Laughter on Tap Again at CD and ME

During any economic downturn, comedy thrives. Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges and the Marx Brothers all got their start during the Great Depression. 

At least, that's what Ken Sevara, veteran comic and CD and ME entertainment booker, thinks.

"When times are tough, people just want to get out and have a laugh," he said.

So even as the nights grow longer, the days shorter and wallets thinner, CD and ME is banking on laughter to take people's mind off things. That's where the Laugh the Night Away series, which begins Friday, comes in. 

After moving the series to Friday nights and the adding live music last year, Sevara said he wanted to take Laugh the Night Away to the next level in 2010. For the 2010-11 season, that meant booking two headliners back to back each Friday, making the club's format unique in the region.

"I don't know anyone else in the area who's doing that," Sevara said.  

It also meant going old school and returning to local radio spots to promote their acts. On the Wednesday before each Friday show, the week's headliners will give a listeners a little preview at 7:40 a.m. on WJOL's Scott Slocumb Show. Slocumb also will be on hand Friday to usher in the new season with illusionist Glen Gerard, comedian Lee L.A. Lycan and rock duo Jack and Jill.

The remainder of the five-month series features Tim Slagle, Rocky LaPorte, Patti Vasquez and more. Go here for a full list of performers and bands.

'Laugh the Night Away'

When: Friday. Doors open at 7 p.m., comedy starts at 8 p.m., and music begins at 9:30 p.m.
Where: CD and ME, 23320 S. LaGrange Road
Cost: Comedy cover charge is $10. There's an additional $5 charge for patrons staying for the band.
More info:  Go to the website or call 815-469-7315.