Denver Comedy Scene in Flux: Why Denver Comedy Lounge is a Staple as Other Clubs Close Their Doors
Table of Contents Introduction Denver’s comedy scene has always been known for its fun energy, variety of acts, and ability to bring in talent from all over the country. Locals and visitors come to comedy shows all around the city to enjoy a good laugh and the sense of community that comes with a great live show. But as things are changing in Denver, some favorite comedy clubs are closing. This makes it even more important to support places like Denver Comedy Lounge, which has built a loyal fan base by putting on high-quality shows and supporting local talent. With venues like Denver Comedy Underground and Wide Right recently announcing that they are closing, it’s clear that Denver’s comedy community needs more support. Here’s why Denver Comedy Lounge has become a main part of the comedy scene and why it’s worth checking out. What Makes Denver Comedy Lounge Stand Out in Denver’s Comedy Landscape Denver Comedy Lounge is one of the top comedy clubs in Denver. It’s known for its friendly atmosphere, great lineups, and dedication to supporting both local and visiting comedians. The small, cozy setting lets the audience get close to the action, which makes it more fun for both the performers and the people watching. Unlike bigger venues, Denver Comedy Lounge offers a close and personal experience. It’s perfect for those who love seeing the little expressions, quick comebacks, and funny interactions with the audience that make live comedy special. Denver Comedy Lounge also features a mix of local comedians and national headliners, giving people a chance to see new talents and enjoy performances from experienced comedians. This mix of quality and variety makes Denver Comedy Lounge a top choice for anyone wanting a true comedy experience in the city. Recent Closures in Denver’s Comedy Scene The comedy community in Denver has been going through some tough times recently, with some favorite places closing down. Denver Comedy Underground and Wide Right are both shutting their doors, which shows just how hard it can be to keep a comedy venue open these days. Denver Comedy Underground Denver Comedy Underground operated out of the basement of the Althea Center for Engaged Spirituality. It quickly became a favorite spot for comedy fans and comedians. It was known for hosting national touring acts as well as local comedians, building a reputation for great shows in a cool, underground setting. Unfortunately, it had to close because of issues with keeping its space at the Althea Center. This is a big loss for Denver’s comedy fans. Wide Right Wide Right, located in the Ballpark neighborhood, has been around since 2019 and was known for its inclusive, community-based approach. It hosted everything from roast battles and open mics to themed comedy nights and karaoke, offering a space where both new and experienced comedians could perform. Owner Meghan DePonceau announced that Wide Right would close in December 2024, saying that it felt like the right time to end this journey. These closures show why it’s important to support the comedy venues that are still here. Denver Comedy Lounge is one of those places that has stayed strong and reliable for comedy fans. For those who care about keeping Denver’s comedy culture alive, Denver Comedy Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a good show and support the comedy scene during this time of change. The Variety of Shows at Denver Comedy Lounge One of the best things about Denver Comedy Lounge is the wide variety of comedy shows it offers. The Lounge regularly hosts different types of shows, so there’s something for every kind of comedy fan. From improv and sketch comedy to classic stand-up, the Lounge makes sure each night is unique. The Lounge also features special events and themed nights that keep things interesting for people who come back again and again. These nights are great for anyone looking for something new or just another reason to laugh. For example, there are new talent nights where you can watch up-and-coming comedians work on their material. If you’re interested in trying stand-up yourself, take a look at our guide on Should I Try Stand-Up Comedy? Themed shows also let comedians get creative and show off their best jokes. With so many different types of shows, Denver Comedy Lounge is great for both long-time comedy fans and people who are just getting into it. This variety is one of the biggest reasons why Denver Comedy Lounge is a top pick for comedy in Denver. How to Get Tickets for Denver Comedy Lounge Shows If you’re ready to come see what Denver Comedy Lounge is all about, getting tickets is super easy. You can visit our Comedy Shows page to see what’s coming up and pick a show that you’re interested in. Unlike some other venues that use third-party ticket sites, Denver Comedy Lounge sells tickets directly on our own website. This means you get real tickets and support the venue directly, which is really important for smaller, independent places like ours. When you buy tickets from Denver Comedy Lounge’s website, you avoid extra fees and any issues that can come from using ticket resellers. Plus, we often have special deals and updates on our website, so it’s the best place to check for events and grab your spot for an upcoming show. Next time you’re planning a night out, skip the hassle and visit our Friday Night Showcase or Saturday Night Showcase to get your tickets. Not only does this help support the Lounge, but it also gives you peace of mind that you’re getting the real thing. Denver Comedy Lounge – Perfect for Group Outings Denver Comedy Lounge is a great choice for group outings, whether you’re with friends, family, or coworkers. The intimate yet lively vibe at the Lounge makes it a perfect spot for sharing laughs and good times. With shows on popular nights like Thursday and Friday, it’s easy to add a comedy show to your week for a fun
The Zen of Stand-Up Comedy: A 20-Year Veteran’s Perspective
The Zen of Stand-Up Comedy: A 20-Year Veteran’s Perspective Stand-up comedy is often seen as a battle of wits, a dance between the performer and the audience. It’s an art form that requires quick thinking, sharp timing, and the ability to connect with a room full of strangers. But after 20 years in the game, performing on stages like Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Seth Meyers, I’ve come to realize that stand-up isn’t just about making people laugh. It’s about being fully present in the moment, going with the flow, and embracing the unknown — principles that closely align with the practice of Zen. Zen, at its core, is about mindfulness and presence. It’s the practice of being fully aware of each moment, accepting it without judgment, and letting go of attachment to outcomes. In Zen, there’s no room for ego or fear; there’s only the present moment, and how you respond to it. This mindset fosters a sense of peace and clarity, allowing practitioners to flow through life with a calm and open heart. While Zen and comedy might seem like an odd pair at first glance, the two share more in common than you might think. When I first started out, I thought I was destined to be a stand-up comedian. I imagined a life on the road, performing night after night, constantly honing my craft. But as I allowed myself to go with the flow, I found that my path shifted. I didn’t just become a stand-up comedian — I became the owner of a comedy club, a coach to aspiring comedians, and a mentor to those looking to grow their practice. This journey wasn’t planned, but it was exactly what I needed. By embracing the Zen principle of going with the flow, I found a deeper connection to my work and a new way to contribute to the comedy world. In my coaching, I’ve noticed that the way I help people write jokes is strikingly similar to Zen practice. I don’t just give them punchlines or tell them what’s funny — I listen. I listen deeply to their stories, their fears, their joys, and their perspectives. By being fully present with them, I can help them find the humor that’s already there, waiting to be uncovered. It’s a process of discovery, not creation, much like how Zen teaches us to uncover our true nature rather than trying to create a new self. Ultimately, both Zen and stand-up comedy teach us the same thing: to be present, to be ourselves, and to trust the process. Whether I’m on stage, coaching a new comic, or simply running my club, I’ve found that the key to success in comedy — and in life — is to stay in the moment, embrace the uncertainty, and flow with whatever comes my way. And in that way, comedy has become not just a career, but a path to personal enlightenment.
Stumbling Into Standup
Stumbling Into Stand-Up I never thought I would write a book. I never wanted to own a comedy club. I never would have guessed I would be on TV. I never imagined I would be a stand-up comedian. I never… yet, I did all of those things. How could this be? I seem to have stumbled into everything I’ve done and am doing. I’m creatively clumsy. I went with the flow. I never had a plan. It’s not how it works for everyone, but for me, the “one thing leads to another” approach has been key. If you start walking, even without a destination in mind, you will eventually arrive somewhere, and then you adjust to the situation. You ask yourself, “Am I where I want to be?” or “Should I try something else?” And proceed accordingly. I suppose much of life is handled this way — constantly evaluating and adjusting. Perhaps this approach is what has brought you here, to a book about doing stand-up comedy. Maybe you’re a Lawyer who thinks “I could do this”, or somebody that grew up with parents dissuading you from fancy and frivolous fantasies and this is a “Fuck You”. And maybe you’re just at a crossroads of curiosity. Just because you buy the cookbook doesn’t mean you’ll actually make any of the recipes, but you want to cook more and be better at it, so you start with the easier recipes. Every comedian’s story could be described as “the journey of the ego.” The ecosystem of comedy, or as I like to call it: “ego system.” Once you get the sweet taste of an audience laughing and clapping and saying “you were great” you will think that you have discovered something specific to you. You will want to be the funniest on any show, and if someone bombs you will feel bad, but also grateful that it wasn’t you. There is a lot of selfishness inherent to the experience of performing stand-up. There are innumerable opinions about what a stand-up comic should be, aspire to, and how they should grow. Some people believe that if there is no growth in a comedian’s abilities, material, or performance, they should quit comedy. I argue that every level of comedian, as well as every caliber of comedy show — from an open mic in a coffee shop to a big sold-out theater, the crusher and the bomber, is integral and necessary. Just as a forest is composed of insects, majestic trees, and dead leaves, so too must an entertainment ecosystem contain similar elements. These elements are necessary for self-reflection and personal growth. The simple math is the more you do something, the better you will get at it no matter what it is, but comedy isn’t simple math. It is politics, philosophy, sociology, history, language, art, performance and most of all, ego.