Comedy Under the Tap Helping Fire Victims With Benefit Show

Every day headlines seem to become more and more depressing. We need humor to distract us and to remind us that if we don’t laugh at life, it will make us cry.

It's with that in mind that on Saturday Comedy Under the Tap will host a benefit show for Lindsey Jones, whose house was destroyed by fire on March 20. Jones is the bartender and lead of the wait staff for Comedy Under the Tap.

Jones was doing her laundry March 20 when the dryer started smoking. She quickly pulled the laundry out and called her mom. Her mom told her to get out right away. Jones said she turned around and the whole thing was on fire. She bolted out of the house and called 911. No one was hurt, not even her cat who was rescued from under the bed by Oswego Fire Protection District firefighters. 

Jones is staying in a temporary apartment with her mom. She and her mom have decided to rebuild their house which is expected to take six to eight months. Her mom, Lauchlan Jones, a retail manager, was laid off from her job shortly after the fire. 

Jones' friends and co-workers at Comedy Under the Tap immediately wanted to help her. At the first Tuesday night show after the fire, they asked for donations. They were relaxing after the show and discussed other ways they could help. The idea of hosting a benefit show was born. 

The benefit date was set for April 23, which is Saturday, instead of CUTT’s regular Tuesday night.  The show will be at CUTT’s regular location beneath the on Washington Street in downtown Oswego. 

Once word of the benefit spread, comics from all over volunteered their time.  Producers Amelia Kleyman, Michael Kleymann, Joe Larkin and Michael Moore settled on seven acts for the show. The lineup includes Matt Drufke, Lewis Rhine, Steven Long, Jeff Hansen, Moe Motisi, Mat Elfring and Ed Hanson. Comedy Under the Tap regulars will recognize these comics as they are all regulars of the Tuesday night show. 

It’s going to be an amazing show,” says CUTT regular Matt Drufke who is performing that night. “When you do a show, there is a family feeling.  It's an intimate group with the wait staff and the regulars and the comics. It feels nice to be part of that. I am thrilled to give back to the group in this way." 

Amelia Kleyman agreed.

“We want to help Lindsey and everyone with the healing power of laughter," she said.

All ticket proceeds will go directly to the Jones family. Donations are also being accepted online via PayPal at paypal+jonesbenefit@comedyunderthetap.com.  The Tap House Grill is supplying concessions for the benefit. 

There will be a full bar and menu available during the show. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Attendees must be 21 or older or accompanied by parents or legal guardian.  

Reservations can be made by calling 630-517-0003 or at http://cuttjonesbenefit.eventbrite.com/.