Funny & Fearless

Local Comedians Prepare For Stand Up Toledo
by Emily Rippe
2012 might just be the year of the comedian—at least in Toledo. A scene has been steadily emerging over the past few years. And with several venues offering weekly stand-up and open mic opportunities (including Connxtions, the Funny Bone, Our Brothers Place, Sukit Hookah, Grumpy Dave's in Bowing Green and the Collingwood Arts Center), comedy has carved out a funny little niche for itself in Northwest Ohio.

Comedian Kool Keith is a major player in the Toledo and Detroit comedy circuits, and his routines resonate well with a variety of demographics. No stranger to comedy clubs, private parties, church and school events, Kool Keith (the subtle-silly class clown) was able to take his fascination for the humorous and turn it into a career.

"Comical is natural," Keith said. "Putting it together comes from my journalism background. Performing it comes from earlier years as a hip-hop MC. Now blending them all together is my daily pursuit. What got me to finally do it was simply letting go of fear. As soon as I made that choice, opportunities came crazy."

One of the bigger opportunities to arise in the Toledo comedy scene is the first annual Stand Up Toledo event. There comes a time when every serious comedian wants a break from the open mic circuit—a chance to really shine in the spotlight, and reach a broader audience. And that's precisely the idea behind Stand Up Toledo. Held on Sunday, January 15 at the Maumee Indoor Theatre from 8-11 p.m. (seating at 7 p.m.), the event was strategically organized and promoted by JL Entertainment Services, a company devoted to providing and supporting local entertainment and talent. After a brainstorming session, it was unanimously agreed upon that the comedians in Toledo were just as talented (if not more so) than their national counterparts.

"We wanted to create a showcase for the local talent in a way that was professional and different from the 'Open Mics' and 'Comedy Clubs' that many are used to attending," said Laura Spiess of JL Entertainment Services. "An event that is conceived, planned and promoted in a way that these men and women deserve."

Featuring ten local comedians already making names for themselves, Stand Up Toledo promises to be three full hours of "LOL" fun. The powerhouse line-up includes performances from the likes of Kool Keith, Donny P., Owen Thomas, Steve Cathcart, Meghan O. Koesters,  Corey W. King, Mark Frederick, Jake Dickey, Brandon Doriot, and Joey Barone.

To add to the evening of hilarity, the event will be hosted by Chili Challis, a Toledo comedy scene legend whose career has spanned from touring with George Clinton and the PFunk All Stars, Ray Charles and Kool and the Gang to writing for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and the nationally syndicated "Bob & Tom Morning Show."

"When I first landed here from L.A. fresh from NBC's 'Tonight Show' back a few years ago, there was only one club in town and no open mics or other venues that held an open door policy to new talents," Challis said. "There wasn't a thing that even resembled a comedy scene. Thankfully there is now, due to efforts of many. The comedy scene in Toledo is as solid as many I've witnessed growing in my career and has a bright future, we're still just scratching the surface."

Challis continues to play a big role in such efforts. Currently sharing his wisdom and experience with a new generation of comedians, Challis runs a comedy course called the Dojo. He describes the Dojo as a real workshop for writers and comedians to learn in a classroom type setting, and then gain experience in front of an audience.

Because he's used to giving advice to aspiring comedians, I asked Challis if he had any advice for newbies.

"Don't try to be somebody else on stage," he advises. "Don't start out imitating a famous comedian, it will only hold you back in the long run. Find yourself. How do you do this? Write your first material from personal experiences at dealing with the defects and inconsistencies of yourself and your life. Do the kind of comedy that makes you laugh. Be fearless, and write like there are no rules."

Catch host Chili Challis, Kool Keith, and nine other hysterical local comedians at the first annual Stand Up Toledo on Sunday, January 15 at the Maumee Indoor Theater from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, visit www.standuptoledo.com.
Published: 01/10/2012 7:00 am

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