The World’s Blackest Comedy Night

UPDATE: After the second show the venue pulled the plug on the series. Thanks to the perseverance of the producers and some friendly contacts, the series continues! The February 16th show will be happening at Bar Le Ritz and February 23rd will happen at the Montreal Improv.  

For tickets visit: The World’s Blackest Comedy Night - EventBrite

Around the corner from the festival quarters is Cafe Cleopatra. It’s a classic Montreal establishment. No shenanigans happen here. Nothing but tasteful performance art occurs beyond the flashing neon lights.  

The second floor of Cafe Cleo has seen a lot of action. This venue is used throughout the Just for Laughs festival every year and has seen comedians such as Sebastian Manasalco, Bill Burr and Big Jay Oakarson.

On a rainy Thursday in February, I braved the cold, wet slushy weather to have a laugh and support some of my cherished comedian friends.

If you don't know who Vance Michel and Goofy Welldone are, you will. These two irrefutable talents are joining forces in a month-long series of shows called World Blackest Comedy Night. This bilingual series is on every Thursday in February to honor Black History Month. These shows feature an all-black lineup and will highlight some of the most talented comedians in town. 

I honestly don’t remember when Vance Michel floated into my life. It seems like he’s always been the wonderful weirdo that makes me laugh HARD on and off stage at comedy shows. He is a staple in the English Montreal comedy scene and runs the World's Smallest Comedy Night open mic at Hurley’s Irish pub, Monday nights. 

This weekly show is a proving ground, loved and cherished by comedians for its embrace of workshopping new and old jokes. Professional and amateur comedians around the city come to this show to have some fun and to have a laugh. Though the locals are the regulars, out-of-town comedians such as Stavros Halkias have graced this very small stage.

Goofy Welldone can be seen scooting all over Montreal (literally, he has an electric scooter that he goes everywhere with), hitting the stages at both French and English comedy shows. He is personable, stylish (his words), and lights up any room. He runs a bilingual comedy show in the Old Port called Le Speakeasy. 

Last summer, Goofy charmed international audiences in his Just For Laughs Festival debut.

As I walked up to the second floor to Cafe Cleo, I heard the muttering of Vance. A sound I would recognize anywhere. I was early and Vance was on stage setting up and testing the mic and running through sound check. 

Cafe Cleopatra

Cafe Cleo has a big stage, velvet curtains, dim lighting and a mix between chrome chairs and booth seating. And let's not forget the disco ball in the middle of the stage. SUCH a vibe. Our very own Studio 514. 

A little rough around the edges, it makes for a naturally amazing stage for comedy shows. Comedians are nothing without an audience, and Cafe Cleo provides seating arrangements for all types. For the brave, seats surround the stage for that intimate touch but beware of a Comedian's keen eye and sharp wit. And there are, of course, booths further away from the stage for the less brave.

“Wud up, Abby?” I hear from the stage as I find myself a seat. This is the second edition of the month-long series of shows. Vance described the first show as “lit” and told me with enthusiasm about the comedians he booked for tonight and the rest of the series (Andrew Searles and Garihanna *name…drop*) . Audience members begin to trickle in during our exchange. Sensing it's soon to be show time I spot my seat and settle in. Goofy Welldone hits the stage. 

In the month-long series, Vance and Goofy alternate hosting duties. Their immense hosting experience alone makes each night unique. Goofy's high energy and crowd work start the night. Alternating in both French and English for this bilingual night of comedy. 

Throughout the show, the audience is there for the comedians. There is no better feeling when you are on stage and the audience is fully on board with whatever you’re about to say. This particular crowd was there for a good time. Of course, the comedians made it easy. Goofy and Vance STACKED the lineup. Dale Messi, Edyson Dufort, and the captivating Jeff Martin Thomas were openers alongside Vance. The show's closer is Renzel Dashington. A popular comedian in both the French and English scenes. Renzel is a great comedian. His storytelling style is captivating and dynamic. Once his set was over, I was left wanting more.

As mentioned, nothing but serious performance art happens in this venue and this show sure delivered that. I walked down the street after the show, the neon lights flashing behind me. As a comedian, this show was truly inspiring. As a diehard comedy fan, this show was worth the apocalyptic February weather. I hope people brave the weather for these shows. It will be worth it, I promise.

Don't even think about it, you still have two nights left to experience it yourselves. For the next two Thursdays World's Blackest Comedy Night continues. The same day, same place, and time. Different comedians on each show. Black History Month has never been funnier and you can be a part of it. Go check it out!

For tickets visit: The World’s Blackest Comedy Night - EventBrite

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