliest people, it’s always a pleasure to work with them.
Jayson: The Kenosha crowds are genuine. There is something refreshing about the Midwest; people come to laugh, not to nitpick. In some major cities, it can feel a bit exhausting, like everyone is waiting to be offended.
Q: What is the biggest inspiration behind your material?
Lucky: My family is my biggest inspiration; I mainly talk about them. Most of my jokes are true stories that I slightly embellish. I did grow up watching Jerry Lewis, Bob Newhart, and Richard Pryor, so their comedic styles have resonated with me as well.
Jayson: Sometimes inspiration is as simple as a conversation that strikes me as funny, and other times it comes from a deep dive into an intense political debate that I find thought-provoking. I try to stay open to whatever sparks an honest reaction.
Q: If you weren’t a comedian, what else could you see yourself doing?
Lucky: I would definitely be a salesperson! I love talking to people and making them laugh, which is perfect for sales.
Jayson: I would be a teacher. There is something about engaging with a crowd that energizes me, whether it is a classroom or a comedy club.
Q: Do you have any big projects or plans coming for the rest of 2025?
Lucky: The main plan is to keep performing as much as possible. I will headline the Chicago House of Blues Foundation room again in the near future, so check that out!
Jayson: I recently released a micro special on YouTube titled Mitter Cross, and I plan to tour throughout the rest of the year. It is an exciting time, and I am looking forward to connecting with audiences in new cities.
Tickets available HERE
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
This article was published on 6/2/25
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine
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Archived interview from – 5/27/25
One of the iconic hosts of VH1’s That Metal Show, Don Jamieson, is back at the Kenosha Comedy Club located in the Wyndham Garden Hotel on May 30th and 31st with special guest opener Tom Kief from 95 WIIL ROCK! Don spent 14 seasons of the show conducting hilarious and deep interviews with the world’s most famous rock stars. When the show wrapped up in 2015, Don stepped into the world of comedy full-time and has four comedy albums on Metal Blade Records that all hit the Top 20 on iTunes and the Billboard comedy charts. He’s also lent his unique brand of humor to sports-themed comedy sketches on HBO’s Inside the NFL that earned him an Emmy award. Get your tickets now for this rocking performer on hap2it.com.
Q: What was your favorite part about performing in Kenosha last time?
Don Jamieson: The crowd had such a rock and roll feel to them. Lots of energy, a little rowdy and ready to have a great time! If you can’t tell, that’s my favorite kind of people.
Q: If you could go back in time to when you were first starting as a stand-up, what would you say to yourself?
Don Jamieson: I would say slow down, take your time and live in the moment. And never wear that awful, checkered shirt again.
Q: Do you have a favorite guest or moment from your time cohosting VH1’s That Metal Show?
Don Jamieson: The time Marilyn Manson showed up drinking from a bottle of Absinthe at 11 am will always be in my top three. He wasn’t allowed to drink on set while we were filming, so the producer brought him a Styrofoam cup. When he poured it in, the entire cup disintegrated! I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.
Q: Do you have any big plans or projects coming for the rest of 2025?
Don Jamieson: I just put my newest comedy album, ’No Sleep ‘til McSorley’s’ out on vinyl, which I’m really excited about because I’m old school like that. I will have them for sale at the shows in Kenosha, so come check it out.
Q: I would be remiss if I didn’t ask the host of one of the most popular rock shows ever, what are your top 3 favorite rock bands of all time?
Don Jamieson: Motörhead, Thin Lizzy, and Kiss. But the first concert I ever saw was The Monkees, so I still have a soft spot in my heart for those lovable scamps.
Tickets available HERE
Why not stay the night at Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel book HERE
Intro and layout by Donny Stancato of Visit Kenosha/Go Downtown Kenosha
Photos supplied by Happenings Magazine