Join Dockside's ‘Night of Laughs' every First Friday

Jon Stewart once said, "There are lots of jobs that are scarier than live comedy. For example, standing in the operating room when a guy's heart stops, and you're the one who has to fix it."

This theory gets tested by scores of comedians -- and the public -- the first Friday of every month at Dockside in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Already known as a great place for music events, Dockside, also in the midst of expansion, decided to branch out to a new entertainment crowd in August. And First Friday art openings gave Dockside event manager Sharon Karraker the perfect opportunity.

"I wanted to try a lot of different types of events to see what worked, and I eventually came to the conclusion that it would be fun to have comedians," said Karraker. "We thought we'd have the comedy shows on the first Friday of every month so people that are already downtown for the art receptions can just come join us for our 'Night of Laughs' afterwards."

And so far, the event has been a rabble-rousing success. Several local comedians -- including Michael Yetman, Landon Hill, Hunter Hendricks and Louie Benson -- have given the Dockside crowds a laugh or two. Each month features comedians with their own style and fresh material.

"They always have a pretty full crowd in there, and they get some really talented comedians to come in and perform," said Benson, a Cape Girardeau comedian who has also performed in Carbondale, Ill., and St. Louis. "It's one of my favorite places to do comedy, and I think this is something that will only get better. My hope is that the comedy becomes the draw on First Friday, and people just get there early to check out the galleries."

The comedy has gone so well, owners already plan to expand the show. Michael Yetman will host a comedy special Feb. 24, and will record the show for release online. Karraker said they also hope to begin comedy dinner shows soon.

As for tonight, the laughter lineup features Dockside vets Yetman, Hill and Benson, along with locals Andrew Chandler and Mike Garvin.

"These guys are great about getting audience participation and lots of laughs," Karraker said. "You can sit back, relax, have a drink and laugh. But don't be surprised if one of these guys see you and make you part of their act. It's all in good fun, though."

Benson urged skeptics to give Dockside's comedians a shot.

"Spend five bucks on a band you might hate, or comedy you may never forget," he said.

"I am always telling people I guarantee they will laugh," Benson said. "And if you think you can do better, you can even get up and give it a try yourself."

Dockside is at 5 N. Main St. in downtown Cape Girardeau. You can catch the "Night of Laughs" every First Friday beginning at 9 p.m. Cover charge is $5, and you must be 18 or older. Dockside serves alcohol, but the bar is cash only.

Pertinent address: 5 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, MO