Notes From a Comedy Junkie: A Chicago Fan Takes a Comedy Vacation in NYC

Sarah Dahms is a comedy superfan who even goes so far as to call herself a comedy nerd. Raised on National Lampoon, John Hughes, Gene Wilder, and Fairy Tale Theatre, her life changed after her older sister showed her Eddie Murphy’s Raw in 1988.  Soon after she found Andrew Dice Clay and became a stand up junkie for life.  Eighteen months ago she took her first comedycation to see Jeff Ross play in Miami on her birthday.  Since then, she’s been traveling all over the country checking out the best comedy everywhere, a confirmed comedy addict, and now she’s agreed to share her travels with us.  This is her column.


My first Comedycation of 2017 was to New York. It consisted of 4 days, 4 venues, 11 shows, a multitude of new friendships made, 1 earring lost to the comedy gods, and endless fun. I walked away with zero regrets and a few recommendations for anyone who enjoys having a good time and finds themselves in New York City in 2017.

The Stand Comedy Club.  The Stand is the real deal. It is a one stop shop for everything you need for an entire night out on the town and it can all be found under one roof. This establishment consists of a restaurant upstairs and comedy club on the lower level. The Stand is run and owned by people who genuinely care about comedy. This results in shows of only the highest caliber being produced for their stage. Quality is something I have come to count on every time I visit. I recommend that you arrive early to enjoy a delicious dinner before the show (their specialty mac and cheeses are always amongst my favorites) and then stay for drinks at the bar afterward. All of this can be had at a price that is beyond reasonable.

The RoastMasters Hosted by Luis J. Gomez– This battle styled comedy competition was made popular by Jeff Ross and Brian Moses on the west coast. However, I would argue that this gem of a show was polished to perfection by the likes of Patrick Milligan, Mike Lawrence, and Luis J. Gomez at The Stand on the East Coast. This West Coast/East Coast, all hands on deck approach to creating the perfect show ultimately resulted in “Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle” and “Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle II.” Both of these shows can be seen on Comedy Central. Set your DVRs. How cool is that?!?!

Ron Bennington– One of the most exciting additions to the roster of paid regulars at The Stand Restaurant and Comedy Club is legendary radio personality, comedian, and co-host of “Bennington Show” on SiriusXM, Ron Bennington! I was lucky enough to catch a couple of his shows while I was in town and was super impressed with Ron’s comedic prowess. He took all of his strengths as a prolific interviewer and combined them with his finely tuned wit to create an act that was a beautiful amalgamation of hilariously written material, partnered with razor-sharp, crowd work. Ron Bennington completely ran the room like the absolute professional he is. If you are in town, be sure to check him out!

Duncan Trussell–  I was lucky enough to be a face in the crowd at Duncan Trussell’s debut performance in a New York City comedy club. Please do not mistake; Duncan Trussell is no amateur to comedy. He is a paid regular at The Comedy Store in California, has toured the nation with Joe Rogan, appeared in “Funny or Die Presents,” “MAD TV,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and is the host of his podcast “The Duncan Trussell Family Hour.” He may be relatively new to New York, but his confidence and comfort on stage allowed him to win the room and get big, beautiful belly laughs with his humorous, yet insightful material. It will only be a matter of time before he becomes the toast of New York. Get your ticket to see him perform in the intimate setting of a club while you still can!

I’ve been to New York and had a glance at what the art of comedy has in store for 2017. I like what I saw and so will you. Get out, plan a comedycation of your very own if you can, and support live comedy tonight!

#mycomedycation #comedynerd #keeponkeepingon

Sarah Dahms is a comedy superfan who lives in Chicago and loves to take comedy vacations.  

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Sara Dahms

Sarah Dahms is a comedy superfan hails from Chicago and travels all over the country checking out the best comedy everywhere.
Sara Dahms
Sara Dahms
Sarah Dahms is a comedy superfan hails from Chicago and travels all over the country checking out the best comedy everywhere.