Two San Diego-based stand-up comedians will stage a Comedy Night fundraising drive Aug. 10 to help a local club re-establish itself in the Point Loma community. Comedian Tony Calabrese is spearheading the campaign to help raise funds for the 102-year-old Point Loma Assembly, a community improvement organization that has served as a hub for local civic and youth groups, election polling and even as a Red Cross distribution center during both world wars. Calabrese and comedy partner Maria Herman said they came up with the idea for a Comedy Fundraising Nights series after hosting a weekly comedy school at the building for nearly two years.
“The Assembly Hall has a really nice stage for acting and comedy,” said Calabrese. “The Point Loma Actors Studio has been using this building for years with a lot of success. Maria and I think giving back to our community is a good thing and we are having a lot of fun doing it.”
The Aug. 10 Comedy Night will spotlight well-known actor and comedian Mark Christopher Lawrence and Katsy Chappell, who has entertained troops around the world and appeared on various TV comedy shows. Calabrese and Herman host the comedy series, as well as organize them. “We hope to raise $7,000 for the Point Loma Assembly this year,” said Herman. “After two shows in the first part of this year, we are pretty much halfway to that goal.
“I think the August show will be a really good one, because this is the first time Katsy and Mark have worked together and they will be a hilarious combination,” she said.
Tickets are $20 each and are available through Calabrese at American West Bank, located at 1350 Rosecrans St.; by calling Patti Adams at (619) 887-9313; or by visiting www.pointlomaactors.com.
The final Comedy Fundraiser Night for 2013 will take place on Nov.1, featuring national touring comedian Karen Rontowski and Anita Milner. All shows start at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Beer, wine and a dessert cash bar will be available. The Point Loma Assembly aims to restore and preserve the land and buildings at 3035 Talbot St., and hopes to rewnew itself as a meeting place of choice for local civic groups and community clubs. Point Loma Assembly memberships are $35 and are offered to all county residents.
