|
Drunk On Stage: Proof That Gays Are Funny
By STEPHAN HORBELT
 Popular Silver Lake watering hole Akbar plays an important
role for gays around town. Most nights it's a laid-back neighborhood
bar with one of the best jukeboxes in town; other nights
it's a raging dance club filled to the brink with sweaty
kids. But for a little over a year now, on Tuesday nights,
Akbar plays a different role altogether: your neighborhood
comedy club.
Many know Bruce Daniels (above, right) from his body of work
with gay-fave comedienne Margaret Cho; the pair toured together
and appeared in various TV and film projects side by side.
While Daniels continues to pursue these projects around town,
and hasn't stopped touring the country with his hilarious
comedy routine, he felt the urge to start something new.
Drunk On Stage is a comedy night Daniels hosts each week,
featuring some of the best talent Los Angeles (and the country)
has to offer. Held in Akbar's back room, it boasts an intimate
setting that's perfect for those who love smart comedy.
When Daniels initially brought the idea to Akbar it was an
attempt to force himself to write new material, but the night
now accomplishes much more. “Comedy clubs aren't the
most welcome environments for women and gays,” Daniels
says. “They can be racist, homophobic, and misogynistic.
I wanted to create a space where other demographics can come
and perform and be themselves.” Any given week you'll
find a group of hilarious male and female comics who understand
that they're performing to a clever and intelligent gay audience.
Some gay comics who don't normally incorporate gay material
into their routines are happy to switch things up for a change.
The intimate setting of Akbar's back room is the perfect
locale for Drunk On Stage, and facilitates interaction between
the comics and their crowd, which Daniels describes as “eclectic,
smart and there to have a good time.” The crowd seems
to be the cream of the crop of Akbar's usual patrons—smarter,
more fun, and maybe even a little cuter. More often than
not, random celebrities will also be spotted in the audience,
so don't be surprised if you're sitting next to Margaret
or Julie Brown, also regular performers.
If you're looking to switch things up from go-go boys and
dancing, head to Akbar on Tuesday nights. With an early show
time of 8 p.m., Drunk On Stage is perfect for either a calm
evening out or the start of a debaucherous night on the town.
Vital Info
Drunk On Stage at Akbar
4356 W Sunset Blvd.
When: Tuesday nights, 8 p.m.
Cover: $5
The Scene: A night of hilarious gay comedy
Date Factor: Perfect
for a peaceful night out
|
