The Local 907 is a favorite among comedians in the state of Washington. Meant to support comedy only, when the signup sheet came out just after 9pm, there was a rush to get in line, and by 9:07pm 19 of the 20 spots were filled. Minutes later, the lineup was complete. It’s supposed to be first come first choice, but like a predator, the sight of that signup sheet made the talent salivate. (Say that five times fast starting with “the sight of that. . . .”) You may have to be vigilante in the room, pay attention when the signup sheet comes out, give yourself a chance to get in line reasonably early. Fortunately, I wedged myself fifth in line and took the second spot. Run by a gentleman named Amani, who has been hosting this room for four years, the platform stage is set up such that it’s against a wall in the center of the room, the backdrop a black curtain. A single mic on a stand and a stool for your drink (or notes), foreshadowing a night of standup, is all the talent needs. The stage overlooks a room that seats about 54. Nine muted TVs played football and other sports games throughout the room. Talent gets five minutes, a red light at four. There are no language restrictions. The Local 907 is a full bar and pub. No surprises here, it serves appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches and some fried entrees like fish & chips and chicken strips. A second room is used more for recreational purposes, with two pool tables, pinball machines and a shuffle board. Come early if you like that kind of fun. I had their chicken quesadillas, and, man oh man, it was good. Parking is on the street, and I suggest giving yourself a few extra minutes to find a space. The evening started about 9:37pm. All the TVs were turned off, which I very much appreciated. About 28 people occupied the tables throughout the room, while the bar was a wall of sitting patrons. Thirty five in all. Amani opened with eight minutes then brought up the first talent. Between acts he was very lively, constantly asserting after each performer that “this evening is just full of great talent.” Always smiling and keeping the energy high, I must say as a host of a room myself, I was very impressed with Amani as an emcee. He kept the energy high in the room, even if the numbers dwindled a bit as the night went on. Guys, I thoroughly understand why this room is a hot spot. Mostly, the whole room listens to the talent on stage. Those talking at the bar were good about keeping their conversations to a whisper. Even though the majority of the room is fellow comedians, they were very good about laughing at something if they thought it was funny. It wasn’t just head-nodding, even though that, too, is a sign of approval. I prefer laughs. Each comedian received the same respect as the one before. Admittedly, attendance dropped a bit by 11pm, but of those remaining, the support never waned. You can definitely make an evening of this room, what with dinner and entertainment before the show, then a solid evening of standup and getting in a performance yourself to a supportive room. What more could you ask for?
The Local 907 is a favorite among comedians in the state of Washington. Meant to support comedy only, when the signup sheet came out just after 9pm, there was a rush to get in line, and by 9:07pm 19 of the 20 spots were filled. Minutes later, the lineup was complete. It’s supposed to be first come first choice, but like a predator, the sight of that signup sheet made the talent salivate. (Say that five times fast starting with “the sight of that. . . .”) You may have to be vigilante in the room, pay attention when the signup sheet comes out, give yourself a chance to get in line reasonably early. Fortunately, I wedged myself fifth in line and took the second spot.
ReplyDeleteRun by a gentleman named Amani, who has been hosting this room for four years, the platform stage is set up such that it’s against a wall in the center of the room, the backdrop a black curtain. A single mic on a stand and a stool for your drink (or notes), foreshadowing a night of standup, is all the talent needs. The stage overlooks a room that seats about 54. Nine muted TVs played football and other sports games throughout the room. Talent gets five minutes, a red light at four. There are no language restrictions.
The Local 907 is a full bar and pub. No surprises here, it serves appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches and some fried entrees like fish & chips and chicken strips. A second room is used more for recreational purposes, with two pool tables, pinball machines and a shuffle board. Come early if you like that kind of fun. I had their chicken quesadillas, and, man oh man, it was good. Parking is on the street, and I suggest giving yourself a few extra minutes to find a space.
The evening started about 9:37pm. All the TVs were turned off, which I very much appreciated. About 28 people occupied the tables throughout the room, while the bar was a wall of sitting patrons. Thirty five in all. Amani opened with eight minutes then brought up the first talent. Between acts he was very lively, constantly asserting after each performer that “this evening is just full of great talent.” Always smiling and keeping the energy high, I must say as a host of a room myself, I was very impressed with Amani as an emcee. He kept the energy high in the room, even if the numbers dwindled a bit as the night went on.
Guys, I thoroughly understand why this room is a hot spot. Mostly, the whole room listens to the talent on stage. Those talking at the bar were good about keeping their conversations to a whisper. Even though the majority of the room is fellow comedians, they were very good about laughing at something if they thought it was funny. It wasn’t just head-nodding, even though that, too, is a sign of approval. I prefer laughs. Each comedian received the same respect as the one before. Admittedly, attendance dropped a bit by 11pm, but of those remaining, the support never waned.
You can definitely make an evening of this room, what with dinner and entertainment before the show, then a solid evening of standup and getting in a performance yourself to a supportive room. What more could you ask for?