Concert Review
October 11, 2013
Stand Up for Davis Street Comedy Benefit
Bal Theatre - San Leandro, CAOctober 11, 2013
Reviewed By = Mauricio Segura
As Charles Dickens stated in his classic book, A Christmas Carol, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor”. And such was the case on October 11th, as over 600 people including various elected officials and VIP's, were happily infected with the laughter bug at the Historic Bal Theatre in San Leandro.
For the third year, the Davis Street Family Resource Center’s annual “Stand Up For Davis Street” comedy benefit was a huge success. Not only did it raise awareness to the wonderful work the center does for it's community, but they managed to raise $60,000 in the process.
To learn more about the center and the wonderful work they do, click here.
To learn more about the center and the wonderful work they do, click here.
Davis Street’s Executive Director, Rose Padilla Johnson along with Michelle Musgrove did a stupendous job at making the evening a huge success. From the planning stages, to the decoration of the theater, to the VIP reception, and everywhere in between, they worked tirelessly to put together a top notch event full of laughter and entertainment.
Brian Copeland, a long time supporter of the center, headed the all-star ensemble of comedians as the evenings host. One by one, each comedian provided a set of hilarious jokes. “It was like a comedy boxing match”, said Todd G. of Fremont, “ a left hook of side splitting jokes here, a right hook there, and then another one stepped into the ring for more shots. I loved it!” The lineup itself was incredible, Joe Klocek, Johnny Steele, Will Durst, Laurie Kilmartin. Bob Sarlatte, Mark Pitta, and Tom Rhodes. Copeland hit the nail on the head when he stated that this was the best comedy show ever put on in the East Bay, as it truly was a comedy showcase.
Brian Copeland, a long time supporter of the center, headed the all-star ensemble of comedians as the evenings host. One by one, each comedian provided a set of hilarious jokes. “It was like a comedy boxing match”, said Todd G. of Fremont, “ a left hook of side splitting jokes here, a right hook there, and then another one stepped into the ring for more shots. I loved it!” The lineup itself was incredible, Joe Klocek, Johnny Steele, Will Durst, Laurie Kilmartin. Bob Sarlatte, Mark Pitta, and Tom Rhodes. Copeland hit the nail on the head when he stated that this was the best comedy show ever put on in the East Bay, as it truly was a comedy showcase.
Anyone would call a night with that comedy lineup a success and go home happy, but this show loves to go above and beyond expectations by featuring a secret superstar guest to bring it all home. Last year, the crowd went wild when George Lopez took the stage, so the buzz of anticipation surrounding who this year's guest was went through the roof. Brian Copeland introduced the star as a Saturday Night Live Alumni who's catch phrase was “isn't that special”. That was enough clue for the crowd to stand up and raise a roar so loud that you weren't even able to hear Copeland conclude, “ladies and gentleman, please welcome Dana Carvey!”
For close to an hour, Dana had everyone in the theater rolling in laughter. His George Bush (daddy and son), Schwarzenegger, and countless other impressions brought back the SNL memories. Miley Cyrus was not immune to the Church Lady's hilarious wrath, and his jokes about Indian Cardiologists made your heart skip a comedic beat. What an absolute treat the evening was!
If you have yet to attend one of these benefits, you must make it a point to be there at next year's event. Stand Up for Davis Street is truly the East Bay's best comedy show of the year. And you know Golden Bay Magazine will let you know when it will be happening. But do remember the reason behind it is to raise money for an amazing institution who needs constant support to do what they do. If you're into giving to charities or volunteering your time, this is one of the most deserved local places for you to consider. Please visit their website, check out everything they do, and help them out whenever possible.
I can't end this review without mentioning the great venue this event has been held in. The Historic Bal Theatre, owned by Dan Dillman, is a multi-event venue that is helping put downtown San Leandro back on the entertainment map. Check out their calender here, and go check them out soon.
Lastly, a special thanks to Michelle Musgrove for giving me the opportunity to attend and review this incredible show and promote the foundation. Already looking forward to next year, cheers!
For close to an hour, Dana had everyone in the theater rolling in laughter. His George Bush (daddy and son), Schwarzenegger, and countless other impressions brought back the SNL memories. Miley Cyrus was not immune to the Church Lady's hilarious wrath, and his jokes about Indian Cardiologists made your heart skip a comedic beat. What an absolute treat the evening was!
If you have yet to attend one of these benefits, you must make it a point to be there at next year's event. Stand Up for Davis Street is truly the East Bay's best comedy show of the year. And you know Golden Bay Magazine will let you know when it will be happening. But do remember the reason behind it is to raise money for an amazing institution who needs constant support to do what they do. If you're into giving to charities or volunteering your time, this is one of the most deserved local places for you to consider. Please visit their website, check out everything they do, and help them out whenever possible.
I can't end this review without mentioning the great venue this event has been held in. The Historic Bal Theatre, owned by Dan Dillman, is a multi-event venue that is helping put downtown San Leandro back on the entertainment map. Check out their calender here, and go check them out soon.
Lastly, a special thanks to Michelle Musgrove for giving me the opportunity to attend and review this incredible show and promote the foundation. Already looking forward to next year, cheers!
