The Caravan Lounge is a very relaxed open mic room. A full bar lined with stools and a number of tables. No food other than bags of pretzels or chips. The stage is just to the left of the front entrance. No platform or rug to indicate “the stage”, just one mic and a room that seats over 35 comfortably. You have either street parking or a nearby pay lot. This open mic is for comedy only. They have 4 muted TV’s on and a pool table, but the people who showed up were there to support. Open mic goes from 8:30 to 1:30. Talent gets 5 to 7 minutes, and up to 10 if you’re a known comedian. Ato Walker is the gentleman who’s been running the room for 8 years. One thing I learned – and thankfully Ato was accommodating – talent can hit him up on Facebook and get your name placed on the list ahead of time. When I told him I was visiting from L.A., he made sure to get me in the lineup, which I thought was kind of him. When the show starts, all but one TV is turned off. There were 30 people attending when I was there, and after my set I stayed for another hour before finally leaving. Because you can sign up in advance, with the knowledge you have a guaranteed spot, it frees you up to plan a second venue, either before or after. Had I known, that’s what I would have done. This is a good room. The audience is there to support. It’s not just a room full of comedians waiting their turn. They listen and they react. If you’re funny, you’re gonna hear the laughs. Ato keeps the energy high between acts, and there is a lot of camaraderie among the audience. Do this room for two reasons: it allows you to plan to do a second venue, and it’s a supportive room. But come having already eaten, especially if you plan to drink while watching the show.
The Caravan Lounge is a very relaxed open mic room. A full bar lined with stools and a number of tables. No food other than bags of pretzels or chips. The stage is just to the left of the front entrance. No platform or rug to indicate “the stage”, just one mic and a room that seats over 35 comfortably. You have either street parking or a nearby pay lot. This open mic is for comedy only. They have 4 muted TV’s on and a pool table, but the people who showed up were there to support. Open mic goes from 8:30 to 1:30. Talent gets 5 to 7 minutes, and up to 10 if you’re a known comedian. Ato Walker is the gentleman who’s been running the room for 8 years.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I learned – and thankfully Ato was accommodating – talent can hit him up on Facebook and get your name placed on the list ahead of time. When I told him I was visiting from L.A., he made sure to get me in the lineup, which I thought was kind of him.
When the show starts, all but one TV is turned off. There were 30 people attending when I was there, and after my set I stayed for another hour before finally leaving.
Because you can sign up in advance, with the knowledge you have a guaranteed spot, it frees you up to plan a second venue, either before or after. Had I known, that’s what I would have done.
This is a good room. The audience is there to support. It’s not just a room full of comedians waiting their turn. They listen and they react. If you’re funny, you’re gonna hear the laughs. Ato keeps the energy high between acts, and there is a lot of camaraderie among the audience. Do this room for two reasons: it allows you to plan to do a second venue, and it’s a supportive room. But come having already eaten, especially if you plan to drink while watching the show.