It's been just over a year since we reopened on Occidental Park. It was a daunting challenge to recreate an atmosphere similar to that enjoyed for 27 wonderful years at 222 South Main but to a great extent and with all due modesty, I'd say we’ve pulled it off.

Equally challenging has been the need to tinker with our talent bookings a bit. We’ve gone from primarily presenting veteran acts with appeal to nostalgic customers' fond memories to a more contemporary approach for today’s comedy fans.

Don Friesen, who straddes both our past and present, recent engagement coincided with the debut of his "Live at Gotham" appearance on Comedy Central. Even Don was a bit surprised that he was chosen for a show that generally presents, as he puts it, "the young, hip and edgy."

“I was somehow able to slip in under the radar, go figure,” Don reflects, “I guess if you’re really funny, they’re willing to look the other way.”

Don will also be appearing in an upcoming Lewis Black Christmas Special on the History Channel. It’s good to see an act that covers such topics as raising kids, house hunting in L.A., cat problems and marriage survival can stand out nonetheless.

“I’m not even angry at my parents,” Don concludes, “At this point in life, I am my parents.”

Go figure.