Former Laughing Devil
July 15, 2015 By Jackie Strawbridge
A new comedy venue is up and running where the Laughing Devil formerly stood.
The Standing Room, located at 47-38 Vernon Blvd., soft-opened in late June. The venue comes from the team behind The Stand in Manhattan; they describe it as a “smaller, more intimate room” than the original.
“This [venue] gives us a chance to try things that are different, even experimental, while also tapping into the incredible talent pool we already work with,” booker Patrick Milligan said in a statement.
A grand opening for the Standing Room is slated for early August, according to a spokesperson.
The Stand team took over the club from comedian and Queens-native Steve Hofstetter, who opened it in 2011, and later moved to Los Angeles. They intend to harness their booking experience to get big names across the river; performers who have appeared at the Manhattan venue include Tracy Morgan, Janeane Garofalo and Judah Friedlander.
The Standing Room promises comedy programming on weekends and some weeknights, with other entertainment mixed in.
“We want to provide people here with a great night out, whether that’s enjoying a comedy show or just relaxing with a good drink,” co-owner Paul Italia said in a statement.
According to the venue’s launch announcement, the Standing Room will offer music, projectors to broadcast sports or present screenings, as well as cocktails and local beers, desserts and snacks.
Over the next few weeks, the Standing Room will host events designed to introduce the venue to its neighbors.
During the LIC Concerts, a free music series on Thursday nights at Gantry Plaza State Park, attendees will get a free round at the Standing Room concert after party.
Western Queens residents can also trade in junk mail for two free tickets to any show through Aug. 31. Mail proving residence of Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside or Woodside, as well as Greenpoint, Brooklyn, will be accepted.
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