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Arts & Entertainment

Summer Concert Series Comedy Night Postponed to August 16

Comedians will round out series next Tuesday, beginning at 7:30pm

Get ready to laugh in the final installment of the Nesconset Summer Concert series on Aug. 16. It was previously scheduled for Aug. 9, but rain has pushed it back a week.

Four local comedians hope to amuse the audience with their observances about life on Long Island, relationships, day-to-day activities and family life.

Rich Walker, of Deer Park, has been a standup comic for 16 years. He’s appeared on television in “What’s So Funny” and “Stand-up LI” on Cablevision. Walker has also opened for well-known comics including Kevin James and Ray Romano.

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The comedian attributes his comedic career to falling and breaking his ankle.

“I wrote all my material when I was off work for three months. My then-girlfriend – now my wife – cut out an ad that said ‘Bring your best five minutes'," Walker said. "It was for an open mic night at the Long Island Café. That’s where I did my first set and I’ve been hooked ever since."

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Walker left his job as an insurance adjuster as “There’s nothing funny about that business,” he quipped, and never looked back.

Northport resident Eric Haft got his start in comedy three years ago due to Walker. Also a professional musician, Haft was playing at a private event where Walker was appearing.

“I told him comedy is something I always dreamt of doing. He pulled a card out of his pocket and said ‘I teach a class.’ It was like the stars all aligning, ” he said.

Haft has since made a name for himself, appearing at Caroline’s in New York City and Governor’s comedy club in Levittown.

“I love the idea that it’s just you up there,” Haft said. “They either love you or they hate you and you can tell quickly. There’s nothing like hearing the roar of the crowd."

Chris Monty, of Forest Hills, has made a career out of performing standup comedy and acting. He’s written for the Joan Rivers Radio Show and co-wrote the play “Shut Up, Sit Down and Eat.”

Monty said his humor is mostly autobiographical about family, relationships and things that frustrate you. He described himself as a cross between Ray Romano and Rodney Dangerfield.

“It’s really something when you own that crowd and you can take them anywhere you want to take them,” Monty said.

He performs regularly at Governor’s, and has taken the stage at the Riviera and Harrah's in Las Vegas.

Holbrook resident Stevie G.B. has been doing stand-up comedy for 13 years. An accountant by day, he bills himself as the world’s funniest accountant. Stevie has a one-man show titled “Groucho: A life in Review.”

“Comedy is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “I did it on a dare. I went to an open mic night.”

His shows includes a lot of Long Island material, according to Stevie. He jokes about News 12 and his neighbors.

“I’ve been married for 24 years so that’s hilarious,” he said. “I see ridiculous things and make comments about them.”

See all four comedians for free at the Nesconset Gazebo next Tuesday night at 7:30. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good or non-perishable item to donate to Long Island Cares.

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