by Rosemary Leahy
Daily Lobo
The number one comedy club in the nation, Catch A Rising Star, will be bringing laughter to the stages of Puccini's Golden West Saloon and El Rey Theatre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Catch A Rising Star was born in New York City in 1972. The club premiered many famous comedians of today, including Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Rosie O'Donnell, Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Lewis and Chris Rock.
Lynn Garlock-Wright, chief operating officer of Catch a Rising Star, has been with the company in Las Vegas for seven years. The renovation of Downtown Albuquerque inspired Garlock-Wright to bring the comedy club to this area.
"Albuquerque needs good comedy like everyone else," she said.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Kathy Zimmer, co-owner of Puccini's and El Rey Theatre, was very excited and proud to host Catch A Rising Star.
"We are always trying to bring in new stuff," she said.
Zimmer said Albuquerque doesn't have anything like this. It used to be that most musical entertainment had an opening comedy act, she said. Now Puccini's is bringing it back with one of the biggest brand names in comedy.
"When I lived in New York, Catch a Rising Star was it," Zimmer said.
Albuquerque City Councilor Eric Griego will emcee the show tonight.
"Griego is actually the city council member for the Downtown district and just happened to do standup," Zimmer said. "Maybe more politicians should be comedians."
Catch A Rising Star will also give aspiring local comedians a chance to show off their talent - anyone can get onstage.
"The show is open to whoever feels they have the right stuff to take that open mic," Garlock-Wright said.
Tonight's act includes Don Friesen, an award winner for the San Francisco Comedy festival, and Lee Levine. Local bands Twenty Five South and Concepto Tambor will perform. The Big Spank and Felonious Groove Foundation will also perform this weekend.
Student discounts are available. It's cheaper than a movie and you don't have to take out a mortgage to buy a beer, Zimmer said.
"This is the next biggest thing to the Journal Pavilion," she said.
What: Catch a Rising Star
Where: Puccini's Golden West Saloon and El Rey Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m.
Info: 243-9699
