Not long ago, there were random comedians wandering aimlessly about Buffalo, in a desperate search for stage time. Today, they wander no more, having found a home base in the Doin’ Time Comedy Showcase. For the last four years, comedian Kristen Becker has been hosting the showcase, offering the best in up-and-coming standup comedy in the region. Comedian Mark Walton says, “When I started comedy, Nietzsche’s was the only place in Buffalo for open mic. Now that I have been doing comedy for awhile, Nietzsche’s is one of the best open mics to do.” Not only has Doin’ Time become a staple in the Buffalo comedy scene, it has spurred many spin-offs, giving birth to a burgeoning–albeit small–Buffalo comedy circle.
In the last year, comics that started at Doin’ Time have gone on to begin their own rooms. Dan Fisher, of Skunkpost.com, runs the Thursday show at Mode. The Rust Belt Comedy Tour does a Wednesday night show at Merge, featuring (in addition to Becker) comics Chet Wild, Rick Matthews, and Mark Walton. Doin’ Time Comedy has presented the Charity Roast of Rob Ray, as well as national acts like Josh Blue and a recent sold out show with comedian Doug Stanhope. Stanhope will be making a return to Nietzsche’s on May 22nd, you might want to get your tickets now.
Tomorrow, March 23rd marks Doin’ Time’s four year anniversary, and Becker can think of no better way than to host the Official Roast of the City of Buffalo. “For years, Buffalo has been the butt of jokes, and it’s about time we, the people, own it,” says the comedian. “Besides, who knows what’s wrong with us more than we do?” Becker is convinced that Buffalo is primed and ready to make a big splash on the national comedy scene and that great talent is coming out of Buffalo. Local favorite, Matt Bergman, just made it into the Laughing Skull competition in Atlanta against some of the biggest names in the business, and other Buffalo comedians Matt Wayne, Kevin Carlin and Shanin Allen just made the plunge into the New York comedy scene. “I think Buffalo comics have a few advantages. Being from Buffalo and having the history our city has, a sense of humor is a must for survival,” says Becker, only half kidding. In an effort to showcase this growing scene, Becker recently started www.buffalocomedy.com with fellow comedian Chet Wild. The site’s tagline is a very tongue-in-cheek: “Jokes on us”.
Head on down to Nietzsche’s tomorrow night to see these talented and very funny folks take swings at the things that make Buffalo, well, Buffalo. From political figures past and present, to the weather and, of course, Wide Right, the comedians plan to put it all on the table in hopes of burying the past. “I love living in Buffalo right now, it’s an exciting time,” says Becker. “I hope that our little show lets us put all the negative stuff on the table–in a fun way. Once and for all we can bury all the negative connotations that have been attached to Buffalo for years.”
Tuesday, March 23rd, 8pm
Admission: $5
Nietzsche’s
248 Allen Street
Buffalo, NY 14222