The 13th Annual All Star Comedy Showcase begins at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor on Saturday, February 4th at 8:00 p.m. There will be three upcoming shows with top-notch rosters of all-star comedians on Saturdays February 4th, February 25th, and March 25th at 8:00 p.m.
New York-based comedian Joseph Vecsey first founded and presented this stand-up comedy showcase in 2010. Over the past thirteen years, the series has been headlined by stand-up veterans and fresh faces alike, quickly becoming the East End’s premiere live comedy series and an annually anticipated favorite event. To kick off the series on February 4th, attendees can expect sidesplitting sets from talented comedians Ben DeMarco, Mike Sicoli, and Nick Whitmer.
Nick Whitmer and Mike Sicoli both took some time to speak more about their backgrounds, their comedic styles, and what they’re most looking forward to about the upcoming performance at Bay Street.
Nick grew up in a small town in rural Virginia, and he loved standup growing up, mentioning that he looked up to comics in the same way that other kids would look up to athletes. He said, “But it wasn’t a thing that seemed tangibly possible. Like, how does someone even become a comedian?” And yet 12 years after deciding to make the move to NYC, Nick followed the secret desire he had always held onto, beginning to think more and more that it didn’t seem so crazy, and here he is all these years later living his dream of being a comedian. “It’s pretty wild to reflect on,” he notes.
Mike Sicoli on the other hand followed his path to comedy as early as possible, though maybe not entirely conventionally. He was 17 when he did his first open mic at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick, NJ where he grew up. He says, “After a few times on stage I started looking for ‘comedians wanted’ ads on Craigslist and went on a few odd gigs where I met other comedians. They took me in and got me off Craigslist wanted ads before I ended up missing.”
Both Nick and Mike love being able to express themselves through comedy. When Mike was asked how he’d describe his style, he said, “I just want to bullshit with you.” Whereas Nick describes his style as highly autobiographical. He says, “I think the only thing I’m really qualified to talk to people about is my life, and I just hope people can relate. I don’t like to push my political or social agenda on anyone.”
Nick’s favorite topics to cover in his sets are whatever he is going through at any given moment. He recently became a father and says that it has been an endless stream of material so far. He also verbalizes that his definition of success really changed when he became a dad. “I feel like I am no longer the star of the show. Especially being a stay-at-home dad during the day. If my daughter is happy and healthy then I have been successful,” Nick says.
Both comedians are looking forward to making the trip out to the East End and experiencing performing at Bay Street. Before the show Nick will be doing his pre-show rituals of listening to jazz, relaxing, and going over his notes while thinking everything through. Mike, on the other hand, when asked about pre-show rituals says he doesn’t usually eat before shows, so he was more inclined to speak to his post-show ritual. He says, “I do sometimes stop at the Jon Bon Jovi rest stop (yes that’s a real thing) back in Jersey. It’s usually the only thing open late on the way home from shows or else I wouldn’t go there. There’s a Burger King and a Cake Boss vending machine in there and I’m not proud to say I’ve partaken in both. I usually drive home in silence after that due to the shame.”
This will be Mike Sicoli’s first time performing at Bay Street. He says, “I’ve heard great things about the show from other comedians so I’m very excited to be performing there.” Nick Whitmer also does not get to experience performing at theaters very often. He says, “When I do [perform at a theater] it’s a real treat. There’s something about performing in a theater that feels like old timey show business, and I love it.”
The All Star Comedy showcase at Bay Street this Saturday is sure to be a night full of laughs and amusement. Mike concluded by saying, “I think the crowd can definitely expect a great and entertaining night out. I believe that this show will save marriages and bring families back together.”
Nick Whitmer has a special out called Always Hungry! It’s streaming for free on the platform Tubi and is also now on YouTube. Mike Sicoli also has streams of YouTube content. For more information about the show at Bay Street on Saturday, February 4th and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.baystreet.org.
