Midland in October

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On this episode of The Future of Comedy Show we are back at The Great Hall with comedy legend Doug Stanhope featuring Andy Andrist and special guests Mike Ball and Junior Stopka. Please remember that doors open at 7pm and show begins at 8pm.  ABOUT DOUG STANHOPE- “Once you do standup, it spoils you for everything else,” says Doug Stanhope. “There’re no censors, no sponsors to offend, no standards and practices. It’s just you, and it’s immediate gratification.”Stanhope’s confrontational, unfiltered comedy—twice named “Best Stand-Up Show” by Time Out New York—blends caustic social commentary, outlandish personal narratives, and graphic humor. Fueled by anger, outrage, and alcohol, he rails against Western civilization’s decline with fearless wit, always on the edge of implosion but in full control. The Guardian calls him “a visionary douchebag” with “aggressive intelligence,” and The San Antonio Current dubs him “Charles Bukowski with dick jokes, drunkenly fueled by Thomas Paine.” Unlike many comics, Stanhope has built a loyal fanbase without mainstream media. He sells out theaters in the U.S. and abroad, recording his Oslo: Burning the Bridge to Nowhere special in Norway. The Denver Post hails him as “a truth-teller and astute (if messy) social critic.” His fans, ranging from doctors to troublemakers, are fiercely devoted—once driving an internet plagiarist offline and even bartering medical procedures with him. Born in Worcester, MA, Stanhope started stand-up in 1990 while working a dead-end telemarketing job. Initially a self-described “dick-joke guy with a mullet,” he found his voice in the mid-’90s, crafting real stories into sharp, meaningful routines. His talent earned him wins at the 1995 San Francisco Comedy Competition (beating Dane Cook) and the 2002 Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Strathmore Press Award. He’s performed at Just for Laughs, the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, and made infamous appearances, including a BBC set while on ecstasy. Stanhope’s raw, no-holds-barred comedy brought him to The Howard Stern Show, Comedy Central Presents, and Charlie Brooker’s Newswipe. He briefly co-hosted The Man Show and had an infamous stint on Girls Gone Wild, both of which he regrets. However, his performance as a suicidal comic on Louie was widely praised.Rejecting Hollywood’s pull, Stanhope left L.A. for Bisbee, Arizona, prioritizing creative freedom over industry cash. “I never had a goal—everything I’ve done has been an accident. I just play to me, and if I can amuse myself, I consider it a victory.”

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On this episode of The Future of Comedy Show we make our debut at Trapper's in Rose City with nationally touring headliner, Mike Ball + FOCS regulars Dave Wellfare, Chuck Bates and Kamryn K. Please remember doors are at 7pm and show begins at 8pm.  Mike Ball is a nationally acclaimed headliner and the creative force behind the award-winning comedy series, "The Future of Comedy Show," boasting an impressive portfolio of over 800 shows produced. His comedic prowess has graced renowned venues such as The Chicago Laugh Factory, San Diego Comedy Palace, and various locations across the Midwest, earning the prestigious title of Best Event in Midland by the Midland Daily News. Amassing a staggering 4 million views on Facebook Reels, Mike's comedic journey includes performances at illustrious venues like the World Famous Comedy Store, Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club and the Nashville Zanies All Stars Show. He brought laughter to unexpected places, including a memorable performance at the Michigan International Speedway during Nascar weekend. Notably, he was featured on the #1 show in Vegas, "The Dirty at 12:30."  Mike Ball's impressive career has seen him sharing the stage with comedy legends such as Ralphie May, Dave Landau, Jeff Acuri and SNL cast member Molly Kearney. With over a decade of experience, Mike's act remains as vibrant as ever, infused with in-the-moment observations, crowd work, and guitar improv. Each performance is a unique experience, showcasing his dedication to keeping his comedy fresh and resonant with audiences. David Wellfare- Short on stature and big on personality is one way to describe Dave Wellfare. Another way would be to say, “His contagious energy fills any venue as he brings an in your face intensity to comedy as he tackles real life issues with a sarcastic twist. “ This former radio personality brings his animated stage persona to life in a show that’s guaranteed to make you come back for more. Dave has been in the entertainment industry for over 19 years, starting off on the #1 morning show in Lansing, MI. before transitioning to his real passion…Stand-Up Comedy. Lamenting his frustrations with raw attitude and comic fury are his forte. Dave has been seen at comedy festivals all over the US. Most notably Laughfest, Grand Rapids premier comedy festival and Canada’s Border City Comedy Festival. He has opened for Fortune Feimster and Robert Kelley. So be sure to see Dave, you won’t be sorry! Chuck Bates A Future of Comedy Show Regular, Chuck has toured the country. He started show business as a rapper, as he signed with ghetto records but has found his niche on the comedy stage. Chuck has been featured in "Perfect Justice" which can be watched on Tubi. Kamryn Kelems: Hailing from the muddy swamps of Downriver, where even the alligators fear to tread, is our towering titan of comedy. She's not just tall in stature but also in wit, ready to take you on a wild journey through the muck and mire of life.

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