Steve Tripp has his mind set on giving Lansing something to laugh about.
That's why in early January the owner of Tripper's Sports Bar partitioned off underused space in his Frandor sports bar for a comedy club—one that he says can help fill the void when the long-standing Comedy Connxtions closed in April 2014.
"We're convinced there is still a market for comedy in this town," says Tripp. "And since we've wanted to broaden our demographic for a while and have this space we've never used, we thought the timing was perfect."
Tripp opened the
Comedy Club inside Tripper's immediately after New Year's Day. The club will occupy 2,500 square feet and seat 180 people. Tripp says his 40-member staff have the option to pick up extra hours in the club, with Jacob Burkhart serving as the comedy manager. He plans to add more staff in the coming year as the club grows to satisfy Lansing's appetite for comedy.
The Comedy Club becomes Tripper's newest wheel, adding to the mainstays of sports, food and beverage, and charity fundraising. Having comedy in a separate, dedicated area, Tripp says, ensures that sports fans can enjoy sports and comedy fans can enjoy comedy—without any interference.
Shows run Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays. Thursdays are set-aside for college night and open mike, and weekends reserved for nationally recognized headliners and up-and-coming talent. Dinners, appetizers and full cocktail service are offered during show time.
"While we have national acts coming in, we're also giving up and coming comics a place where they can get up on stage and hone their skills," says Tripp. "We're looking to help develop new talent, and there's really no where to start out but in these types of venues."
Tripper's inaugural act featured comedian Shane Mauss, followed by Kris Shaw. Upcoming acts include Mike Stanley, Vince Morris, Grant Lyon, Spencer James, April Macie, and Dave Landau.
"These are comics who have worked the road and paid their dues," says Tripp. "We want to keep comedy going here and want comics to know they still have a place to go in Lansing."
Source: Steve Tripp, Owner, Tripper's Sports Bar
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
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