This past Saturday June 22, 2013, the third floor of Franklin’s Tower was rolling with laughter as three up-and-coming stand-up comedians took the stage. The space filled quickly with family, friends and fans, as well as Curb Your Enthusiasm actress Susie Essman. Here, in the heart of Downtown, I had an exclusive coolness feeling being inches away from performers one might imagine on a huge national stage. It really made the night an experience to remember.
And while there was no spitting of food or water because of a way-to-funny joke, the room was rarely quiet.
The audience audible agreed on topics from local TV personalities to national baby-naming news.
The “new-comer,” Remy LaFargue took the stage first, followed by Fly 92.3 host, Shawn Gillie (above, right). Both guys pushed the envelope just enough to keep the audience laughing and shaking their heads. 
By the time headliner Dee Watson got to the stage, tables were enjoying food and drinks and laughing all the while. Happily, her jokes engaged everyone in the varying-aged crowd. Her description of “big girl Olympics” signs displaying the most ridiculous names and questions for the world had the room and I roaring.
From the audience reaction and the comedians’ stage presence it seemed clear all three are headed places. How cool that they star locally in our digs!
Afterwards guests talked and mingled with the comedians, again instilling an
exclusivity. Stepping outside the sights and sounds of Downtown’s night life, live music, bars and bustling was all around, and the comedy show served as a small reminder of the real variety of things to do Downtown. You can always look to downtownalbany.org for the next great show, event or competition.
See you Downtown.
JD
