LAKE WORTH – Gaetano Contini wasn’t looking to create a comedy festival.
But when opportunity met chalk, he envisioned an opportunity.
Managers at Propaganda gave him Feb. 26 as the date for his next show at the Lake Worth venue, then told him the day coincided with the city’s popular street painting festival. Contini thought big.
Approximately 100,000 people visit the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival annually.
Contini combined that Saturday date with a Friday show he also produces at Lilo’s Library in Lake Worth and created the two-day Painted In A Corner Comedy Festival that runs on the same days as the street art gathering.
“My goal for the festival is to get my name out there, pull in as many people as possible, and do it as a yearly thing,” Contini said, “I’m really just giving local comics a shot.”
Ten hours of stage time composed of six shows over two days offers plenty of opportunity for local comedians. Contini filled that time more than two dozen South Florida comics.
Friday’s show at the Library includes Contini, Danny Fallon, Chris Sheppard, Franco Harris and Steve Lamm. The night, which begins at 9 p.m., is broken into two shows – both of which are free.
“We’re going to use Friday as a free show, as a teaser,” Contini said.
Saturday’s show at Propaganda is split into four segments, beginning at 8 p.m. with the Gold Coast Comedy Tour. The 9:30 p.m. show, dubbed “Locals Corner” includes Bryan Sobolewski, Fallon and Ryan Panucci.
The Halfway Off The Wagon Comedy Tour is next, launching at 11 p.m. Another Locals Corner begins at midnight and includes Matt Ross, John Loveless and Winston Pickles.
A $10 ticket ($15 at the door) provides admission for the entire night at Propagnada.
A complete listing of all the comics performing at the Painted In A Corner Comedy Festival can be found on the Applause Break Events Calendar.
“I want to impress people, make a name,” Contini said.
APPLAUSE PLANNER: Plan On It
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Al Ernst – Turtle Tavern, Delray Beach
Cruise ship headliner Al Ernst heads this months show at the Turtle Tavern in Delray. Local favorite Nadeem Awad co-features on this show along with Cindy-Ann Boisson. Producer David Sadman hosts. The Turtle Tavern constantly produces a great atmosphere for comedy. Tickets for this 7:30 p.m. show are $5, and they are available at the Turtle.
Laughs And Crafts – The Brass Tap, Pembroke Pines
Christopher Robinson is the headliner for this one. Matt Ross, Tarek Turjuman, Drew Illa and Jeff Dolezal offer a strong supporting cast, with producer Nileja serving as host. The Brass Tap offers 72 beers on tap. Boneless wings are $10 with a pint, and select whiskeys are $5-$7. The free show begins at 8:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Al Ernst – Biergarten, Boca Raton.
Miss Al Ernst on Wednesday or simply think he’s funny enough to see twice in one week? You’re in luck. Ernst also headlines the twice-monthly show at Biergarten in Boca this week. Nadeem Awad will once again feature, with Steven Henry being a pleasant addition to the lineup. David Sadman once again hosts the free show, which begins at 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Laughter At The Library – Opal Oceanside Resort, Delray Beach
Laughter in Delray Beach will benefit the city’s library on this Friday night. Pat McGann headlines the show at Opal, formerly the Marriott, located at A1A and Atlantic Ave. McGann has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Show with David Letterman. The event hopes to raise $100,000 for library materials. Tickets aren’t cheap: $400 per person. There will also be a silent auction.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Comedy Corner – Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce
Robert Mac will make the most of his time in Florida. He’s headlining this show at the Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box. It’s a show produced by Casey Peruski and Spaz. Mark Christopher will also perform. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $25.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Sharp Comedy With A Bite – Palm Beach Improv, West Palm Beach
This will actually be Robert Mac’s second appearance at the Palm Beach Improv in as many days. On Saturday afternoon, prior to headlining the Comedy Corner show in Fort Pierce, Mac will teach a joke writing seminar for comics at the PB Improv. Sunday’s performance is a full comedy show, which Mac will headline. Casey Peruski and Mark Christopher are also scheduled to perform. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $20.
