Highs and Lows

Up This Week!

Have you ever wondered if other people pick up on the same inconsistences you seem to observe around you? This week’s headliner at McCurdy’s can relate. John Carfi is best known for his appearances on TV shows like Comedy Central’s Standup Stand Up, Entertainment Tonight, and The Ricki Lake Show. He has also joined performers like Dennis Miller, Michael Bolton and Kenny Rogers in live performances.   Carfi brings a self-awareness to the show that will leave you laughing all the way home. Carfi is joined on McCurdy’s stage with Cam Bertrand, an up-and-coming young comedian originally from Tampa, FL. Cam is making a name for himself on the comedy scene and turning today’s Gen Y culture on its head.

Anniversary Month: Highs and Lows

As we continue celebrating 30 years of comedy at McCurdy’s, we take a look back at some of the best- and worst- surprises encountered along the way. Some of the high points include “That Time When….”:

• Agents called because Rosie O’Donnell, Louis CK, and Tommy Chong requested to play McCurdy’s Theatre.
• Ron White called three days before his performance at nearby Van Wezel, asking to do a practice set at McCurdy’s to work out his show the night before performing at Van Wezel.
• We found Paul Reubens hanging out with his buddy Louis Anderson in our Green Room.
• Country Music Hall of Fame’s John McEuen played his guitar while chatting with his buddy Kevin Nealon in the Green Room.
• We run into local celebrities like Brian Johnson, Paul Azinger, Mark Guitherie, Henry Lawrence, Jimmy Fadden, and Tommy and Dick Smothers, whenever they stop in for a show.
• We worked with Dick Smothers in our comedy class and saw him perform solo for the first time ever on our stage.

While some of the lower moments included “That Time When…”:

• We lost 70% of our power on a hot summer night during a sold out show with Rob Schneider (even though the show went on and Rob and the audience were amazing!).
• Tracy Morgan performed an over-the-top filthy, un-funny set that didn’t include anything from SNL or 30Rock.
• Rosie O’Donnell and Carlos Mencia had to cancel sold-out shows due to circumstances beyond their control (even though both re-booked and returned to sold out shows!).
• When our first venue was canceled with three days’ notice (but the next venue, The Big Kitchen, did surprisingly well!).

Even most of our low moments had their silver linings and are far outweighed by the major highlights we’ve experienced over the years. We’ll keep sharing some of our favorite memories throughout the month of June, so be sure to check back for more! Have some fun McCurdy’s memories of your own? Hop on our Facebook page to share some of your best times with us!