The Riverside Press-Enterprise
Pechanga to host stand-up series
With the end-of-year holiday frenzy rapidly approaching, many people may be looking for a break from the stress that comes with the times, and what better cure than a dose of laughter?
Pechanga Resort Casino will host comedy nights Fridays-saturdays from Nov. 3-25. The shows will offer three comics each night at 7 and 9:30 at Kelsey’s restaurant.
Although the casino has an entertainment venue, these shows will take place at Kelsey’s loft, which seats 150 and is on the second floor above the restaurant, across from the Pechanga Rewards Club desk. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the casino’s website or by calling 877711-2946.
Here are the comedians taking part. Be sure to check the casino’s website for the latest information.
Richard Villa: Nov. 3-4
Villa is a bilingual (English/ Spanish) stand-up comic and actor who draws his comedy from life experiences, including growing up Mexican American in Compton. He’s landed appearances and specials on Netflix, MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, Comedy Central Mexico, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Televisa, Galavision and Azteca TV. Villa was the longtime host of “Refried Fridays” at the Hollywood Improv and was the first Latino host to land the gig. He has performed alongside comedy’s biggest names, including Gabriel Iglesias, Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., Russell Peters, Carlos Mencia, Mike Epps, Orlando Jones, Franco Escamilla, El Costeño and Luis de Alba.
Pete George: Nov. 10-11
George started his career onstage in 1985 as the guitarist for the band Separate Checks out of Cleveland. He later took his stage banter, crafted it into a comedy routine and booked his first role in the Oscar-nominated film “The Shawshank Redemption.” He’s also appeared on television shows including “Family Law” and “Strong Medicine.”
Don Friesen: Nov. 17-18
Friesen’s act is mostly clean and includes self-deprecating humor, often focused on his life as a suburban husband and father, with satirical scenes that spoof his daily interactions with his wife and kids, as well as tech support, creditors and airline pilots. He adds impressions, improvisation and audience interaction. He has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham” and “Comics Unleashed” and on KLOS (95.5 FM’S) “Five O-clock Funnies.”
Manny Maldonado: Nov. 24-25
Based out of Modesto, Maldonado has performed with comedians Dave Attell, Paul Rodriguez, Dave Chappelle and Tommy Davidson. His work has been showcased on Comedy Central’s “Comedy Rehab” and “Comics Unleashed” and BET’S “Comic View.”