PORT TOWNSEND — The Olympic Peninsula Comedy Contest rides again, bringing 10 stand-up comics to compete at The Upstage, 923 Washington St., on Saturday night.
This fourth annual competition, in which the audience votes for the winners, will get going at 8 p.m. with Seattle’s Meghan Flaherty, the top comic from last year’s event, as host.
“Comedy competitions are the best way to get to see a variety of comedians all in one sitting,” Flaherty said.
“They are all bringing their A game. Since these comedians only have a few minutes to get you laughing, they are going to give you the best that they’ve got.”
Saturday’s cover charge is $10, and Olympic Peninsula Comedy promoter Steve Strout urges reservations at 360-385-2216.
The lineup includes comedians from Seattle, Tacoma and beyond, as well as one, Taylor Patterson, representing Port Townsend.
Preparing to compete with five- to seven-minute sets are Patterson, Phil Fox, Monica Nevi, Cameron Mazzuca, Nick Decktor, Chris Moran, Nigel Larson, Jason Goad, Barbara Sehr and Marianne Reilly.
“These are comedians of all levels from open-mic amateurs to road-tested professionals,” said Strout. “The fact that they’re all doing the same-length set levels the playing field.
“We were sold out last year and expect the same for this show,” the
promoter added.
And while The Upstage is an all-ages venue, he advises parental discretion. These are stand-up comics, after all, and they have been known to include some adult language and subject matter.
The comic with the most votes wins a cash prize and guaranteed booking with Olympic Peninsula Comedy, Strout noted.
“Recent winners have gone on to be national touring feature acts. This event is a great stepping stone.”
For updates and more information on the contest, visit Strout’s company at www.OlyPenComedy.com or the venue’s site at www.UpstageRestaurant.com.
