Comedian Jay Grove knew when he opened up Veronica Laffs Comedy Club back in March, that getting people to relaize the club existed might be a tougher task than getting folks to laugh. "We've got pretty low visibility being here in Raymond", says Grove. "But at the same time, that's exactly where I wanted to be; accessible to the part of the seacoast area that doesn't want to have to drive to Mancehster or Boston for their entertainment. I'm from the area, and I've always felt like we get slighted when it comes to nightife. It gives you that chip on your shoulder. We're the equqivalent of a flyover state.".
But on the heels of four months of successful shows, attended by what Grove calls a "steadily growing" crowd, Veronica Laffs seems poised to make an impact as colder weather approaches and local residents begin seeking indoor entertainment again. "We took a calculated risk opening our doors at a time when comedy historically slows down for the season", states Grove. But that risk has forced the clubs marketing into overdrive in order to stay afloat, and has driven Grove and his small staff to become creative when it comes to getting ther word out. On the heels of baseball's Ryan Braun being suspended after testing positive for using performance-enhancing drugs, Veronica Laffs offered free tickets to any member of the Laconia Muskrats (NECBL) baseball team who'd like to attend the clubs August 3rd show. Grove's offer was made via Twitter (@Veronicalaffs) with the hashtag "#realplayers". Grove has also reached out locally, providing complimentary tickets to local police and fire departments. Says Grove, "We're doing the standard advertising; we're running a great 2-for-1 deal on Yelp! as well as pushing some ad space online and in print. But the fun things that we're able to do that involve the community, even if it involves giving away some seats, is what really makes me proud of what we've accomplished. That, and the roster that we bring in each month.".
The roster of comics at Veronica Laffs is one that Grove stands behind. His promise to followers on Facebook and Twitter has been to only book shows that he would pay to see himself. "It let's people know that I'm serious about the quality of the product." he says. "It let's them see that we're here for the long haul.".
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Veronica Laffs is located at 4 Essex Road in Raymond NH, above Strikers East Bowling Center. The club is currently running monthly shows, and plans to switch to weekly entertainment in 2014. Bob Seibel headlines the clubs next show on Saturday, August 3rd. Doors open for dinner and drinks at 8pm. Showtime is 9pm with an afterparty lasting until midnight. Tickets are available at vlaffs.com and are $15 online or $20 at the door.
