Comedy for a cause
Local comedians come together to help homeless
TROY, N.Y.» A cavalcade of local comedians are using laughter to stimulate generosity at a new event called Capital Region Comics for Clothing.
Audiences are invited to enjoy unique comedic observations that are creative, clean and clever at the free comedy show, scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 19 at the Arts Center of the Capital Region’s Black Box Theater, located at 265 River Street in downtown Troy.
In the spirit of comic relief, local comedian Rick Conety has brought together some of the funniest stand-up comics in the region to help Joseph’s House & Shelter.
The lineup includes Conety as well as Carlisle Carey, Jon Hausman, Mark Jagiello, Ed Smyth, Rob Gavin and Nick Heupel.
The clean stand-up comedy is meant to provide for a wide audience said Conety, the event organizer. “Our comedy will appeal to ages from about 16 to senior citizens,” he continued. “A roster of comedians of differing ages will be offering multi-generational comedy. For example, as a baby boomer, I write comedy that comes from that perspective; from dealing with elderly parents to coping with the constantly-changing modern technology; topics which I find appeal not only to people in my age range, but to younger people as well, because I identify with the older people in their lives.”
On why people should come check it out, Conety said, “Admission is free for a show filled with laughter and it benefits a local shelter.”
With the three-hour time frame, Conety is aiming for a more casual atmosphere where people can choose to stop in and watch a couple of the comedians, or stay for the whole show. “Stop in after work, on the way to or from your favorite happy hour with your designated driver, or before you go out to eat,” he said.
The free show is an effort to raise awareness, clothing and other much-needed items for Troy community based notfor-profit corporation Joseph’s House & Shelter.
“I want to raise awareness for the homeless and the work of Joseph’s House & Shelter,” Conety said regarding why he started this initiative. “There are people caught up in circumstances beyond their control and Joseph’s House provides emergency shelter or support services to an average of 1,000 men, women and children every year. Items sorely needed are not limited to coats and gloves in the cold weather but other items that are needed during the warm months or all year round.”
Conety decided to start the Capital Region Comics for Clothing show “in the spirit of comic relief,” he said.
When Conety reached out to Joseph’s House & Shelter in the winter, he realized there is always a generous outpouring of donations to homeless shelters during the holidays. “It seems to be the primary time of the year when charities and non-profits are in the limelight,” he said. “I want to expand that, so there are regular donations in both warm and cold weather of clothing and other essential items.”
Attendees are asked to bring donations of new, unused clothing and other items for Joseph’s House & Shelter residents. Organizers are encouraging donations of socks, underwear, rain ponchos, sunblock, blankets, diapers and baby wipes. The nonprofit is unable to take donations of used clothing at this time.
Cash and credit donations will also be accepted at the event.
“We think its great. We’re hoping for a great turnout, and hope we collect some donations to support our emergency shelter,” said Patti Tullgren, director of development at Joseph’s House & Shelter of the new effort. “It’s a great idea and its family friendly kind of atmosphere.”
Looking ahead, Conety said he hopes Capital Region Comics for Clothing can become a biannual event, in the spring and autumn of each year.