On the last Saturday of every month, a hilarious lineup of comedians hits the stage at Bella Roma Restaurant for a performance that has patrons laughing so hard they are barely able to contain the pizza stuffed into their mouths. “Geoff with a G” Armstrong launched a monthly showcase featuring different local comedians after one of Bella Roma’s weekly Friday open mic nights gone terribly right. Just over a year ago, after doing only four months of stand-up comedy, Armstrong delighted Bella Roma’s owner with his comedy routine, and she asked him to do a one-hour show. As a newcomer to the scene, he didn’t have enough material for a show of that length, but after talking to some friends, he put together the first “Geoff with a G” comedy showcase last summer at Bella Roma, and the showcase has been a hit ever since. “The show is not your average open mic production. It is a unique, genuinely hilarious event that takes place in your own backyard,” said Bryan Loven, a regular visitor to the showcase. “All the comics are very polished and being a comedian myself, I can confidently say that they are amongst the most funny in San Diego.” Each month, Armstrong hand picks a new lineup of comedians that he finds in the local comedy circuit, all the while tweaking the format based on the crowd’s response and his own insight. “I do this show for selfish reasons. I do a show that I’d like to see myself,” Armstrong said. “If you crack me up, you get on my show.” The format, performers and performance content change each week, but Armstrong is dedicated to selecting the best performers for his team. He selects anywhere from six to eight performers for the 90-minute show. In addition, he sometimes does his own improvisation to feel out the crowd or adds short “pop-in” comedians to pick up the energy level. He also iterated the need to start and finish with strong performers. Although the performance is an all-ages show, he advises those with young children or “thin skin” to find an area of the restaurant away from the stage. “It’s still a comedy show,” he said. “I don’t censor my comics.” Armstrong said the best thing about the show is that it provides an opportunity to see a live comedy show in La Jolla without having to spend a lot of money. “I just care that everyone has fun,” he said. “It’s like hosting a party — you want to make sure everyone is satisfied.” Several comedians, including Feraz Ozel, Erik Westland, Jennifer Kelley and Nick Crosby, are set for this month’s lineup. “Geoff with a G’s” next comedy showcase will take place at Bella Roma Restaurant, 6830 La Jolla Blvd. #103, from 8 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 27.
