Chandler Songer & Hannah Sennese
Prof. Capie
COM 360
8 March 2018
Under the spotlight, comedians from as far as Chicago came to celebrate a comedy custom: an open mic dedicated to revealing local talent. Nestled on a backroad in Peoria, Illinois, the performances that ensued uncovered characteristics of the performers and the political climate they all made fun of.
The Jukebox Comedy Club on Farmington Road has made open mics like the one on March 7th into a weekly tradition. For just a $5 cover charge, the public is available to take part and laugh along. Inviting anyone in the community to crack jokes, 22 separate comedians showed up to take part.
Beckett Kenny, a sophomore Television Arts major at Bradley University, uses the public platform to share his own experiences as a member of the gay community. He sees the stage as a way to change minds regarding his identity.
“I would say the major theme of my performances is ‘gay.’ Comedians pull from their real life for content, and that’s the obvious place to go regarding my life,” Kenny stated. “Actually, my English professor said themes can’t just be one word… so, it’s really all about ‘being gay,’”.
Karla Kenny, Beckett’s mother, happily attends these open mics as a way to watch her son perform. She has become a bit of a fixture at the Jukebox.
“I’ve come to every performance Beckett has given at the club. I love watching him perform, arrogance and all,” Kenny said. “Next week his dad is making his debut, and I’m a little more than just excited.”
Dan Conlin, the owner of the Jukebox, purchased the establishment in May of 2000. Featuring famous comics from all over the world on weekends, he reserves weekdays for open mic events that show off some of Peoria’s finest. Before the show began, he offered wise words of good luck.
“I’ve been doing this for over 18 years now, and of all the open mics we’ve had, only one performer has converted their acts into a TV performance,” Conlin stated, smirking. “You all really need to try a whole lot harder.”
While no comics have made the big time performing in these open mics, they continue to be a fixture in the Peoria community. Nicholas Vitello, an Ohio native, spoke to the qualities of the event that keep people coming back.
“This building, the stage… they have a weird sense of charm about them. It’s small, out in the middle of nowhere as I see it, but there’s something special about it,” Vitello said. “There isn’t anywhere like it in the Peoria area, and certainly nowhere that does it as well as the Jukebox.”
While most comics in attendance riffed on similar themes, everything from Donald Trump to sex robots, they all showcased distinct style and personality – proving that everyone breeds comedy in some aspect of their own lives. Open mic nights occur every Wednesday night at the Jukebox, with doors opening at 7 P.M. and shows starting at 8 P.M. Cover charges are waived for performers.