Above Ground Comedy wishes to thank Station Sports Bar and the many comics and fans who supported us with their laughs and participation for the past 2 1/2 years.  We came. We killed. We love you.

Happy New Year and God bless!

-Cameron (Founder, Above Ground Comedy)

Chase Mayers has only been doing comedy since February of this year but has made great strides in the Louisiana comedy scene. Chase is a regular at Above Ground Comedy and has won competitions at C. Beavers bar of music and is a two time winner of the Cate Street Pub comedy competition. His latest accomplishments include being a co-writer for the LSU music video/movie short Tiger Bait and Opening for Carlos Mencia at the Houston Improv.

Dec. 14 – ‘Magic’ Mike Dardant

Magic Mike is not only New Orleans’ favorite magician, he’s also a juggler, balloon artist, stand-up comedian, and official Ghost and Vampire tour guide! Work mainly consists of Stand up acts at Comedy Clubs and Casinos. Trade shows and Cocktail parties features his close up skills and as an emcee. He has worked many, conventions, awards banquets, and sporting events such as the AllState Sugar Bowl pep ralley which he’s hosted for the last 4 years.

Mike on Youtube: Click here

Dec 21 – Katie East

Katie East is a rising talent in the New York comedy scene. Currently
killing stand-up clubs all over NYC, Katie co-hosts a monthly comedy
show that showcases talents from NBC, VH1, and Comedy Central. Along
with stand-up, Katie’s delightfully dark brand of improv can be seen
at the longest running weekly show in the city. In December she was a
featured performer at the world-famous Upright Citizens’ Brigade
Theatre. Katie performs regularly with cast members from NBC’s 30
Rock, and was featured last year in a television pilot with Patrice
O’Neal.  A native of Baton Rouge, Katie is thrilled to be bringing her
odd observations and shocking true stories to The Red
Stick.

Dec. 28 – VAN CHEW

There’s funny, there’s humorous, there’s hilarious, and then there’s Van Chew.  This multi-talented comedian/actor from Derrider, LA has shared the stage with some of the most notable names in the entertainment industry including Kirk Franklin, Ricky Smiley, Lyfa Jennings, and Mary Mary.  Van has appeared several times on BET’s COMIC VIEW and films Attack of the Governor (w/Cuba Gooding Jr) and Lord of the Streets (w/ DMX).

Tony is an Actor, Writer & Comic featured in over 40 Films, Television & Commercial productions as well as Professional Theatre. He is member Screen Actors Guild where he serves on the Screen Actors Guild National Comedians Committee and is Actors Equity Association eligible. Currently working on the HBO Series Treme’ as NOPD Sgt. Alonzo Wilson and can be seen in the upcoming films Knucklehead, The Mortician, Bolden, Contraband, Dark Circles and The Hungry Rabbit Jumps

Imdb link: Click here

Acting & Stand Up Comedy Video Reel: Click here

Nov. 9 – Zach & Zach

New Iberia’s Zach Broussard and New Orlean’s Zach Simms are New York Comedians and founding members of “Zach and Zach Save the Community Center” Podcast. Their witty banter and improvisational style has been seen LIVE at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, DC Comedy Festival, and New Orleans Comedy Arts Festival. 

To hear their podcast, click here

Nov. 16 – Johnny Rock

Johnny Rock has been doing stand-up comedy since 1984, he’s performed everywhere from New York to Hawaii, performing with the likes of Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Walker & Andy Kauffman. Johnny Rock is also an established actor who can be seen in such movies as “Disaster Movie” with Carmen Elektra and Kim Kardashian and in “I Love You Phillip Morris” along side Jim Carrey.

Nov. 23 – Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Chris Fontana has been a stand-up comic for nearly a decade, having recently branched out into sketch, improv, and film.  After writing and performing as a founding member of “The Sketchy Characters” (One Eyed Jacks; Southern Rep), he has joined up with “The Anvil Company “ just in time for their forthcoming performances at Fringe Fest 2011.  For updates on future shows as well as films like “Below Sea Level” (www.belowsealevel.tv) and “Life on Bourbon” (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-On-Bourbon/194939640518516), find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chrisfontananola or follow @NainusDextrous

Featuring Shaun Dugas

Born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana, Shawn Dugas has been doing stand-up for over three years, utilizing a background in both English literature and theatre to provide a comedic smorgasbord of wit, wordplay, and silly voices. Recently, he has also been taking improv classes with the New Movement school in New Orleans, he occasionally performs hip-hop under the name T-Shirt Rebellion, and he was recently seen on TV as the winner of a game show based on the children’s word game Hangman. He can be found on Twitter at @tshirtrebellion.

October 12 – Tom Hester

Tom started performing at 15, and turned pro at 19. At 20, he joined the infamous “Outlaw Comics”. In 1991, he won “Austin’s Funniest Person” and later the Austin Chronicles “Critics Choice Award”. His work as producer, writer, director, and actor on the no budget short film “A Fist Full of Pills”is a tribute to his stand-up piece (by the same name) which is the #1 requested bit on XM Satellite Radio off his cd “Words Are All I Have”. The film was accepted in 2005 Just For Laughs International Comedy Festival.   Tom performed more than 40 shows in six oversea tours.  He’s appeared on “NBC Friday Late Night”, “Comedy Central Presents: Insomniac w/ Dave Attell”, and “ACTv Austin”. He currently hosts an entertainment talk radio show broadcast to over 130,000 listeners called “Airways to Tom Hester” on 1300AM KSET.  He has worked with Bill Hicks, Sam Kinison, Mitch Hedberg, Ellen Degeneres, Dave Attell, Ron White, and many more. 

OCTOBER 19 – PATRICIA HAMILTON

Patricia aka “The PH Factor” was born and raised in Baton Rouge.  Her comedy career hit big when she toured nationally with the “Dykes of Hazard”, opening for The Cajun Queen, Caroline Picard.  She has also performed in New Orleans House of Blues, Funny Bone Comedy Club, and won the 2008 Station Stand-up Stand-off Competition.  

OCTOBER 26 – HOWARD HALL

Comedian/Writer/Actor has been making noise on the comedy circuit for years and now is in a prime position to make it big.  He has been doing stand up comedy for 5 years.  He created a name for himself performing at the Funnybone Comedy Clubs and has also created a buzz around town performing at numerous events. Since then he has been seen on BET’s Comic View, Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza, and has headlined and performed for numerous clubs and colleges.

Website: HowardHallComedy.com

Lombard

Since Above Ground Comedy’s beginning, John has been leaving crowds laughing and wanting more with frequent appearances at the Funny Bone, local open mics, house parties, and winner of the Northgate Comedy Comeptition. He is going to keep you laughing from start to finish with his energetic style, witty humor, and sharp delivery!

September 14 – Steven Kendrick

Kendrick

It doesn’t matter where you have seen Houston based comic, Steven Kendrick. It could have been The Vans Warped Tour, SXSW Music Festival, Altercation Magazine’s Punk Comedy Festival, music venues, small comedy clubs, or dive bars across the country. You have seen an original, edgy, and often very high energy comedian delivering his material in an honest and extremely funny way.”

Steven’s Clip on YouTube: Click here

September 21 – Andy “Andawg” Ledford

Ledford

For the past few years, local comedian Andy Ledford’s alternative brand of comedy has been cracking up audiences in campuses, dive bars, and comedy clubs all across the southern US.  When he is not spinning hits at Bud Light Comedy Night as the notorious Andawg James by regular show go-ers and friends, this jokester picks fun of his personal life, the service industry, and cultural stereotypes in a fun, whimsical way that everyone can relate to. Yet, beware of his sketchy cajun alter-ego, “Wade Barry”, you gotta see to believe!

September 28 – Mike Honore

Honore

Mike is one of Baton Rouge’s most raunchiest and likeable comedians.  Along with an accomplished career in stand up, he has published articles in Red Schtick Magazine, as well as written sketches and performed as a principal actor in local sketch/improv group, Brutal Hijinx. For several years, he also been featured weekly as a tenured member of Baton Rouge’s longest running improv show, The Family Dinner.  I suggest you bring a bucket to catch your guts because they’re gonna bust from laughter!

Pineville, Louisiana native, and soon-to-be LSU grad, Sheeny Parvez, is a rising talent that began performing stand up comedy over a year ago at the Station.  A natural comedian, her razer sharp wit and charming personality quickly made her a local favorite.  Sheeny relates her real life experiences in the food service industry, romantic relationships, and family situations into comic gold for everyone to enjoy! 

August 10 – James Brown

James is a longstanding member of the Baton Rouge comedy scene. He is a member of the Family Dinner Comedy Troupe as well as Brutal Hijinx sketch company. James also writes “The Reel Dirt” column for Red Shtick Magazine.  James brings energetically hysterical musical spoofs and clever observations that entertains crowds from start to finish!

August 17 – Joel Talley

Baton Rougian Joel Talley is a rising star and one half of the locally popular comedic duo Banned 4 Life! Joel has had solo success on the road performing at bars and clubs from New Orleans to Seattle.  Joel’s upcoming projects include a Banned 4 Life comedy DVD and appearing on the highly anticipated Sketch Comedy Show “Laugh Now, Laugh Later” this Fall on CW21! 

August 24 - Nathan ‘Nature Boy’ Jackson 

Stand-up comic Nature Boy is a native of New Orleans. For more then 10 years he has been a regular on the Gulf South comedy scene.  Nature boy has performed at The Punch Line, Funny Bone, Harrah’s Casino and on Jamie foxx’s LAFFAPALOOZA! during the Comedy Arts Festival, in Atlanta GA. Nature Boy is also a stage and screen actor and can be seen in Martin Lawrence’s in Big Momma’s House 2.

August 31 – Doug Canney

A National touring comedian and former touring musician, Doug has worked with comics from Comedy Central, HBO, BET, Letterman and the Tonight Show.  He has appeared on the TV series “One Tree Hill” and the dark comedy “The Brannigan Account”.

 

Prepare to be entertained!  Born on the bayou, Tee Ray is half Coonass…and all Smartass!  Tee has worked with Dave Coulier, Eddie Griffin, Tommy Davidson, Jon Reep, Bruce Bruce, Doug Stanhope, Sheryl Underwood, D.L. Hughley, Finesse Mitchell, Bobcat Goldthwait, Pauly Shore, Vince Morris, Alex Reymundo and countless others.  Tee Ray has performed at comedy clubs and college campuses throughout the country. Winner of the 2011 Gulf South Comedy Challenge. 

Tee Ray on YouTube: Click here

July 13 – Steve Cox & Jim Kirkland

Texas native, Steve Cox, has performed for crowds ranging from one to seven-hundred people. He has shared the stage with several up-and-coming talents as well as nationally touring vets. Steve was also a member of the Insufficient Funds Comedy Tour group in January of 2011. He was also a 2009 Funniest Person in Austin contest semifinalist and has won Funniest Person at the Cox family Thanksgiving for three years running.

Steve on YouTube: Click here

Jim Kirkland

A former US Marine and Iraqi War Veteran, Jim Kirkland’s world travels allowed him to get material from around the globe and make fun of all cultures alike. After serving his country, Jim relocated to Austin, figuring that Texas would allow him to keep an arsenal of Second Amendment trophies. Blending observational and physical humor, Jim assaults audiences’ comedy senses with no remorse.  He has performed all over the country including a tour with the Insufficient Funds Comedy Tour in January of 2011. Jim was recently selected as 1 of 60 comedians nationwide to participate in the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in Atlanta earlier this year. 

Jim on YouTube: Click here

July 20 – Mac McMillan

‘Shaggy’ from “Scooby Doo” look-a-like and Mississippi born, Mac McMillan, began performing stand up while attending ULL in Lafayette two years ago.  Within a short time, audiences began following him weekly to Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Mississippi where he performs in clubs, bars, and comedy competitions throughout the south.  Mac finds humor from partying to relationships and his family that everyone can relate to.  Mac is a rising talent that has shared the stage with comics that appeared on Showtime, HBO, Comedy Central, and more. 

Mac on YouTube: Click here

July 27 – Suzie Seager

The ‘British Invasion’ Suzie Seager, has been invading stages in clubs, bars, and festivals across the US, and most recently, England, for more than five years.   Louisiana is home to her where she finds laughs from renaissance festivals to Disney movies, and everything and anywhere in between.  Audiences love her energetic, charming style blended with her sharp wit and clever observations.  She also tours nationally with the Geek Amoeba Players, which she co-founded in 2008. 

Suzie on YouTube: Click here

Will Merrill made his comedy debut at Above Ground Comedy. Although rather new to the comedy scene, he is quickly becoming a household name around Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. His witty outlook on everyday life and catch phrases will have audiences not only laughing out loud, but using his sayings in their everyday lives. Fasten your seatbelts: the Will Merrill Comedy Experience is upon us all!

June 8 – Andi Cole

Andi is a rising talent that lives in New Orleans after attending Southern Miss and Louisiana State University.  In her first comedy competition at Cate Street Pub in Hammond, LA, she won first place among over 30 contestants.  Her southern charm and witty outlook on pop culture, stereotypes, relationships, fashion, and more delight audiences everywhere!

June 15 – Katie East

Katie is a native Baton Rougian that returns for her third time because audiences simply can’t get enough.  She currently lives in New York where she runs co-hosts a monthly comedy show showcasing talent from NBC, VH1, and COMEDY CENTRAL.  Katie also has featured at the world famous Upright Citizen’s Brigade and performs regularly with the cast of NBC’s 30 Rock.  Katie is thrilled to bring her odd observations and shocking true stories to the Red Stick!

June 22 – Keith Manning

Georgia native, Keith manning, is the type of guy that gets along with everyone. His calm demeanor and perpetual smile work together to draw people and audiences alike close to him. A five year veteran to professional comedy and a history with long form improv have given Keith a smooth, conversational style of performing that leaves any onlooker dying to see more.

For more, click here:

June 29 – Robert Rau

Robert Rau is a Baton Rouge native and member of the comedy troup, Geek Amoeba Players, as well as improv teams, Brutal Hijinx, and Family Dinner. His comedy and stand up has been showcased in Campuses, Comedy Clubs, and Babel Cons all over the South.   Expect energy, laughter, and fun every time you see him!  

Johnny is a local comic and actor hailing from Baton Rouge. He is the co-founder of the Geek Amoeba Players comedy troop and a member of the Brutal Hijinx sketch comedy act. Please welcome Johnny!

Video Clip: Johnny on YouTube

May 11 – David Gunn

David Gunn, a Slidell, LA native, is a rising talent.  Whether performing or hosting in Clubs, Casinos, or Cubicles, audiences find it easy to follow the one rule of every Gunn performance: Have fun. Come ready to laugh and see why David’s comedy has been described as equal parts Bill Hicks and Bill Cosby.

May 18 – Chesley Calloway

CHESLEY CALLOWAYis a Brooklyn-based comic known to share his crass yet charming observations on every-day life topics like sex, drugs and skinny dipping in the cosmic ocean. This Baton Rouge native hosts one of the longest-running, widely-celebrated standup comedy showcases in New York City which has featured national headliners like Jim Gaffigan, Todd Barry, Arj Barker & more.  An LSU alum, Chesley began performing standup in 2003 in downtown Baton Rouge & New Orleans and for a few years he was also a prolific contributor to Red Shtick Magazine, tackling religion, politics and videogames. 

Video Clip: Chesley on YouTube

May 25 – Britland Haynes

After starting his standup journey at the “Funny Bone Comedy Club” in Shreveport, LA, touring college campuses throughout the South, camping out in 28 degree weather in NYC to do “Last Comic Standing”, performing in NYC at “The World Famous Laugh Factory” and “Gotham Comedy Club”, and opening at sold-out shows for Ricky Smiley, Scotty K, Capone and many more, West Monroe, LA native Britland Haynes brings his high-energy style comedy full circle to a place he still calls home, Louisiana.