Chamber happenings...
A ribbon cutting was held for WAJC Productions (What a Joke Comedy), on Tuesday, March 12 on the patio of J Jayz Bar and Grill. Chamber Ambassadors and staff were on hand for the ribbon cutting with Owners and Comedians Adrienne Green and Matt Weatherford aka Matty Cupcakes.
“Today was a milestone for us. We set out in the beginning to become a part of the community in Big Spring and see what we can do to bring good entertainment to Big Spring, not only for families, but for date night …just see a good show,” Matt Weatherford said.
Green and Weatherford joined together to bring their vision to life. The two comedians have brought the business sense, podcast - The Green Bean Podcast - and comedic atmosphere together in a way for people across the area to enjoy a different level of creativity.
“In the future we want to grow, not just be comedy, but also podcast and maybe a variety of topics … it leaves us room to grow,” Adrienne Green said. “We have had to table some ideas just due to time constraints, but we have new ideas. New is what What A Joke Comedy Productions is all about, not the same ol’ stagnant stuff, but about new performers, new podcasts, new and fresh. It’s about interviewing and bringing those people that you guys want to see.”
The downtown area used to be a creative hub a few years ago. Green and Weatherford want to help people remember that there are still outlets for those creatives and opportunities for collaboration.
“Even if it’s just hey let’s put some eyes and ears here because there are creative people here, people with beautiful stories, and people who just want to collaborate and produce. It’s good for them to know we are here,” Green said.
While the comedy scene may not be for everyone, there is an array of comics that are slated to perform in Big Spring and surrounding areas. WAJC Productions encourages those who may not have experienced a comedy show before to give it a try.
“Come to a show, give me one show,” Weatherford said.
Green added, “If you aren’t feeling the vibe of one of the comics coming that’s okay, try out the next one. Let us know what you want to see; we don’t know what you want if you don’t talk to us.”
To find out about upcoming events or to reach out to What a Joke Comedy Productions follow them on Instagram @laughbigspring or on Facebook at Facebook.com/laughbigspring or by sending email to whatajokecomedy@ gmail.com.
The Big Spring Chamber of Commerce held another ribbon cutting on Thursday morning, to welcome Faith Through Adversity, PLLC as a Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce member. The practice opened in November 2023.
According to Licensed Professional Counselor Associate Matthew Van Pelt, Faith Through Adversity is a counseling practice with a special focus on Cognitive Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
“My primary focus is working with children, specifically children who have been through trauma. There are not a whole lot of people out there who have that focus, and with everything that happens in life it can be overwhelming sometimes, even in the course of everyday life. People need someone to go to,” Matthew Van Pelt, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, said.
Van Pelt is starting the journey to obtain another masters certification with a focus on marriage and family therapy. As he looks toward future plans for the practice and outreach, partnerships are an avenue he would be willing to explore in the community.
“I meet people where they are at. Together we work on the things that are troubling them in their lives, and I help them process those sometimes horrific things and be at peace where they are at,” Van Pelt said.
To reach out to Van Pelt visit Instagram, Facebook or request a digital business card. More information can also be obtained by calling 432-201-2745 or by visiting the website at faiththroughadversity.com. Faith Through Adversity, PLLC is located inside Trinity Baptist Church, at 1701 E. FM 700 #C10.