DELRAY BEACH – Tim “Richie” Richmond knew for nearly 30 years that friend and co-worker Ryan Lavanco could generate laughter in a casual setting.
A few years back he wanted to see whether Lavanco had the chops to take his humor onto the stage.
The duo booked a comedy show at O’Connor’s Pub in Delray with the idea that they would also spend a couple minutes at the mic.
“We weren’t professionals, we just thought we were funny,” Richmond recalls. “He told stories making fun of himself. He was pretty naturally good at it.”
By all accounts, Lavanco acquitted himself well that night. On Wednesday Richmond and other local comics will attempt to bring Lavanco’s spirit back to Delray – at least for one evening.
Richmond and O’Connor’s – located in Delray Beach’s Pineapple Grove section – are the site of a small comedy show that night to honor Lavanco, who died in June.
“Just a little tribute to honor my boy,” Richmond said.
Local comic Nadeem Awad is headlining the night, with Mike Cintron and Chris Roe also performing. Pictures of Lavanco will adorn the stage and walls inside the pub where he worked for the better part of a decade.
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lavanco also kept patrons entertained while tending bar at another Delray Beach locals bar, the Frog Lounge.
“We ended up becoming good friends,” said Awad, one of the comics who performed that first night. “Probably one of the most naturally funny guys I’ve ever met. It’s sad what happened.”
The free show begins at 8 p.m. And is expected to last a couple of hours.
If this show goes well, Richmond hopes to produce a yearly comedy show as a tribute to his friend.
“It’s going to be a fun show,” Richmond said. “We’re going to laugh and have a good time.”
