Raucous Laughter Heard All the Way to Vacaville

Who isn't ready for a little laughter? Let me re-emphasize that: Who isn't ready for A LOT OF LAUGHTER! Obviously quite a few of us as Benicia's Stone Hall was full to over flowing for last Saturday night's first of three comedy events and Kellen Erskine and Jeff Applebaum did not disappoint.

Both entertainers' energy, enthusiam, quick wit, snappy patter, and audience involvement kept everyone in stitches. Both Erskine and Applebaum had a blast with what they often referred to as a "smart" audience who kept both comedians on their toes throughout a show which lasted well over two hours.

Opening the night's event, Kellen Erskine  pondered what career move Paul, the octopus, who predicted the winners of the World Cup, would have for the next four years and why Battle Ship (the game) hadn't been named Numbers and Letters instead. This was just the beginning of an innovative, fast-paced, and hugely hilarious set.  

Next, Jeff Applebaum drew on the origin of the city of Benicia's name, as he stated that everyone in the room was probably relieved that Dona Benicia Vallejo's middle name wasn't Vacaville.  Applebuam also credited his mom with his comedic roots stating that he was born in the Holy Land, Brooklyn, and that he was also the only white player on an otherwise all Black little league team. Applebaum also treated the audience to his impression of Joey Bishop, whom he played in a Rat Pak revival in Las Vegas. 

The evening was an enormous success. The comedians took time to thank those who came, and it was beyond obvious that all went home feeling that laughter is definitely THE BEST medicine.