Comedy clubbin'

When it comes to comedy in Bloomington, quality is more important than quantity as there are only a few places to go to get your weekly fill of laughter. Though the list of comedy clubs in the area is not extensive, the acts that come through town carry their fair share of comedy clout. At times, nationally touring comedians who have appeared on Comedy Central, "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," stop by to make Bloomington chuckle. And if you can't get enough laughs in town, the many comedy venues in the 45-minute roadtrip to Indianapolis offer even more options.\nLocally, Bear's Place has been making a name for itself for more than two decades. The original owner, Ray McConn, started hosting Comedy Caravan at his bar 21 years ago -- and the tradition has continued. The most notable comedians who have appeared at Bear's throughout the years include Sinbad and Roseanne Barr. Interestingly enough, Barr, finding an unfriendly audience at Bear's, was booed off stage in the early 1980s. \nAnyone over 21 can check out Comedy Caravan Mondays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. every week, when host Brad "Mr. Showbiz" Wilhelm emcees. The Monday night show is the longest running one-night comedy show in Bloomington and usually sells out immediately. \n"We're the only bar in town that does comedy, and I hope it stays that way," says Bear's Place General Manager Jim Reef.\nThis Monday's comedian will be Kevin Downey Jr. According to Bear's Web site, Downey Jr.'s comedy career began after realizing he failed at everything else in life. According to his online biography, he was at a bar listening to a couple of horrible comedians when he realized he could not do any worse. Now, not only has he been recognized for his comedy, but he also appeared on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" this week.\nThough Bear's has been quite successful with its comedy series, most other bars cannot accommodate enough people to profit from presenting comedians. Generally, other Bloomington bars are set up for dancing and live music; and with divided rooms in most, it is difficult for the entire audience to see and hear a comedian at one time. Kilroy's Sports Bar Manager Eric Easton says it has been several years since they have had a comedian perform. \n"Why use a comedian on a Thursday or Friday night when you make a lot more money on a band?" Easton asks.\nFor those under 21, or just looking for some free entertainment on a Friday night, the Union Board also hosts Comedy Caravan in the Indiana Memorial Union on the first Friday of each month. All ages are welcome for 90-minutes of comedy in the IMU Market. Not only is it free of charge, but popcorn and soda are served as well.\n"It's a chance for people who can't get into Bear's to come here for free," says UB Comedy Director Cody Bell.\nSophomore Kim Hedge has not missed a show at the IMU all year. She and a friend look forward to going together every month. \n"Even though it's in the Market at the Union, it still feels like a club with students heckling and eating popcorn," Hedge says. "It's really awesome that we get semi-famous people at IU for free."\nMerely 45 minutes away, Indianapolis offers even more clubs to the public. Crackers Comedy Club has locations both in the downtown and Broad Ripple areas. Thursday night is designated "College Night" at both locations, so the cost is only three dollars with a student ID. In addition to national talent, Crackers has hosted several Indiana-based comedians such as comedic singer Heywood Banks, of the "Bob and Tom Show" fame. Banks' songs include topics such as the pancreas, nose hair clippers and the female anatomy, as well as one of his more famous songs, "18 Wheels."\nFor those who love the television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," one place to see improvisational comedy in Indiana is ComedySportz, also in Indianapolis. In this venue, two teams of comedians compete against each other, each inventing their act as they go -- in a similar manner to the TV show. The audience then votes on which team was funnier. The team aspect of a ComedySportz show often brings out the competitive side of the audience, but the constant jokes keep the laughter rolling.\nThe Funny Bone is another club offering experienced stand-up comedians. It has been in business for over 20 years and has had big name performers such as Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey and Robin Williams at many of its national locations, including Indianapolis and South Bend.\nAfter visiting the Funny Bone with both her parents and grandmother, senior Catherine Brill says the comedians were hilarious -- almost too hilarious. \n"They were talking about sex and profanity, everything you don't want your grandma to hear," she says. "Laughing would make me admit I knew what they were talking about."\nWith classes, jobs and other fun-sapping activities, comedy clubs can be a great way to unwind. Just remember to screen the comedian before taking grandma along to the show.