Alexandria comedy showcase puts local stand-up talent in the spotlight

ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – A stand-up comedy competition gave local comedians a chance to perform on stage August 21 at Upscale Third in Alexandria.

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Local comedians take the stage

LaSalle Parish native Ethan Funderburg said he has dreamed of doing stand-up since he was a kid.

“I love making people laugh, and I got the opportunity through some friends,” Funderburg said. “One day they said, hey man, we’re doing a comedy show. We’re doing like an open mic style comedy show. Come tell some jokes and see if you like it. And it kind of took off from there.”

Four comedians signed up for the competition, including Alexandria resident Jereme Castile. Castile said he wishes there were more opportunities for local comedians to perform in central Louisiana.

“There’s local business owners that have nightlife on the weekends and stuff,” Castile said. “If they were to just invite comics to open mics, people will show up. You just gotta find that network and tap into it.”

Event organized to bring entertainment downtown

The comedy showcase was organized by Bradley Lewis, owner of Upscale Third. Lewis said he wants to bring more entertainment to downtown Alexandria.

Sisters Amberlee Porter and Amanita Kay said they appreciate his efforts.

“A nice place for adults to come and mingle, laugh, and just have a great time,” Porter said. “Them having a comedy show gives us something to do just to get out and let our hair down,” Kay said.

Local comedian Jesse Brown, also known as Pappy Yams, said he hopes sharing his personal experience with loss can help others heal through laughter.

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“You know, they say laughter heals a broken spirit and the soul,” Brown said. “So, I want you to laugh.”

Last-minute entry ties for first place

Wesley Wells was a last-minute addition to the show. He and Funderburg tied for first place in the comedy competition.

“I just showed up. I just found out about this thing like literally like 15 minutes ago. I was out maneuvering and stuff, and I showed up,” Wells said. “I had nothing planned, and people liked it. It was all off the top.”

The open mic showcase of local talent was followed by a headlining comedy show.

For more events hosted by Upscale Third, click here.

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