Loonie Bin amateur comedy returns to Okotoks' Hub Town Brewing Saturday night

Ten amateur comedians will compete for the crowd's favour at the Loonie Bin Amateur Comedy Night, returning Saturday, August 15, at Hub Town Brewing in Okotoks.

The monthly event, launched by industrial electrician Jeff Boynton and Hub Town co-founder Lisa Watts, gives local stand-up performers a regular stage and a chance to earn tips. Boynton said the idea came together after he spoke at a wedding and discovered he had a knack for making people laugh. "I started, you know writing a speech, just saying something, because those linen napkins are really tough to write on, and yeah, I rocked the house with about 200 people," he said. "And yeah, I was kinda hooked from there, eh?"

After trying open mics in Calgary, Boynton approached his friend Watts with the concept for a hometown comedy night. Craig Bassett, a fellow comedian and Boynton's coworker, helped formalize registration and logistics. Together, Boynton, Bassett, and comedian Dex Dunford have hosted the event every couple of months for more than a year.

Each performer brings their own tip jar, and comedians take home their earnings—mostly cash, though Boynton noted the occasional candy makes it into the jar. Doors open at 6 p.m. Seating is first come, first served with a maximum capacity of 80. There is no charge for admission, though the event is restricted to ages 18 and up.