With local troupes, open mic nights and an annual festival, Jamestown offers comedy lovers many entertainment opportunities. The Q hopes to be a part of the comedy movement for years to come.
The venue will continue to host Comedy Nights at The Q on Wednesdays. Chicago native Rick March, who has performed nationally and contributed to MAD Magazine, will be the next headliner, visiting the nightclub side of The Q on Wednesday.
Justin Lindell, owner of The Q, has worked with South Bay Comedy out of California to bring touring comedians to Jamestown for the past two months.
Many area residents have assumed the comedians are from the area, when in actuality they have come from across the country, Lindell said.
"I don't want to say that local comedians can't be good, because they can be," he said. "I just want to put emphasis on the fact that this is your one chance to see these comedians. It's not like you're going to bump into them the next weekend at the Fenton Grill."
Although The Q makes 80 seats available for each comedy night, none have sold out to this point. That hasn't stopped those who have attended from having a good time, according to Lindell.
"The shows are great," he said. "All of the comedians have been amazing. They're comparable to what they bring to Jr's Last Laugh in Erie."
The Q provides each guest with a comment card, asking them to rate their experience on a 1-5 scale. The Q has yet to receive lower than a 4 and is averaging around a 4.7, Lindell said.
The audience members aren't the only ones who have enjoyed themselves.
"The comedians have been impressed," Lindell said. "It's a really nice environment on the nightclub side. Everything is brand-new. I really hand it to the comedians. Even though we've had 20 or 25 people on some nights, they still go at it and do their full show."
WHY WEDNESDAYS?
Prior to the comedy nights, The Q nightclub opened for business on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, catering to a dance-minded audience. Lindell wanted to extend the nightclub's offerings.
"It's a never-ending goal of mine to try to create something for everyone to do in this area," Lindell said, noting The Q also hosts pool leagues, and dart and poker tournaments. "I wanted to go above and beyond what we had been doing. Comedy is a great way to do that, I think."
After March's show, upcoming comedy night headliners include Charlie Wiener on May 16, Steve Burr on May 23 and Andy Hendrickson on May 30. Local comedian Rob Will serves as emcee for each comedy night, introducing the crowd to The Q and the comedians. An opening act follows Will prior to the headliner's performance. Doors open each Wednesday night at 6:30, and each show starts at 7. The price of admission is $8, and reservations should be made.
Although The Q offers 18-and-over nights each Friday, only individuals ages 21 or older will be admitted to the comedy nights.
Lindell's initial idea for the comedy nights was for area residents to come to The Q, have dinner and enjoy comedy every Wednesday. He may scale back to a monthly comedy night this summer, however, before returning to weekly shows in the fall.
"I want to stay with it," Lindell said. "If Jamestown's goal is to make comedy a big thing, I want to be a part of it. I think I'm doing my part. I'd like to see a couple other places pick something up."
The Q is located at 104 W. Second St. in Jamestown. Call 483-6256 for reservations or more information.