Enjoy April Fool’s Day with a night filled with laughs as Open Arms WNY, a new non-profit based out of Lockport, hosts its first stand-up comedy night, Comedy for a Cause. The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. April 1, in the club-like atmosphere of the Kenan Center’s Taylor Theatre, 433 Locust St., Lockport.
Headlining the April 1 show is Lockport’s own Nicky Spin. Spin has been doing comedy for a little over four years. She went to the University at Buffalo, where she studied acting and helped establish their first improv comedy troupe. Opening for B.J. Novak would be one of her major accomplishments while in college. She said, after falling in love with improv, she decided it was time to branch out and try stand-up. She’s been doing it ever since. Spin has also opened for Josh Wolf and Gilbert Gottfried at the Helium Comedy Club in Buffalo, and regularly performs stand-up around the Buffalo area.
Mcing Comedy for a Cause will be Qwizman, also known as Jason Bradley. Raised in Rochester and Western New York, Bradley is considered comedy’s new funny guy. He is blazing a trail of work from New York to California and has created his own style of comedy through character base skits and hosting shows for up and coming artists.
The show will also feature other local talent, including Louie Gee and Trayvel Patterson.
“The comedy show is going to be amazing,” said Felicia Patterson, co-founder of Open Arms WNY. “The people we have performing are not only funny, but hilarious local talent from our community coming out to support us on this new venture.”
Open Arms WNY began in October 2016 with the mission to inspire, empower and serve individuals and families in Lockport and all of Western New York. The first project will be to open a weekend soup kitchen in Lockport. The building will not only hold the soup kitchen, but also act as a center for both youth and adult services.
“I believe Open Arms WNY is needed in this community because we are here to help those who are being looked over,” said Demetrius Grant, co-founder. “The mothers and fathers that are working to support their families but still need that extra support; that’s what Open Arms WNY wants to help with.”
Patterson added, “Open Arms WNY goals are to build stronger families.”
“Stronger families build stronger communities,” she said. “We aim to do that by encouraging all to come in and be served no matter what age, race, gender or religion. We are here to serve you.”
Comedy for a Cause will be Open Arm WNY’s first major fundraising event. Proceeds raised will go toward getting 501c3 status, along with other upcoming events being planned, which will give back to children and adults in the community.
Tickets for Comedy for a Cause are $20 presale or $25 at the door. Seating is limited, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The comedy show is open to those 18 and older.
To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.openarmswny.com.