There are things any rational person should be afraid of. Like Bigfoot. Or those enormous spiders that live under your toilet seat. But there’s no reason in the world to be afraid of comedy. That’s especially true when the funny business is all for a good cause. This month’s ”Don’t Be Afraid of the Comedy” show at the Hi-Tone has been rechristened “Don’t Be Afraid to Laugh for Love.” It’s the official unofficial kickoff for Rock for Love 9, a three-day, multi-venue music festival benefiting the Church Health Center.
”Don’t Be Afraid” host Josh McLane says the Rock For Love tie-in was obvious. The comedy event was already booked for the Thursday night before the festival’s Friday night kickoff, so it was just a matter of putting together a good lineup. “And we’ve done that,” McLane says.
Comics scheduled to appear include McLane’s monthly sidekick Jared Herring, 6′ 2″ funnyman Benny Elbows, Memphis Vine king Christopher Rex, and Black Nerd Power podcaster Richard Douglas Jones, who’ll soon be opening for Patton Oswalt. Memphis Comedy Festival founder Katrina Coleman will also perform.
Eric Huber
Josh McLane
McLane, who’s also a wrestling enthusiast and announcer, says he’s especially excited to have Reggie Junior on the bill. Junior is the son of pro wrestler Reggie B. Fine, and the two comics met when Junior dropped in on a wrestling-themed comedy showcase McLane was hosting called ”October Slam.” So, maybe it’s okay to be at least a little bit afraid?
Rock for Love kicks off Friday night, September 4th, with a Crosstown block party. It moves to Overton Square Saturday and ends Sunday night with a performance by the North Mississippi Allstars at the Levitt Shell.
