Comedy at the Grove is Saturday

Comedy at the Grove will be presented by local comedian and magician Danny Whitson at the Grove Theater in Oak Ridge on Saturday, May 23.

The headliner will be Spanky Brown. The show will also feature Brent Terhunem and a guest appearance by Eric Steele, and it will be hosted by Tyler Sonnischen.

Birdwell Catering will provide food and beverages for purchase, a press release said. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the show will start promptly at 8 p.m. You must be 18 to enter and 21 to purchase alcoholic beverages.

Here is more information from a press release:

HEADLINER: Spanky Brown

Starting his comedy career in late November 1997 on Open Mic Night at the Comedy House Theatre in Savannah, Georgia, Spanky Brown has been leaving audiences reeling with laughter ever since.

Spanky has toured the world sharing his unique perspective and opinions on everything from his life, politics and religion, race relations, and relationships. Versatility and style best describe this veteran performer who provides comedic insights that transcend all barriers, age, gender, urban, or mainstream. Crowds are no obstacle for this entertainer.

His personal account of triumphs and tragedies and unbridled opinions are for all those who really try to “keep it real.” His experiences as a “Preacher’s Son” (even God knows he’s funny), as an advertising executive, car salesman, insurance salesman, radio personality, father, stepfather, being married, divorced, married, and divorced again (you do the math), his time served in the Army, and his honesty about it all is what makes him such an endearing character as much as his willingness to let you in so you can see that truly “it could be worse.”

Spanky is a 16-year veteran of the comedy stage. He tours nationally on a consistent basis and is one of the most requested return comedians in comedy clubs around the United States.

The small screen loves Spanky. He is seen regularly on B.E.T’s Comic View and Comedy Central. Spanky has been featured on Discovery I.D. and the Speed Network. He is also the former host of “Barbershop Critics” on The Black Family Channel.

Spanky’s real life comedy style shines on radio. He is a former contributing writer and frequent guest on National Syndicated shows like “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” and “The Bob and Tom Radio Show,” respectively. His standup is played frequently on XM/Sirius Satellite radio and NOW.

FEATURING: Brent Terhune

Characters, voices, one liners, and time-tested monologues—comedian Brent Terhune is the embodiment of all these things and more. Not many comics can pull off Brent’s laid-back style of comedy and still remain just as absurd and funny, but equally relevant and relatable at the same time. Currently, Brent is a writer for the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Radio Show (he’s been on the show, too) and he’s the creator, writer, and illustrator of the Uncle Frank comic strip. He’s performed at the Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival (2013), The Limestone Comedy Festival (2013), The Cleveland Comedy Festival (2013, 2nd place), and Gilda’s Laugh Fest.

GUEST APPEARANCE BY: Eric Steele

Eric Steele is a Nashville based comic who has performed everywhere from Knoxville to Seattle. With his deep radio voice and his quick wit and observational humor, he’s not only funny to listen to…but also to watch. Close your eyes and you could almost imagine he’s someone else.

HOSTED BY: Tyler Sonnichsen

Tyler began comedy at an early age, then began something resembling actual comedy at a slightly older age as a member of the Western-MA based TDC crew. He joined the Penguins Without Pants sketch comedy troupe in Syracuse, New York, in 2001, writing, acting, and producing shows of various sizes through 2005, when he moved to Washington, D.C., and stumbled upon an open mic in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Since then, he has performed stand-up in places as far and wide as Baltimore, Boston, London, Orlando, New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles, Oakland, Columbus, New Haven, and more. He lived and loved D.C. comedy for years, founding the smash hit Laughing Lizard Comedy Showcase (2006 2008), and then founded the Hot Broth Comedy Open Mic Thursdays at the Comedy Spot (2009 still running somehow!), leaving behind some sort of legacy. He’s highly enjoyable to watch, really. You don’t have to know who Night Ranger is to find him funny, but it doesn’t hurt. He currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. He has performed in the Orlando Indie Comedy Festival, Knoxville’s Scruffy City Comedy Festival, and the North Carolina Comedy and Arts Festival. You probably know that his real name is pronounced the exact same way as Sonicson, but MCs have a bad habit of not knowing how to pronounce it, or even ask him how. So, here we are. Just remember that Tyler is much funnier than this bio is well-written.

Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1420326 or by calling 865-255-0618.