Free Comedy Shows - in New York City or other towns - Open Mics and "Bringers"

Interested in watching an idiot like me perform in front of a live audience?  Wanna see the stars of tomorrow for the price of today?  (Free. The price today is: free.)


First level of Free Entertainment: Open Mics - Condition: Need to drink to appreciate

When comics have paid some dues, they begin to yearn for an audience.  In my case these dues meant horrid open-mics with nervous newcomers and suddenly-funny drunks, as well as people that were too hopped up to notice I was even talking. That, and comedians hearing the same old jokes.  I have to be honest... there were some bomb nights. (To bomb: get low laugh levels).  But in general, there were many great nights, people having fun... free entertainment... and an atmosphere of creativity.

So if you use my link below or you call the local comedy club (and many bars) to ask for open-mic nights, you have some free entertainment as you slurp down that seventh mimosa.  Also once in a while major comedians test their material out in surprise visits.  You might be surprised with the fun you have.  And you'll feel good for supporting a live art form!

Note: If you go to an "open-mic" in the city: be kind and have fun.  Performers there are often amateurs and are just trying to make people laugh, so play nice.  Or every single comedian in that room, especially the more experienced, will single you out.  They will cease their set (list of jokes) and starting thinking of jokes about you instead.  And your ugly face.  And that tub of human waste you came in with there, onion legs and rhino.  Did she just get out of the hospital?  When someone looks like that, I assume there's a foundation out there trying to cure it.  We'd make a total ass out of you, but your mother already did by having you.  I think we all believe in abortion now, so thanks for that.  Wasn't sure where I stood before I saw you sitting there.  Whoa!  I got outta hand there just thinking about it.  But you get it, because you're smart enough to be reading about free stuff.  Play nice. These kids are brave getting up on stage.  And the experienced comics will protect them.

[For information on open mics, check your local city here: Badslava]

Second Level: "Bringers" Condition: Just ready to laugh!  (A shot wouldn't hurt)

In order for stand up comedians to hone their craft, they spend a lot of time writing and memorizing their material, but nothing quite beats the knowledge we gain from actually performing it in front of a live audience.  Once in a (free) class I went to in NYC, I heard: "Comedians become great by practicing their instrument... and their instrument: is the audience's laughter."

So now you have these semi-groomed comedians of tomorrow that are generally funny people, who have been practicing their craft... and what do they need?  An audience.  A year or two into the journey (some more, some less), they have built up a fan base among their friends and family as well as respect from other comedians, so they are able to find a steady stream of small audiences in "open-mic" rooms and a few gigs where they may even have to pay to perform.  The time will soon come when they need to break through and get more exposure.

Enter: "Bringers"

To those not in the comedy world, a "bringer" is where a show is put on by a club and a comedian can perform if he brings 5-15 people... based on the venue.  While some of these cost for the people that attend, many times that's not the case.  All the comedians are doing is looking to fill seats to test material, and the club is hoping someone in that unusually large crowd will buy food or drinks instead of just sitting there.  Everyone wins.  Especially you because you just got free entertainment and an autograph from an excited Jerry Seinfeld who just was happy you came.  Who knows, maybe he'll make it big one day....

[For information on "Bringers" ask your comedian friends... or email ME ...or comment below... I'll be happy to bring you to a show for free if you are in the NYC area!]

Tune in next week when I openly weep on stage while thinking about my finances.