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Campbell could be the jumping-off point for America's next top comedians.
Starting Feb. 12, Sonoma Chicken Coop will host a weekly comedy night. Organized by comedy veteran Joni Rodgers, the event will alternate between open mike nights and a showcase for local comedians.
"The Bay Area is home to some of the most innovative and original comedians in the country, and this is a chance to see some of that," says Sean Stryker, one of the comedians slated to perform.
The performances will take place on the second floor of the restaurant, where people in the audience will be able to order food and drinks from a full bar.
"It's going to have a stage, lighting, a PA system--the works--so it should be good," Stryker says.
There will be a cover charge to get into the event, but there is no age limit.
"I'm trying to keep the comedy as clean as possible without really censoring the guys," Rodgers says.
The second floor can seat up to 150 people, "so it should just be rocking, especially during the summer," Rodgers says.
The first show will be an open mike night with 10 acts, with each getting 20 to 30 minutes to perform.
"It's giving people a break," Rodgers says. "It's real hard to get a chunk of time on the open mike circuit."
Rodgers says she also expects guest comedians to drop in after performing at other local venues.
"I've been doing comedy so long I know all the old-timers, and I can't wait to have them perform there," Rodgers says. "I've been doing comedy for 26 years. I opened for Moses."
Most recently, Rodgers toured in the show Mothers and Other Goddesses.
Besides giving a break to beginners, the event also gives more experienced comedians a chance to try some new material.
Rodgers, who teaches comedy at West Valley College, first organized an open mike night about a year ago at the Gaslighter Theater as a way for her students to perform their final act. Though it started with just her students, Rodgers is now booking comedians for the Campbell shows from as far as Sacramento and Monterey.
"Campbell definitely likes comedy," she says.
This year, Rodgers decided it was time to take the weekly comedy night a step further and move it to Sonoma Chicken Coop.
For more information on signing up for open mike nights, email Rodgers at jonicomedy@yahoo.com. The first open mike night is at Sonoma Chicken Coop, 200 E. Campbell Ave., Feb. 12 at 9 p.m. The comedians will split the proceeds from the door.
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