Just to the right of the entrance to Ellen’s Stardust Diner on Seventh Avenue, and down the steps is a musical landmark club called the Iridium. For over twenty years, it has been showcasing new and established musicians, including Les Paul (who called the club “home” for 14 years), but also Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, Joe Walsh, and even Rolling Stone members Mick Taylor and Charlie Watts. The photos around the intimate club will attest to that. There is even a signed guitar behind glass from Sheryl Crow’s collection.
Now, the stage is expanding its repertoire to include a monthly comedy program to its offerings with “Stand Up Downstairs.” Its location at 51st Street puts it smack dab in Times Square, and with its history of bringing the next generation of talent from the musical world, the Iridium will be introducing audiences to new and upcoming comics. Now, more than ever, says MC and comedian Paul Anthony, do we need to sit back and laugh.
Talia Reese
On its inaugural night, the roster included five comics who have been making the rounds in other NYC clubs, TV’s late-night shows, college campuses, and warming up daytime TV audiences; one is a former bankruptcy lawyer. Each has brought their own personal and funny experiences from marriage, parenthood, dating, and their comedy career.
The energy was as high as it could be on this first night of the program, and a middle of the week Wednesday. The jokes came quickly in each comic’s 15 minutes, some didn’t hit their mark, many did, but their talent shined when interacting with the audience. Who has a tattoo, who is from out of town, is anybody a therapist? The quick, on their feet, responses were hilarious and added an extra level of funny to the show.
It can’t be easy as a comic coming up the ranks, competing with the established and well-known names, but kudos to these five who could make a joke from one that fell flat. Or who held their poise during moments of awkward silence. However, on more than one occasion, when the audience erupted in laughter, the comic expressed delight that a new joke did its job.
Mick Thomas
Thanks and kudos to the comics at this show to inaugurate the comedy series: Kerri Louise, Talia Reese, Jon Fisch, Marcus Monroe, and Mick Thomas, with MC Paul Anthony.
Already scheduled for the second show on April 23rd include Joe Devito (Comedy Central); Harrison Greenbaum (Jimmy Fallon); and Bob Dibuono (comic and master impressionist).
Stand Up Downstairs at the Iridium will be appearing monthly with 90 minutes of hilarity from NYC comedians. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the first comic hitting the stage at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 — 18 and over please — and a full menu is available with a $25 food and/or beverage minimum.
Upcoming events include Canadien blues guitarist Matt Andersen (May 9); New Age blues rocker, Ally Venable (May 18); and Texas blues guitarist, Carolyn Wonderland (May 30).
Visit theiridium.com.
Photos of the comedians, including Kerri Louise at top, credited to Jim Belmont
Photo of the Iridium sign, MJ Hanley-Goff
