Free Laughs: Comedy Garage Weekly Open Mic & Showcase

Did you know there’s a comedy open mic and showcase every single week in Everett?

That’s right McDonald’s—those free smiles just got some competition. Enjoy free laughs every Monday night at Tony V’s Garage, compliments of the Comedy Garage.

I recently popped by to check things out and chat with the organizer and host of the weekly Comedy Garage, Blake Kiltoff.

Blake Kiltoff kicking off the show // Garret Hunt

Kiltoff lives in Snohomish and has been doing comedy around Seattle for about 10 years. He took over running the Comedy Garage earlier this year.

“We promote the show as an open mic with a showcase at the end. Meaning there’s going to be a strong 20-minute performance from a comedian who’s professional ready,” said Kiltoff.

Mary Lou Gamba of Seattle was the showcase comedian the night I attended // Garret Hunt

The night I attended was one to remember: over a dozen different comedians took the stage. They were all actually quite funny. I was impressed at the quality of the performers for a free open mic—it was better than a lot of comedy shows I’ve paid to see.

Mike Parker, one of the more experienced comics spent his entire set chatting with the audience while cracking impromptu jokes // Garret Hunt

Things got really interesting when the venue suddenly went pitch black. Apparently a car around the corner had hit an electrical box and took out power for the entire block. The show didn’t miss a beat as everyone cheered for things to continue in the dark. Kiltoff quickly reacted with a flashlight to light the stage for the remaining performers.

After the lights went out, Kiltoff (R) using a flashlight to light the stage // Garret Hunt

The power outage only added to the fun. In true comedic fashion, the comics made the best of it.

One attractive thing about the open mic for comics that Kiltoff pointed out, he allows some of the more experienced comedians up to seven minutes. Most open mics only allow three or four minutes.

“That extra few minutes on stage allows comedians to play around more and experiment with new material, which is really valuable,” said Kiltoff.

Kiltoff’s also noticed when the crowd is good for a few weeks in a row, more experienced comedians tend to show up. He’s hoping to continue attracting more attendees to further grow the show and more diverse comics.

“This open mic tends to attract a lot of straight white males—I’m trying to attract more people, so I try to book people that don’t look and sound like me,” said Kiltoff.

Megan K proving stand up comedy does not require standing // Garret Hunt

The show is all ages, but Kiltoff warned, “…this is an open mic on a Monday night, near the docks, in the pub part of the city. We do attract comedians who tend to get a little off-color. But we’re an open room, and we don’t tolerate bigotry.”

Taylor Clark from Live in Everett Podcast episode #35 // Garret Hunt

Kiltoff thinks the Everett area is a “ripe plum for the plucking” as far as the local comedy scene goes. He organizes another comedy show where he lives in Snohomish.

“I think there’s an audience here, we just need to bring comedians,” said Kiltoff.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re ready to hop on stage or just spectate, go support your local comedian and enjoy some free laughs at the Comedy Garage.