Compared to the major comedy scenes like New York and Los Angeles, Philadelphia is a bit of a red-headed step child. It gets kicked around, picked on, and still tries its best to rise to notoriety. But good news, my beautiful ginger city–you’re well on your way.
Under the surface of Philadelphia’s strong mainstream Art and Theater world you’ll find the real comedy “scene”; a variable Middle Earth of do-it-yourselfers, home-grown talent, and voices that captivate and inspire audiences no matter where they are. The intimacy and camaraderie that exists in the small clubs, mini theaters, and smokey rooms give the viewers (or “normals”) a sense that they’re in on the joke; even when they’re part of it.
H. Foley and Chris Cotton have shouldered the enormous responsibility of creating an ideal atmosphere for spectators, comedy nerds, and anyone looking to get at least one of their feet in the door of the comedy industry.
They operate Center City Comedy, a weekly independent stand-up show (Thursdays @8:30pm at the Raven Lounge) featuring up-and-coming comedians. Foley and Cotton are relatively new to the comedy scene which keeps them fresh and exciting; certainly the best two men for the job. The two men know exactly what it’s like to be starting out in comedy, leading and learning at the same time.
Comedian Tom Cassidy (who also works with Center City Comedy) has enlisted Foley and Cotton to help him build his own showcase of comedic talent, utilizing an unbelievable assortment of up-and-coming local performers. Cassidy’s independent shows at Mad River in Manayunk (titled Main Street Comedy) have been steadily growing in popularity since they began in June of 2010. The theme of Cassidy’s shows vary based on what fits the purpose of Main Street Comedy that particular week.
May 2011′s show was titled Wednesday Night Live and began with a sketch featuring comedians Jack Martin and H. Foley as Barack Obama and Donald Trump. The evening progressed with some of the best local stand-up comedians Philadelphia has to offer…
Chris Cotton
Chris on Facebook *** Chris on Twitter *** Chris on YouTube
Jon DelCollo
Jon on Facebook *** Jon on Twitter
Conrad Roth
Conrad on Facebook *** Conrad on Twitter *** Conrad’s Official Site
Tom Cassidy
Tom on Facebook
Steve Gerben
Steve on Facebook *** Steve on Twitter
The Feeko Brothers
The Feeko Brothers on Facebook *** The Feeko Brothers on Twitter *** The Feeko Brothers Official Site
H. Foley
H. Foley on Facebook
Tommy Pope
Tommy on Facebook *** Tommy on Twitter *** Tommy’s Official Site
Check out these awesome Comedians and more every Thursday at Raven Lounge (Philadelphia) and every First Wednesday at Mad River (Manayunk).
(All Videos Credited to Alex Gross www.superdps.com and Janine Feeney www.thesmokeyroom.com)
