Standup Comedy Comes to White Plains
As both a comedian and a long-time fan of standup comedy, Rockland resident Adam Oliensis knows watching your neighbor on stage is a different experience than watching a comic on T.V.
“People tend to think it’s sort of a home game when they’re seeing comics from the area,” Oliensis explains. “I grew up in Wisconsin, and the jokes are a little different there because what people pay attention to is a little different.”
This month LoHud Comedy, which Oliensis launched two years ago to bring comedy to the Hudson Valley, will be taking its act to White Plains. On June 22, Sam’s of Gedney Way will host Brian Scott McFadden, who has appeared on both The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, in what Oliensis hopes will be the first of many shows at the White Plains restaurant.
“We’ve been doing it for a couple years now, primarily in Rockland County, a couple little spots in Westchester,” he explained. “We’ve been trying to find a place to really kind of stick in Westchester.”
At a recent show at The Turning Point Music Café, White Plains resident Rich Cirulli approached Oliensis about bringing his show across the river on a regular basis and recommended Sam’s of Gedney Way as a possible venue. Cirulli introduced Oliensis to Sam’s Manager Patrick Kelly, and Kelly and owner Peter Herrero jumped at the idea.
“This is something we feel comfortable about. We want to do it about 10 times a year,” said Kelly. “People go to these comedy clubs in New York [City]. What they hate about them is that, first of all, they don’t want to go to New York. Second of all, they pack them in there.”
Sam’s has a catering room, giving it space for people to watch the comics in comfort, Kelly said.
Cirulli, who goes to Sam’s for their jazz nights, said he’s excited be able to watch some of the region’s top talent perform without having to leave the county seat.
“The time is right to promote sophisticated comedy in White Plains which will feature some of the top-name acts in the industry,” Cirulli said. “In these difficult economic times we all can all afford the cost of a few pennies per laugh, and the fortune of good times for all who attend.”
Oliensis said LoHud Comedy will start with around one show a month at Sam’s and take it from there. The group has a stable of comics and will rotate between world-class talent from New York City and local comics from Westchester and the surrounding counties.
McFadden’s June 22 performance will begin at 8 p.m., with admission $20 for advance ticket purchases or $25 at the door (there’s also a two-drink minimum). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lohudcomedy.com or call (845) 535-9111.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
