I have found that one thing nearly everyone can agree on is that laughter is a good thing. Just about every sub-sect of society has their own brand of comedy, and geeks are no different. Last night’s Geek’s Night of Comedy in Virginia Beach was an enjoyable celebration of all that geek humor has to offer. The show grew out of a post-performance conversation between three local comics, Sid Bridge, Derek Williams, and Tim Loulies. All three identify themselves as geeks and were lamenting the fact that although they love geek humor, it was difficult to use it in their acts, which were designed to appeal to a much broader audience. Instead of wallowing in their frustration, the three founders decided to strike out and start a comedy show focused on geek material. Using their personal and business contacts they were able to set up the first Geek’s Night show at the Virginia Beach Funny Bone. The first show was a surprise hit and by the third show, they were selling out the venue.
Last night was the seventh Geek’s Night show. I went and enjoyed myself completely. All of the acts were good, but a few still stand out in my mind a day later. I always find Derek Williams’ humor very relatable—probably because I also regularly attend conventions. Host and co-founder Tim Loulies has some very amusing material regarding the zombie apocalypse and weight loss. Although Joseph De Paul and I have talked at length about “angry bus farts” in movie trailers, I’d yet to hear his routine and it left me in tears. Also his magic melts my brain. Sid Bridge has some impressive bass skills, though I’m still trying to pry his theme song out of my brain.
The night’s closing performer was James Rodatus, who has become quite special to the Geek’s Night show. Recently James was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and as a result, the Geek’s Night has mobilized to raise money for ALS research. The Geek’s Night show has always been involved with a charity, originally joining with the 501st Legion to raise money for childhood Diabetes, but when Sid, Tim and Derek, learned about James’ diagnosis they immediately shifted gears towards various ALS charities. James’ performance was both funny and touching. He discussed various parts of his treatment in ways that made them seem far less serious than they truly are. By the end of the night $720 was raised for Emory University’s ALS Center.
The very talented James Rodatus
The Geek’s Night of Comedy has a bright future and not just in the Hampton Roads region. There are upcoming performances scheduled in both Richmond, VA, and Orlando, FL. In addition to taking their show to other comedy clubs, Geek’s Night of Comedy has been hitting the convention scene. When I asked Sid what, if anything, made convention shows different than the standard Geek’s Night show he replied that because the crowd is in their element, the normally shy and socially awkward geeks were far more willing to relax, making for a more enjoyable show.
These guys are absolutely worth checking out, so be sure to keep an eye out at your local comedy club and upcoming conventions. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Sid Bridge and Joseph De Paul. Both performers were gracious enough to give me a few minutes of their time for some brain picking and it was greatly appreciated.
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