I went to a comedy show recently.
It was very fun and I highly recommend checking it out.
Fine, you’ve twisted my arm. I’ll tell you what it is.
Joke at the Oak is a weekly standup showcase (unless it’s baseball season, in which case the show is monthly), located at the Irish Oak in Wrigleyville Fridays at 8:00. 100% of ticket sales are given to a different charity each week. This week, it was the Association of Horizon, which strives to give opportunities to adults with physical disabilities.
While the show aims to entertain you and offer stage time to up and coming local comics, its goal is to raise $100,000 for Lurie Children’s Hospital.
We love funny with a side of ambition.
For $15, you receive a raffle ticket with entry. You can also buy additional raffle tickets if you’re feeling adventurous. Raffle prizes include gift cards to the Irish Oak, tickets to see touring headliners, and more.
In case you were wondering, I didn’t win the raffle.
I didn’t take it well.
Anyway.
Pat Truer is the producer and host of Joke at the Oak. I’ve known Pat for about a year now, and his passion for comedy is unmatched. He radiates positivity, which is key when hosting a show. I’ve seen many comedy shows die because of a poor hosting job, but that isn’t the case with Pat. He’s lively, entertaining, and keeps the show moving. He doesn’t take attention away from the other comics, like I’ve seen many hosts do before.
He’s also the creator of the Joke at the Oak’s theme song.
I should mention that I’m a standup comic, and in the four years I’ve been doing comedy, I’ve never been to a show that has its own theme song.
But wait, it gets better.
It’s a sing-a-long.
Don’t panic. You don’t need to be Mariah to sing this one. Everyone joins in and has a good time (and if you don’t join in, Pat will make you stand up and lead the audience in song).
There were 10 comics on the lineup. Each did 5 minutes, so the show was about an hour and some change with the opening announcements and giveaways.
The lineup was an excellent variety of people. There were comics with all different styles and voices. And bonus, it had more than one woman in the show, which is always rare and exciting.
The room was packed. So full that it was standing-room only, so if you want a seat, I’d recommend getting there when doors open at 7:30.
It’s a great spot for a date. The bar serves food and drinks, so you’re essentially getting dinner and a show. If you’re looking for a first date idea, a comedy show is the best place to get to know someone. If they’re the person who heckles or talks during a comic’s set, they’re probably the same person who will forget your birthday and steal your car.
I need to give a shout out to The Irish Oak staff, who are phenomenal. With little space to move, and an abundance of orders to take, they smashed it. They were working hard all night long to make sure the audience was happy and satisfied.
Overall, I’d give my experience five stars (or two thumbs up — not sure which is the better grading scale).
From great comedians, to great service, to an unforgettable theme song (it’s been stuck in my head the entirety of writing this article), if you’re looking for a fun way to spend your Friday night, look no further than Joke at the Oak.
Join the Lakeview East Community Partnership on Friday, January 17th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 and will be donated to the LVECP. You can get yours here. LVECP is an independent non-profit, 501(c)3, philanthropic arm of the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce comprised of community residents. Our mission is to contribute to local non-profit organizations to enhance the quality of life in Lakeview by supporting community development projects as well as arts and neighborhood beautification.
Sarah Vulpio is writer and standup comedian from Cleveland, Ohio. She’s written for Cosmopolitan, Cleveland Scene, and the blog you’re currently reading.
