October 2023

October has arrived and we have survived our first month of being open. It has been a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs, twists, turns, and I’m pretty sure I “blew chunks” somewhere along the way!  

First, I want to say THANKS to everyone who came out and supported us either by taking in a comedy show or visiting The Study for a crafted cocktail. The laughter heard from down under makes my heart smile and the “oohs and ahhs” heard from people enjoying drinks in The Study?  Well, that made me jealous because I couldn’t enjoy an alcoholic drink with you!  

Be sure to check our website for upcoming special events and don’t forget, we have Open Mic on Thursdays, and we love to see if you have what it takes. We’re always looking for locals who can deliver the Ha-Ha!   

Wishing you all a safe, fun, and productive month and remember: Laughter is the best medicine!  

Sheila

First, I want to thank the community of Niles. You made our grand opening a fabulous happening. Every week we had great crowds and the comics dropped so much fantastic comedy in our beautiful room that the vibes flowing out of our building are echoing throughout the region. This month we have more comedians coming in from all over the country to keep those good vibes going. 

Don’t forget we also have our beautiful speakeasy, The Study, upstairs where you can enjoy prohibition style drinks and a 1920’s atmosphere. No need to pull out your cellphones in the lounge, future person. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy drinks made by our incomparable mixologists and barkeeps.

On a personal note, I want to thank every member of the staff at the ULL/Study. You made what could have been a chaotic start nothing but smooth sailing. From the Chef to our Chaperones and everyone in-between. Also, to the crowds during the first week when I was on stage. Easily some of my favorite shows in an almost thirty-year career. I appreciate every laugh and applause received. 

Open Mic at the Underground:

Our Open Mic has been going great. We’ve been showcasing top local talent and the shows have been funny from start to finish. If you want to sign-up, we have eight slots available per show (pre-reservation only for our stage), and each open mic will be closed by the week’s headliner or feature! It is only $5.00 to get in the door (and a two-item minimum.) Go to our website www.undergroundlaughlounge.com to sign up, today!

Comedy 101:

Couch to stage in a few months. That’s what you get with Comedy 101. The fall term begins Sept. 30^th, and we will have a showcase at the end of the class. The spring class will be our competition session for those who want to try their chance at winning a week as an MC at the Underground Laugh Lounge. Email: ULLBookingGM@gmail.com for more information and pricing.

October Shows: 

October 5^th, 6^th, 7^th – Show Rating: R

Headliner – Mike Merk (Show Rating: R)

Mike Merk is a force to be reckoned with on stage. Among the top “crowd talkers” in the country (in the mode of Davin Rosenblatt, Steve Hoffstetter, Matt Rife, and other top tier improvers), Mike weaves entire sets together on the spot from his conversations with the crowd. That doesn’t stop him from having amazing material that is gritty, silly, and relatable. 

Mike Merk was born and raised in New York City and has been writing and performing comedy since he was 16 years old. He has performed in clubs all over the country and is currently a regular at Caesar’s and Tropicana in Atlantic City. Mike’s constant battle with addiction has influenced a real, raw, and honest point of view which shines through in his act. Mike’s credits include Sirius XM Radio, TMZ, and Comedy Central.

Feature – Wyatt Lutz

Emcee – Rob P.

October 12^th, 13^th, 14th – Show Rating: R

Special Event! Thursday Comedy Show and Q&A With KDJ and 95.3 MNC Casey Hendrickson

Headliner – Kevin Downey Jr.

Comedian, talk show host, and columnist Kevin Downey, Jr. has been recently labeled, “refreshingly bizarre” by fellow comedian Joe Mulligan. He can be heard on The Bob and Tom Show, Sirius, and XM Satellite radio regularly. He’s been on Comedy Central, What Not to Wear, and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy where he got a much-needed haircut, and he has appeared on America’s Got Talent. He has a nationally released DVD called, “I’m not Gay, but Don’t Stop” which can be found on Amazon and Netflix Kevin is not related to Robert Downey, Jr.

Feature – Jessica Callazo

MC – Otis Boggs

October 19^th, 20^th, 21^st – Show Rating: PG-13

Headliner – Keith Ellis

Winner of the 2018 & 2022 Clean Comedy U.S.A Contest and voted the cleanest comedian in Arizona, Keith has been keeping crowds laughing with his family-friendly comedy all over the country. Keith’s friendly style, playful attitude, and smart observations make him relatable to crowds everywhere.

An accomplished actor as well as comedian, Keith has appeared alongside heavyweights George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jamie Foxx in movies such as Waiting to Exhale, Three Kings, What Planet Are You From, and Any Given Sunday.

Feature – Patrick Gaughan

MC – Scott Callahan

October 27^th, 28^th – Show Rating: PG13 (7p) and R (9p)

Holiday Improv Shows: Halloween Improv Spooktacular

The ULL’s award-winning Improv Team, the Comedy Deli, will be putting on four shows over the Halloween weekend. All original and unrehearsed, come out and participate in the fun reminiscent of TV’s ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’

Customers who dress in costumes get a free prize!

Early shows (7pm) are clean(ish) as long as the audience behaves.

Late shows (9pm) all bets are off.