A 1970’s Hotel Houses Miami’s Only Comedy Club, The Comedy Inn

Miami comedian Sean Grant’s debut album, First Of His Name was released today through Comedy Records and co-produced by his hometown club, The Comedy Inn. As one of the country’s most unique venues, The Comedy Inn is quickly becoming one of the top clubs on the East Coast for comedians to perform at, record and spend the weekend.

“I would describe The Comedy Inn as a condensed version of Miami,” explains Grant. “Having grown up in Miami I know that the city is no melting pot…the different ingredients stay in their sections of the pot; Cubans in one area, Blacks in another, Haitians in another and White people in Kendall. But this spot brings everyone together.”

The Comedy Inn is owned an operated by Miami’s comedy guru, Mike Levine. “Mike and I go back years,” says Grant. “He asked me to record my debut album at the club and what an honor it was. Mike’s comedy IQ is through the roof. He knows how to make a solid lineup and how to seat and set up the room. I watched him turn the tiny room it started out as into a comedian’s heaven.”

The venue is an intimate club situated in a quaint hotel just outside of South Beach. With its low ceilings and red curtain backdrop, the space is ideal for stand up comedy. It’s also been specifically wired to record audio and video for comics. Along with Comedy Records, Levine has worked on specials and albums with Comedy Dynamics and various independent companies.

Despite being located in a city famous for extreme nightlife, The Comedy Inn has a laid back, relaxed feel. The 1970s-era hotel is just two stories tall with a (heated) pool centered in the middle. The vibe is more comfortable than plastic, which makes the rumors of Bob Marley and the Wailers once frequenting the hotel seem completely plausible.

In terms of comedy, the club regularly features the likes of Rich Vos, Big Jay Oakerson, Nate Bargatze, Jessica Kirson and K Trevor Wilson among others.

Interrobang recently spoke with Levine about this comedy jewel in the 305.

The Interrobang: When and how did you start working in comedy?

Mike Levine: I got into comedy in 2008 when I sat in the back of the Miami Improv and watched my friend Dominic try his first open mic. I was nervous, excited, hammered and instantly hooked.

The Interrobang: When did you create and launch the Comedy Inn?

Mike Levine: I was producing shows around town for a few years before I opened the Comedy Inn inside our hotel. The club opened in 2010 with local acts and our first show included unlimited beer and wine for $5, and was catered by Chick-Fil-A. Needless to say, it was packed.

The Interrobang: What makes the Comedy Inn different from other clubs?

Mike Levine: The Comedy Inn is a room where funny people tell jokes. So many comedy clubs have strayed from this beautiful and simple concept in favor of selling chicken tenders, having 2-drink minimums, treating comics and audiences like a means-to-an-end, and playing comedy politics. That’s never what we wanted to do. We just want the best show possible, and for the comics and the audience to have a great time.

The Interrobang: What are some of the more memorable shows you’ve hosted?

Mike Levine: We just did 4 sold-out shows with Andrew Schulz, which was an amazing weekend. There’s been so many great shows over the years, though, from the album recordings, to Cinco de Mike-o (my bday) with the mariachi band, to the Legion of Skanks live podcast, to Carlos Mencia, to the shows in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma when many people in the audience still hadn’t gotten their power back.

The Interrobang: How would you describe the current state of Miami’s comedy scene?

Mike Levine: We’re the only comedy club in Miami, and that sucks. Miami has so much raw talent, in every art, but there aren’t enough good places for comics to perform and for audiences to watch comedy. It’s a huge city and we can only do so much.

The Interrobang: Is it true there’s a Bob Marley connection to your hotel?

Mike Levine: Yes, the Marley family lives nearby, and we’ve been hosting their band members since the 1970s at the hotel. The Wailers are making music upstairs right now. I can’t say which room they’re in, but just follow the haze and you’ll find it.

The Interrobang: What goals do you have moving forward for the club?

Mike Levine: I really want to keep recording albums, keep bringing comics from Latin America and Canada, and keep giving up-and-coming comics an opportunity to come to Miami and practice their hours.

Show listings and bookings can be found and made exclusively through the club’s mailing list at ComedyInn.com

Sean Grant’s album, First Of His Name is available now on iTunes, Google Play and at ComedyRecords.ca

 

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