A night of laughs

At comedy open mics you'll find seasoned comedians and hacks. The best ones get the stage first and the hacks go last. (Read - don't be late.) The Slainte comedy scene has been a weekly deal for the past couple years, featuring some of our finest local comedians. It's pretty much the same as the open mics at Acoustic Coffee where there are featured comedians and slots open for those brave enough to face the crowd.

The comedy open mics were started by Laugh Your Ass Off comedy company, which has grown from a group of comedians looking for work to a full-fledged organization with comedy classes and gigs across the country. It was at Acoustic Coffee that I became familiar with Tammy Pooler, Seth Bond Perry, Brian Brinegar, Brett Groh, Timmy B, Luke Hanbury and Ian Harvie, all trailblazers for the local scene. After Acoustic Coffee closed, the comedians moved the show to Slainte, a quaint venue perfect for the niche crowd of comedy lovers.

Brian Brinegar, a goofy bastard who's finally ditched those awful Hawaiian shirts (I think), hosts Slainte's open mic. He's a damn fine host, with good jokes - I'm a big fan of the vaganus one (I'd link to that but I fear I'd lose my job), but not the this-is-my-day-job-and-I-do-spreadsheets-and-found-a-booger. I take that back, it is kind of funny.

Because the company I kept was unruly, I stayed for just a few sets. Of course, I wouldn't leave without hearing my old buddy Seth Bond Perry, who used to tell jokes about his divorce, impending vasectomy and bizarre middle name. Last night I heard about how he sold his house, is disgusted with South Dakota's abortion politics and his usual round-up of current events including the olympics and gas prices. He also broke down how to successfully take the stage and command laughter, but I won't spoil his secrets.

After leaving Slainte, I couldn't deny the karaoke just a two blocks down Preble Street at G&R Dimillo's. Karaoke, believe it or not, is a performance art. You see, it's not about singing well. It's about charming the crowd with pelvic thrusts and song choices. For instance, a slovenly man sang "Hot Legs" by Rod Stewart. Not a note was sung in key or rhythm, but it was the most compelling performance, just shy of Dr. Awesome's version of "I'll be There" by Mariah Carey. Without a doubt, the man blew us away with his passion and dance moves.

Whether you check out open mic comedy, G&R karaoke or both, you're in for a night of laughs. Open mic comedy is held every Thursday at 8 pm at Slainte in Portland. Karaoke is at G&R Dimillo's every Thursday from 8 pm to close.