Lake County's Clean Comedy Stage - The Energee Center Comedy Club

    Writing the words "clean comedy" was a little bit difficult for me this morning.  It reminds me of the scarcity of clean comedians in the Midwest and that can be a real problem when a headliner cancels.  Last night, the Energee Center's headliner for Saturday night canceled his appearance because he had the opportunity to open for a John Pinette in Milwaukee at the Pabst Theater.  Being a comedian myself, I know that performing at a large venue is something difficult to resist.  It makes your spirit and soul really come alive.  However, now that I also "book" fellow comedians for a venue it also is a heart stopper with only 24 hours to find a clean comedian to fill the headliner's shoes.

My husband, Bert, who books Zanies is a real treasure in a situation like this.  Thank goodness I am married to someone "in the business" who offers moral support along with a good dose of humor whenever stress feels overwhelming.  Although Bert was at TV taping at the Zanies' downtown club, he took the time to reach deep in his little black book to begin firing out suggestions.  Of course, as a wife, I also had to swallow my pride every time he said, "Now you see, my job isn't easy."  The correct response is "Oh yes dear.  I know, and you work so hard."  (I did resist the comedic impulse to say the words in a robot voice.)

They say when God closes a door, he opens a window and I'm a big believer in that.  In this case, he opened a large picture window.  With Bert's suggestion, I reached Bill Gorgo, who can be described as a white Bill Cosby.  His delivery is conversational and in moments you will be laughing to tears and yet not be quite sure how you got there.  The best part is I haven't seen Bill Gorgo in at least 10 years and yet because of my long history in comedy I know he is a perfect fit for the relaxed and very friendly atmosphere of the Energee Center Comedy Club.

I'm proud to be on the roster tonight with Michael Issac (who just got a national Walmart commercial!) and Bill Gorgo.  Onward and upward with clean comedy.  It is always just within reach - with the help of family and friends.

The Charlie's Angels of Comedy in Lake County

       Charlie's Angels have hit the comedy scene!   These new angels come in the form of three women who are reinventing themselves as comedy club lovers and designers of Comedy LaughIn in Wauconda.  Just a day ago, I met with my fellow angels Monica and Vicki to discuss our new venture.  It seemed odd that only a month ago we had the idea to feature clean comedy in room adjacent to Vicki's Salon and Spa on Route 59 in Wauconda.  One month later, we put on a show in an intimate room that had the warmth of an eclectic coffee house, complete with the smell of fresh popcorn as you walked in the door.  Great thing about women opening a comedy club - comedians are clean, room has the warmth of an old coffee house and yes, the bathroom in clean!

     The positive energy that filled the room on October 8, opening night, was undeniable.  Over and over again, we heard, this is such a fun and friendly place.

     All three of us feel as if we are on the verge of something wonderful - a place for friends and family to gather for laugher .... and everybody knows your name (if you wear a name tag).

     Vicki, Monica and I talked about this Friday's show.  With 30 reservations already in place, there is a definite need for laughter in Lake County.  At our meeting, we discussed our limited budget which oddly enough makes putting on a show even more exciting.  With a mix-match of chairs, a scavenger hunt for nice tea cups and relatives making coffee cake, this all has a small town feel.  It's a nice escape from corporate America for us and all of our "guests."