What do the famous comedians Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld and Amy Schumer have in common? They have done standup comedy hundreds of times in front of thousands of diverse people.
Now, while these people are currently professionals, they had to get their start at small comedy clubs, coffee shops, parties and anywhere else where they could stand in front of others.
Red Raven Espresso Parlor in downtown Fargo is one example of these intimate spaces where comedians can get their start at 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday.
For those who are interested in seeing local comedians get their start or try out new material, Red Raven Comedy Night is the perfect opportunity. The coffee shop offers a cozy setting that really makes the audience feel at home.
Like any comfortable coffee shop, there’s tables, booths, couches and an eclectic collection of seating. The stage is at one end of the building, covered in carpet with a curtain upstage and warm lights illuminating the performance space.
Throughout the night, several comedians perform approximately five-minute long sets, with topics ranging from Ouija boards to Tinder and from cats to sex. The whole event lasts about one hour to 90 minutes, and there’s no guessing who is going to step up onto stage.
Of course, like with any comedy set, not all of it is going to be funny. Especially with the local comedians, there are a lot of awkward pauses, jokes that go over the audience’s head and things said that make some feel uncomfortable. However, between those awkward pauses, there might be a hilarious joke or unruly clapping at the comedian’s words.
Red Raven Comedy Night is one of the few things everyone in the Fargo-Moorhead area should attend at least once if they like comedy. There isn’t anything quite like supporting local comedians while snuggling up with a latte or a cinnamon hot chocolate.
This free event occurs regularly, so making room in a busy schedule at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday is simple enough when considering the opportunity for an extremely amusing evening.
MORE INFO:
WHERE: Red Raven Espresso Parlor
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday
PRICE: Free
MORE INFO: Facebook page or call (701) 478-7337