Denver, Colorado has a rich history of stand-up comedy. From the 1980s onwards, the city has been home to some of the most famous and influential comedy clubs in the country, such as Comedy Works and The Improv. In this blog entry, we’ll take a closer look at the history of stand-up comedy in Denver and explore some of the city’s most notable comedians and venues.
The Origins of Denver Stand-Up Comedy
Denver’s stand-up comedy scene began to take shape in the 1970s when local musicians and performers began incorporating comedy into their acts. The city’s vibrant music scene provided a natural platform for up-and-coming comedians, many of whom honed their craft at open mic nights and small clubs.
One of the earliest comedy clubs in Denver was The Comedy Club, which opened in 1980. Located in the historic Larimer Square district, The Comedy Club quickly became a hub for local comedians.
The Rise of Comedy Works
In 1981, Comedy Works opened its doors in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Founded by local businessman George McKelvey, the club quickly established itself as one of the premier comedy venues in the country.
Over the years, Comedy Works has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy, including Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, and Dave Chappelle. The club’s intimate setting and reputation for attracting top talent has helped to establish Denver as a destination for comedy lovers.
Other Notable Venues
In addition to Comedy Works, Denver has been home to several other notable comedy venues over the years. The Improv, located in the Denver Tech Center, was a popular destination for touring comedians in the 1980s and 1990s. The club hosted everyone from Richard Pryor to Chris Rock, and helped to solidify Denver’s reputation as a must-stop on the national comedy circuit.
Another popular venue was The Squire Lounge, which hosted open mic nights and featured local comedians. The Squire was a favorite spot for up-and-coming comedians to test out new material and hone their skills.
Also, the Voodoo Comedy Playhouse (now RISE Comedy) opened in 2011, and hosted renowned stand up comedians from all over the world, including Brian Babylon from NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me; Colorado native Josh Blue; and many more.
Denver’s Impact on the Comedy World
Denver’s stand-up comedy scene has had a significant impact on the wider comedy world. The city’s reputation for attracting top talent has helped to establish it as a must-stop on the national comedy circuit, and many of the city’s comedians have gone on to achieve national and international fame.
The success of RISE Comedy, Comedy Works and other Denver comedy clubs has also helped to fuel the growth of the comedy industry as a whole. By providing a platform for up-and-coming comedians to showcase their talent, Denver has helped to nurture a new generation of comedic talent.
In Conclusion
Denver’s stand-up comedy scene has a rich history, dating back to the 1970s when local musicians and performers began incorporating comedy into their acts. Today, the city is home to some of the most famous and influential comedy clubs in the country, including Comedy Works and The Improv. Denver has also produced a number of talented comedians who have gone on to achieve national and international fame. Through its contributions to the wider comedy world, Denver has established itself as a vital and influential hub of comedy culture.
