WEST PALM BEACH – The South Florida comedy community is once again rallying to help support the family of one of its own.
On Jan. 24 at Monroe’s Red Light, comics will honor fellow comedian, producer and DJ Bobby Mac with a tribute show that will raise money for his family.
“He had the best energy,” said friend and South Florida comic Mike Panzeca, who is helping to produce the show. “He was one of the kindest, gentlest, funniest people I knew.”
Mac died unexpectedly in early January, leaving behind wife Cindy and a daughter.
“I’ve known the kid since he was 16 years old,” said Gonzo Soligny of Gonzo Radio Productions, a co-producer of the tribute. “He’s always been one of those frenetic, creative types. He’s definitely one of a kind.”
Jimmy Shubert and Flip Schultz have been announced as the night’s headliner, with Jackie Sanchez, Perry Sak, Nadeem Awad, David Sadman and Roscoe Nash also expected to perform. Panzeca will serve as host.
“It’s not going to be sad,” Panzeca said. “It’s going to be fun. That’s what Bobby would want.”
A longtime DJ and emcee at adult clubs, Mac quickly built the Sunday night shows at Monroe’s Red Light, adjacent to the Monroe’s strip club, into a destination stage for local South Florida comics along with some national performers.
“Everyone fell in love with Bobby. Because of Bobby, everyone wanted to go there and do stand-up,” Panzeca said. “All the locals in West Palm were doing the shows. He was giving people the chance.”
In and out of the comedy scene for two decades, the launch of those Red Light shows coincided with Mac’s return to the stand-up comedy scene.
“He managed to integrate stand-up comedy with the strip club scene as well,” Gonzo said.
Monday’s comedy performances are expected to run until 9:30 p.m. Panzeca is open to extending the comedy portion of the evening.
“If we’ve got enough comics who want to go up and do some time, you’re more than welcome to do that,” Panzeca said.
Money raised on Monday will benefit Mac’s family.
Mac also DJ’ed at the main Monroe’s club. Following the comedy performances, Monday’s tribute will contain an adult component, with money raised by dancers during their routines also going to the family.
There will also be a silent auction of Mac’s artwork.
“He was an amazing artist,” Mac said.
Thus far nearly $20,000 has been raised via social media, Panzeca said. HE is hoping to add an additional $20,000 at Monday’s event.
“This is all in the spirit of celebration, fun and laughter,” Panzeca said.
