Local comedians like myself don't have many outlets to perform in the city of Toledo. Laffs, Inc. has a monthly open mic, and a handful of bars from Bowling Green to Ann Arbor also host occasional show-up-to-go-up comedy nights. Recently, new downtown bar The Moxie has been putting on weekly comedy shows, and they're looking for more comedians and comedy lovers to come out and support it.
Jacob Whiteman, the show's creator, came across The Moxie last year while walking on Adams Street with friends. While talking to the bar’s owner Aggie Alt, they discussed doing a weekly comedy show. “The amount of stage time for local amateurs, and even newer touring comics in Toledo is in short supply,” Whiteman said. “(Aggie) wants the bar to be a home for artists, and Toledo has a very legitimate claim to caring about the local art scene. I think comedy is one of the most important art forms, and one that always seems to have to remind everyone that it is, in fact, an art.”
This is the first show Whiteman has put on in the area, and he hopes it will grow more popular over time.
The show goes on every Tuesday night at 8pm, and is hosted by various local comedians. Last week’s show was hosted by Anthony Martinez, a very funny local who also hosts a weekly comedy night at Sukit Hookah. This show was my first time at The Moxie, and my first time performing in a while.
I showed up to The Moxie about an hour before showtime. The bar, if you haven't been in yet, is separated into three parts: the performance area on the right, dining in the middle, and the bar on the left. Before my set, I had time to have a discussion with the bartender (who also handed out free popcorn), peruse the eclectic decor and art on display (also available for sale), and work on my set of jokes while the jukebox belted out songs by Johnny Cash and Cake. After stationing myself on the sofa in the front, I was able to talk with some of the other comedians, who talked about other events and bars they'd performed at, shared tips on how to improve their sets, and worked on turning current events into jokes.
The show, sadly, was sparsely attended, with the comedians filling up the back rows in the performance area and a few diners off to the side. Hopefully in the future, this won't be the case, as the show was fantastic. There was a diverse range of comedians, all of whom I’d love to see back on that stage. Performers ranged from newcomers and local favorites to a group of Michigan performers who came down for the show. Even if every comedian isn't your cup of tea, any fan of stand-up comedy will find something to love at this show, so join myself and other local comedians on Tuesdays at The Moxie to help support local art.
Showtime is 8pm every Tuesday. The Moxie, 1205 Adams St. 419-320-1075. For show info and booking: 'Extravagonzo' on Facebook and follow @ToledoGonzo on Twitter.