As Seen On FOX-TV…
“The Best Comedian In Detroit”
“A Drill Sargent With a Smart Mouth”
Bill Bushart was named the “Best Comedian in Detroit 2010” by the Metro Times. “A drill sergeant with a smart mouth” said The Detroit Free Press. “Best Bet!”, The Detroit News. Bill’s fast paced, high energy, in your face of comedy has kept audiences laughing across the country. He has appeared on Detroit’s “Drew & Mike”; WJR 760 with Frank Beckman and FOX TV. He has worked with comedy greats Greg Geraldo, Lisa Lampanelli, Gilbert Gottfried and headlines clubs across the country! “A bitter pill to swallow” is how Bill Bushart describes his brand of humor.
Billy Ray has been performing stand-up comedy across America for the last 25 years. From headlining at great comedy clubs to performing for large corporations, he’s established himself as a tried and true funny guy. From skewed descriptions of growing up in Detroit in the sixties, to the gory details of raising four boys in the new millennium, Billy Ray will leave you laughing and exhausted from his ordeal. Billy Ray has performed in 40 states and in Canada at comedy clubs, casinos and corporate functions for many major companies including General Motors and MicroSoft. Billy Ray has appeared on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Show and was named best local comedian for 2017 by Hour Detroit magazine.
Bob Jay is a master at voices and impressions, a skilled comedian and an all-around crowd pleaser who can relate to any audience. Bob Jay’s show is full of energy and will keep you on the edge of your seat! Bob brings dozens of celebrities and cartoon characters to life with his voices, and will keep you laughing all night long! Jay is a seasoned veteran of the comedy circuit, touring as the “The Man With Voices In His Head,” and appearing on Comedy Central.
Casey Flesch is a fun, light hearted comedian hailing from Minneapolis. He has headlined comedy clubs, breweries, and bars across the US and Canada. Casey has performed at Gilda’s LaughFest, 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival, Madison Comedy Week, Milwaukee Comedy Festival, Omaha Comedy Festival, and others. His comedy brings unique views into his personal life, like working retail jobs, staying in awful hotels, and managing life as a stand up while dealing with facial paralysis called Bell’s Palsy. He is also the Minneapolis producer of Don’t Tell Comedy, a nationwide series of comedy shows. Audiences across North America have been delighted with Casey’s exceptional writing and skillful audience interaction.
Chad took the Minnesota comedy scene by storm in 2010. He has appeared in numerous comedy clubs in the Upper Midwest, California, Alaska, and Las Vegas. He has even twerked on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Most of Chad’s material comes from his everyday life. With a resume including survival in the trenches of parenthood, matrimony, high school teaching and coaching, and firefighting, he is able to combine these experiences with a humorous spin, helping him turn everyday events into comical stories.
Chris Crawford is one of our premiere comedic performers. His ability to captivate an audience and elicit laughter seemingly at will through the use of clever story telling and over-the-top animation has allowed him to be recognized as a true stand-up standout in the industry.
Chris’s comedic journey has taken him to auction houses, bars, coffee shops, wineries, comedy clubs, universities, military event centers, theaters, shooting range pavilions and even a state park parking lot.
Along the way he has enjoyed the opportunity to work with comedians of all levels to world famous household names. His unorthodox approach to comedy will certainly bring a smile to your face and put a laugh in your belly as he draws from his military career, married life, parenting, teaching and road gigging to ensure one hell of an entertaining experience.
Chris is a proud veteran of the USAF. He served 20 years before his retirement.
A rising star, Coleman Green is no stranger to stage and screen. Gracing the stages of many venues and clubs, Coleman’s comedic style fits all audiences. His ability to make you laugh when you should be crying is certainly a talent that can not be taught. Not every comedian can have CEO’s and top officials and everyday people boiling over in laughter about life and family. Coleman somehow finds that common link between all colors, race, ethnicities, cultures and incomes to make us all think and laugh.
Dan Bublitz Jr is an American comedian/actor known for his one-man show, “It Was Supposed to Be A Love Story” by Lights Out Productions. He recently filmed his first comedy special for VidAngel’s Dry Bar Comedy. Dan has also appeared in several films & commercials even appearing on “Comedy Time TV”. Dan is the creator and host of the “Art of Bombing” podcast where he talks to guests about finding success through failure. He’s performed at several comedy festivals including the World Series of Comedy & the San Diego Comedy Festival. Dan co-created and co-produces the Sno Jam Comedy Festival in Sioux Falls, SD, and was a co-creator of the Paul Bunyan Comedy Festival
#1 on iTunes and Amazon Comedy Charts!
Dante Powell is a stand-up comedian from Bernice, Louisiana now living in Des Moines, Iowa. His comedy often deals with the culture clash between his Southern upbringing and new Midwest life.
He has performed at the Green Gravel Comedy Festival in Iowa City in 2017, Denver’s High Plains Comedy Festival in 2018, and the 2019 10,000 Laughs festival in Minneapolis. He headlined at Iowa City’s Floodwater Comedy Festival in 2019, where he recorded the material that would become his debut album, The Squirrels Get Fat, released on Stand Up! Records, and reached No. 1 on the iTunes and Amazon comedy charts. Paste Magazine called it one of the best albums of 2020.
As Seen On…
Comedy Central and MTV!
Growing up as an Army brat, Daryl’s been around the world – from humble beginnings in a trailer park in Wisconsin all the way a very humble apartment in Chicago, Illinois (along the way living in Arizona, Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, and Germany). Trough it all, he developed his take on life: In success and failure, no matter what, you gotta keep it funny!
Daryl started performing standup comedy in his early twenties in Iowa, and after winning the Funniest Person in Iowa comedy contest, he moved to Chicago. He’s since performed stand-up comedy across the country, worked as a professional wrestling ring announcer, and even appeared in the comedy film “Road Dogs” along with Dave Attell (of Comedy Central fame). For crowds big and small, from the craziest roadhouse bars to the biggest stages, whether you want a clean comedy show or late-night adult humor, Daryl is sure to please even the most discerning audiences!
David James Spalarias is a long-haired goof-ball, with an incredibly quick wit mixed in with clever jokes and silliness. Not sure where his goofy mind will go next but you’ll enjoy the ride. An alumni of the legendary Second City improv theatre in Chicago, he performs in top comedy clubs, casinos, and dive bars, with appearances on NBC’s Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
#1 Comedy Album on AMAZON and iTunes!
Ranging from clean to blue, but typically uncensored, interactive, and hilarious, Day is a comic of 10+ years originally from Detroit, MI but started his comedy career in Phoenix, AZ.
He has become a stalwart on the comedy scene for the past 10 years having released two comedy albums “Peace of Mind” and “Peace of Mind: Side B”. The latter of which shot straight to number 1 on Amazon and itunes comedy charts.
“Ed Burroughs gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, ‘hire the handicapped, they’re fun to watch.'”
Having used humor to get through the darkest times of his life Ed Burroughs is a now seasoned road warrior of comedy, Ed seems to be addicted to the stage. Watching him perform is always a joy. His brutal self awareness and open honesty is hilariously jaw-dropping. And the ease with which he delivers his material earns affection with his audience. You never know what to expect with Ed, but he will give you what you need – the medicine of laughter.
“As Seen on America’s Got Talent”
From Detroit, Frank is one of the highest energy acts you will ever see! Fusing rapid-fire antics, improv & dead-on celebrity impressions, Frank is a crowd favorite coast to coast. A “Festival Favorite” at the Boston Comedy Festival. WINNER of Comedy Central’s “Michigan Comedy Survivor.” Featured on NBC’s “Americas’s Got Talent,” NBC’s “Nightshift,” and Funny or Die’s Oddball Comedy Tour with Dave Chappelle.
Greg and Rob are a dual act from New York City. The pair have been featured on The Bennington Show’s Comedy 101 twice. They have also participated in the New York Comedy Festival, Laughing Devil Comedy Festival, and Baltimore Comedy Festival, The Devils Cup Festival, The Cleveland Comedy Festival, and Hoboken Comedy. Greg and Rob also won The North Jersey Comedy Festival. They are also one of several producers for The Fifth Borough Comedy Festival. Greg and Rob recently just headlined at Brooklyn House of Comedy, they also have become regulars at Stand Up New York Comedy Club. They can also be seen regularly headlining at Rhino Comedy Club located in Suffern, NY. They have opened for Mark Normand, Josh Adam Meyers, and Aaron Berg. They play all over the North East, and they reside on Staten Island, New York.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Gretchen developed a sense of humor just to survive the verbal sparring of blue collar workers. She has a unique style of riffing and engaging the audience and you don’t know what she will say next. (neither does she) She has been touring professionally throughout the country for over 10 years. She started as an Executive Producer/Host of her own morning show broadcasted Nationwide for Resort Sports Network. This landed other morning show host positions throughout the USA. Her quick wit and unique writing style attracted National sponsorships and prime time airing on ESPN2. At 6’0” this Tall comic views humor from a different perspective.
Jenni Lou Russi is funny, animated, and to-the-point. Jenni Lou has worked in comedy clubs and one-nighters around the country. She recently appeared in comedy festivals including Alaska B4UDIE, Snow Jam, and the Cleveland Comedy Festival. A single mother who worked through grad school as a touring comedian to become a college professor, Jenni Lou offers a unique perspective in her comedy shows,With more than 20 years of experience, she brings sincerity to the mic with laughs that come from the heart.
As Seen On… MTV and Comedy Central!
Just in case you’re not familiar with “JerDog”, he will have you laughing your @$$ off with his fast-paced, blue-collar style stand-up comedy. His jokes are quick and clever with an off-the-cuff, improvisational style. JerDog’s Comedy Road Show has been described as “Real, raw & relatable heartland humor.” He can be heard on SiriusXM, iTunes, and Jeremy Danley Radio on Pandora and his weekly segment “Bar Comedy USA News” on 96.7FM The Eagle in Rockford, Illinois.
“Jim Norder got big laughs & put the crowd in stitches!”
– Minneapolis Star Tribune
High energy and creative, and with the fire & brimstone delivery of Sam Kinison, Jim Norder’s comedy show is more like confession, as he reveals what its like to be being a 49 year old guy with the issues of a 20-something and yet somehow functioning as a single parent. The best part of Jim’s show is his quick-witted, no-holds-barred interaction and improvisation with the audience.
“THE MUTANT QUEEN OF COMEDY”
With her metal head and potpourri of physical oddities, there is no shortage of material for her to draw from. As the youngest of seven children, Katrina found that cultivating an obnoxious and loud personality was a way to not get lost in the shuffle. Add in a marriage to a Sasquatch, mother of two boys, and this woman has found a lot to say. She’ll say the things you wish you were bold enough to. She has no filter when it comes to keeping her material real, relatable, and hts, Katrina has been touring nationwide for years, with appearances on PBS and Stand-Up for Laughs.
Seen On.. Comedy Central & NBC!
Heard On.. The Bob & Tom Show & SiriusXM!
Hailing from Detroit with a strong knack for improv, you’ve seen his high-energy comedy on Comedy Central & NBC. A 15-year stand-up veteran, Zeoli has opened for comics like Tommy Chong, Tim Allen and Kathleen Madigan. His credits include Comedy Central, Bob & Tom radio show as well as Sirius XM Radio. His humor is characterized as blue-collar, down-to-earth comedy anyone can relate to. His humor will lead you on a highway of hilarity guaranteed to leave you laughing, as he serves up his views on everything from life with a child to the current state of the country. Adding visuals, voices and stories, you’re sure to have a side splitting time.
AS SEEN ON…
LAST COMIC STANDING!
Keith Lenart is an internationally touring comedian, working clubs across the U.S. and shows overseas for the troops. A regular at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, Keith also enjoys entertaining at corporate events and private parties. His television and film appearances include Last Comic Standing, NBC’s So You Think you’re Funny, American Wedding, and Vamps with Sigourney Weaver and Richard Lewis. He has worked with comedy legends such as Bobcat Goldthwait, Pauly Shore, Jim Gaffigan, Caroline Rhea, Judy Tenuta and more.
Kyle Fields has spent 14 years entertaining crowds across the country as a stand up comedian, traveling game show host, independent professional wrestler and TV pitchman. A combination of manic improvisation and bizarre observation, every show is different and sure to be one you never forget.
“Sick world… happy guy!”
HBO, Showtime, FOX, MTV, A & E, VH1, and The Bob & Tom Show… Known as Uncle Lar’, Larry Reeb is the wise-cracking black sheep, politically incorrect relative everyone knows. Like any concerned relative Uncle Lar’ wants to help. So in his own twisted way, he does.
Original personal experience/observations – personable, energetic and engaging to the crowd – keenly tuned skills when involving members of audience! A 35+ year veteran performer and it’s evident as soon as he steps onstage!
“The COUCH COMMANDER”!
As heard on THE BOB & TOM SHOW!
Mike Marvell is a described as a “hilarious” entertainer that has the gift to entertain without offending his audience. To understand Marvell’s comedy show is to understand and reflect upon a life similar to that of others – work, family and the funny stuff that just happens. Mike was a finalist in the Comedy 10K, and the Nashville Comedy Competition. He’s worked with comedians Rocky Laporte, Jim Belushi, and Frank Caliendo. You may have heard him on Bob and Tom Radio, or several other syndicated stations.
2018 Finalist in the San Diego Comedy Festival
Born in the lakes of Minnesota and raised adjacent to its corn fields, Nathan Hults brings his high energy and boyish charm to the stage. Nathan has been doing comedy for several years, featured on Amazon Prime, Gilda’s Laughfest, also opening for greats like Kyle Kinane, Bob Zany, WWE’s Mick Foley, Chad Daniels and Lachlan Patterson. He is the winner of Club David’s 2013 Comedy Battle, The Foreman award, and named “Sioux Falls Funniest” in 2016. A Co-producer of Sno Jam Comedy Fest that raises money for the South Dakota Special Olympics.
As Heard On The Bob & Tom Show
Plus! 9 Tours Overseas Performing For
The Troops
Nathan has recorded six albums (and receives regular airplay on Sirius/XM radio), been a guest on the Bob & Tom Show, and traveled overseas to perform for American troops—including stops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He performs at comedy clubs around the country, from Buffalo to Albuquerque and Colorado Springs to Baltimore.
With his Southern charm, Mid-West sensibility, California cool and New York attitude, Rich is the perfect comic for all audiences. Starting stand-
up at a relatively advanced age, he quickly became a regular at NYC clubs due to his vast life experience, hard work, professionalism and most importantly, his outrageously funny material. Rich now performs
at clubs and venues throughout the country, leaving the audience in stitches and wanting more. Rich covers a broad and diverse spectrum of
material with a unique perspective. Nothing is out of bounds. Delivering with a truly unique and diverse style, combined with truthfulness and
art, leaving audiences not only laughing but shaking their heads “Yes”. Rich works with several charitable organizations and is a certified fund
raiser for The Memorial Sloan Kettering Pediatrics Cancer Center.
AirForce Vet turned comedian as seen on ComedyTimeTV and HBO!
From small town Minnesota where he was told to fit in and not make a spectacle of himself, Ron Lamprecht decided he was definitely going to be a spectacle. Fast forward to today and he’s an Air Force Vet and father of three who travels the country entertaining audiences from historic theaters to tiny VFWs and American Legion halls. Ron has a unique and expressive voice that has been described as “taking the audience dancing”…and he LOVES to dance. He can be seen on season one of Lady Dynamite with Maria Bamford, on ComedyTimeTV and on HBO. Ron’s comedy goals include getting on Conan and paying off his 2006 Chrysler.
*THE CAFFEINATED VOICE OF REASON!
In his 29 years as a performer, Steve Sabo has had the privilege of sharing the stage with comedy legends such as Joan Rivers, Chris Rock, Kevin James, Dave Attel, Jim Breuer, Christopher Titus and Tom Green. He has made television appearances on HBO, NBC, E! and Comedy Central. He is heard regularly on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and has appeared on the nationally syndicated “Sex Talk Live” , “BTS Radio Show” and “The Jiggy Jaguar Show”.
As Seen On… MTV, C-Span, Showtime & Dry Bar Comedy!
Political Satirist Tim Slagle is a twenty-five year veteran of the comedy club circuit, and he has performed in most of the 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. His edgy style has made him a cult hero, and a favorite of his peers. He wages a war against political correctness, and fights for Truth and Justice in a time when speaking your mind is a crime more heinous than treason. He performs at prestigious political functions and for major think-tanks nationwide. Tim has appeared on MTV, Showtime, C-Span, and his own Dry Bar Comedy Special!
Tom E. (pronounced ‘Tommy’) is a big kid who works hard at ignoring adult responsibilities. Refusing to believe that he actually grew up, Tom E. shares stories of balancing his previous party life with his new found role as husband and step-dad to two teenage daughters. Come listen to him explain that he has no idea what he’s doing, but he’s laughing all the way through it.
VINCE started his comedy career, at the now defunct Comedy Cottage in suburban Chicago, in 1982. He quickly became a regular at the local clubs, and then, worked his way throughout the U.S. During the years that followed, VINCE performed for ZANIES, THE FUNNY BONE, THE IMPROV, CATCH A RISING STAR
VINCE has appeared on Superstation TBS, Comedy Central, PBS, as well as NBC and ABC in Chicago. He has been in several movies including the original version of “Meet the Parents”. VINCE is also in the book “I KILLED”, stories of the road from America’s top comedians.
Some 350 clubs, nightspots, one-nighters, honky- tonks, gin-joints, and over 10,000 shows later, VINCE is still going strong. He is among the quickest witted comics in the business, with his shows consisting of “everyday” occurrences and audience dialogue. Upon seeing VINCE again, people often tell him that they thought of him the other day, as one of his observations actually came true in their lives.
A&E, Comedy Central, ESPN and Showtime “The Godfathers of Comedy”
Willie Farrell has been one of the country’s most requested corporate performers for the past 25 years. Nationally known for his appearances on A&E, Comedy Central, ESPN and “The Godfathers of Comedy” on Showtime. Willie has performed in most comedy clubs around the country, including appearances at the Maxim Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He is also a favorite morning show guest on a Des Moines radio station.
The key to producing successful pub & grub shows is the talent. That means booking a solid stream of quality performers, both hosts and headliners, that consistently leave the audience (customers) wanting more.
It also means not only recruiting and scouting performers, but getting the most out of their ability, and utilizing them to their strengths to become the best possible comedian they can be.
You have to be able to develop them and you have to be able to develop stars. Invest in quality, not celebrity. That will keep your costs down on the headliner roster, and is the only way to build a successful comedy promotion for the long term, year in and year out.
There are many steps involved in delivering a world-class experience for reasonable cost. Having a plan is the key. Those events that are successful have a way that they do things and a philosophy in place.
Luck always plays a part, but having a plan and sticking to it helps you get lucky.
A restaurant and bar business is not the place for comedians to learn on the job, and just because a stand-up comedy show is set up in a bar, does not mean that a less talented comedian is warranted.
In other words, unfunny stand-up comedy is just as unfunny in a bar as it is in a full-time comedy club, and shouldn’t be used as some sort of open mic affair. But it does happen, and those type of bar gig shows tend to be gone like the wind quickly
We have coaching for comedians in every aspect of the show, from the promotional spots all the way through to the after-party meet & greet. Comedy should be instinctual, and if you know what you’re doing without having to think about it, you’re going to be a much better performer.
Hosts
The opening act in the live comedy environment is arguably the hardest spot in the line-up of comedians. Particularly from a laughter generation point of view.
It’s often referred to as the “bullet taking” spot.
Here’s why that is, no matter what “level” the comedian is at when performing in that critical opening spot…
In comedy venues that are set-up properly, most individuals are seated closely together with strangers — people they have never met and don’t know.
Instinctively, we are “on guard” around people we don’t know and there’s usually a measure of tension that exists until that tension is released and a feeling of “safety” for a lack of a better term exists (from group laughter).
There is also that unfortunate possibility of those who are closest to the stage “getting picked on” by any of the comedians in the show, which can add a measure of uneasiness to those in the audience.
Then there is the aspect that the opening comedian tends to be known as the least skilled of the comedians in any line up.
Note: I have never been in agreement with sending a lesser skilled comedian on stage as an opening act to start a show. It’s more of a testament to what audiences are willing to put up with and what venue managers are willing to serve up less-than-adequate entertainers.
Headliners
If you are a headliner with Bar Comedy USA™, it’s a given that you already understand and demonstrate the components of hosting.
When I was working as a comedian for a major comedy club chain in the mid 90’s, their stand-up comedy line-up was ALL headliners. Rarely did a mid-level act get on the show. A series of headliners hosted and closed each show.
Headlining a show is not just about performing longer. Or “going last” in the line-up. You must be able to fulfill the duties required before, during, and after the show. This includes promotional spots and preparation.
What keeps an audience coming back for more is not just a quality experience, but the promise of something new, better, different in the future. A different comedian delivering different material is not enough. Add the intrigue of something different on top of the reputation for high-quality experience, most effectively by using unique selling points for each headliner in your series of shows. In show business, this is called “having a hook”. Each headliner must have a unique selling point for marketing and promotion purposes. If headliners do not bring a unique selling point, one must be created for them. Bar Comedy USA™ will also coach and develop an up-and-coming performer to become a headliner and help craft their unique selling point to differentiate themselves from the rest of the talent on the line-up.
