Laugh it up at L.A. Comedy Club

Palace Station venue features national and local performers

Comedians Andy Pitz, top, and Manny Maldanado, left, perform at the L.A. Comedy Club at Palace Station, Jan. 10. PHOTOS BY JIM MILLER/VIEW Comedians Andy Pitz, top, and Manny Maldanado, left, perform at the L.A. Comedy Club at Palace Station, Jan. 10. PHOTOS BY JIM MILLER/VIEW Advertisement

Sometimes all you want to do is laugh.

The L.A. Comedy Club inside Palace Station still is in its infancy, having opened only three months ago, but it has spawned a loyal subculture of Las Vegas comedy fans.

The club's nightly lineup features two headliners and a local act.

"We had the idea to use two national, headlining acts and leave that third slot open for Las Vegas talent," producer Bill Voelkner said. "We give local guys a chance to hone their skills and prove themselves, and our audiences benefit from seeing local talent blossom."

Bryan Dennis said he began coming to the club after it first opened, hoping it would live up to his expectations for Sin City entertainment.

"Growing up in Vegas, you can become a bit of a snob when it comes to entertainment," Dennis said. "Actually, I expect things to be overrated. But, I was pleasantly surprised by the caliber of the comics I saw here. So, I come back. I bring my friends. It's a great time."

According to Dennis, the club's most interesting draw stems from the mixed lineup of famous and local comedians.

"I like to see the little guy get a shot because it doesn't happen very often," Dennis said. "Even the local comedians they bring in are hilarious, and I get into that."

Voelkner said he believes the club's appeal is a combination of location and talent.

"There are a number of factors at work here," Voelkner said. "I think this club in particular is in a prime location. It's very low key, and that appeals to locals who don't want to deal with the Strip traffic and tourists."

Club promoters pride themselves on keeping the perspective and vibe fresh, which means constantly evolving and rotating performers.

"The show that you see this week won't be even remotely the same next week," booking agent Matt Chavez said. "Not just because the acts are new, but we work hard to bring our audiences a variety of comedy acts, from mainstream to redneck comedy."

According to Chavez, one of the club's primary goals is to be seen as a hometown club.

"We just want to be known as Las Vegas' comedy club," Chavez said. "We are a local club, and we like that."

Shows begin nightly at 7 and 9 p.m. Admission is $24.95. For more information, call 367-2411 or visit www.palacestation.com.