GARDINER – Enjoy some of the funniest comics in New England at Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center, 280 Water St., Gardiner, on Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m. at our new stand-up comedy series. The Stand-up Comedy Showcase is hosted by Tim Hofmann, with comics Brian Brinegar, Luke Hanbury, Kevin Neales and Jen Kruszewski.

Headliner Brian Brinegar is a “high energy entertainer that looks more like an accountant than a comic.” Brinegar draws on his recent divorce, lackluster dating life and stories from his late night television viewing. Performing all over New England, Brinegar is also a regular at clubs in Los Angeles. Brinegar was just named “Best Comic” in the 2008 Portland Phoenix readers poll.

Jennifer Kruszewski, “Jenski” grew up on a small farm in West Rutland, Vt. She transplanted to Maine as a foundling and now has her roots in Portland. Jenski started performing comedy in November 2007, because she was determined to live hysterically (it’s working). She has performed at many local venues, including the Portland Comedy Connection and the Comedy Studio in Cambridge, Mass.

Luke Hanbury took first place in Portland’s Funniest Professional contest in 2006. He performs regularly at the Boston Comedy Connection, the Comedy Studio in Cambridge and clubs all over New England.

Kevin Neales has been performing stand-up for about four years. He has appeared at the Portland and Boston Comedy Connections, the Comedy Studio in Cambridge and several colleges in New England. Neales is also a photographer.

Tim Hofmann began performing in comedy clubs in 2004. He has since performed at clubs across the country including Laugh Lounge and COMIX in New York City, The Seattle Comedy Underground, the Comedy Connection in Portland and the Comedy Connection Boston. In spring 2008, he toured the rust belt with another comic doing nine shows in 10 days at clubs such as the Pittsburgh Funny Bone and the Saratoga Comedy Club. Hofmann was born in Portland and grew up in Skowhegan.

Tickets are $11 at the door. The show has mature content and is for ages 21 and over. Cash bar available with an ID. Call 582-7144 or check www.johnsonhall.org for more information.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.