Smiling HogsHead Ranch
March 26, 2015 By Michael Florio
A western Queens comedy group is hosting an event to raise funds for an urban farming group that operates out of Long Island City.
Sunnyside Comedy, a local organization that hosts comedy shows in the neighborhood, is putting on the ‘All-Star Comedy Show’ at The Flux Factory, located at 39-31 29th Street, this Friday at 8 pm.
The proceeds will go to the Smiling Hogshead Ranch, a community farm located at 26 Davis Court in Long Island City. The urban farmers will use the funds for infrastructure improvements, insurance and to provide free programming.
Lindsay Goldwert and Colin Samuel, co-founders of Sunnyside Comedy, said they wanted to do a benefit for a local non-profit.
“The ranch is a really cool thing and they want to expand their program and Colin is a big fan of their work,” Goldwert said. “He believes in urban farming so we wanted to support it.”
Goldwert said that a lot of people living in western Queens may not know about urban farming. The event is a great way to inform people what it is.
“Smiling Hogshead Ranch helps cultivate community by gathering people around shared interests,” said Gil Lopez, co-founder of the Smiling Hogshead Ranch. “Many of these interests are outside of gardening and this comedy show is a perfect example.
The Flux Factory venue can seat about 70 people. Tickets to the event cost $20 online and $25 at the door.
Each ticket will be entered into a raffle, with the prizes provided by local businesses. There will also be beer specials, Goldwert said.
Many of the performing comics are based in Queens.
Joyelle Johnson, who has opened for Dave Chapelle and Maria Bamford, lives in Sunnyside. The show’s host, Liz Magee, lives in Astoria and often performs at Q.E.D.
The show’s headlining act will be performed by Ted Alexandro, a western Queens resident who has appeared on “Conan” and “Late Night With David Letterman.”
“In everything we do we try to highlight Queens,” Goldwert said. “It is the best place to perform because the local businesses support small shows.”
Sunnyside Comedy has put on two shows a month at varying Sunnyside venues since last summer, with every show featuring new comedians.
Goldwert said the group is looking for a permanent space to host venues.
To purchase tickets online go to funnybynature.brownpapertickets.com
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