People will be rolling in the aisles this Saturday (Nov. 8) if the organizers of Cedar Valley Waldorf School’s annual fundraising Comedy Night and Gala Auction have their way.
Headliner Charlie Demers, of CBC Radio One’s The Debaters, a self-described “shrill leftist, creative-writing teacher, and irritatingly smitten new father,” brings his special brand of comedic intellect to Squamish to support the Waldorf school in what is expected to be its biggest fundraiser of the year.
To top it off, Vancouver Theatre Sports’ Scott Patey and Brian Fredericks will perform their highly successful Rock, Paper, Corduroy show at the comedy night as well, getting the audience primed to bust a gut before Demers takes the stage.
It’s the second year in a row the event takes place at the Ledge Café, 38055 Cleveland Ave., and that the school has brought in comedians to headline the night.
“Last year we had Ivan Decker and Kelly Dyer – who was just signed to Yuk Yuks – and it was such a success that we knew we had to do it again. It was hard to find an act that could measure up to Ivan, but with the help of CBC’s Al Rae – who is also the programmer for the Winnipeg Comedy Festival – we were able to get Charlie Demers. It was a bit of a coup,” said Kirsten Andrews, the school’s marketing and enrolment co-ordinator.
Demers is considered one of Canada’s best stand up comedians. He’s performed at Just for Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Comedy Now. He’s a regular on CBC’s The Debaters and This Is That, and a favourite guest on Stop Podcasting Yourself.
“Charlie has been doing some fantastic things as of late. In addition to playing clubs and festivals across the country he’s authored a couple of books, The Prescription Errors and Vancouver Special, which was a finalist for the BC Bookprize for non-fiction,” said Andrews. “CBC Radio has dubbed him ‘truly one of the smartest comics out there.’”
In 2005, Demers was the judges’ choice for Vancouver’s funniest new comic and since then he has been featured on national radio, in print, as well as in festivals and live venues across Canada and the Pacific Northwest and with Paul Bae as the sketch duo Bucket, an act the late Robin Williams called “the future of comedy.”
The school’s organizing committee has been hard at work gathering some great items for the live and silent auction.
“There’s definitely something for pretty much everyone. A lot of people really enjoy getting a chunk of their holiday shopping covered on this night as well – we’ve got adventure sports like backcountry cat skiing with Backcountry Snowcats, getaways, gourmet dinners, handmade jewelry and crafts, and more,” she said.
Tickets are $25 and include a complimentary drink and appetizers. They are available online via Eventbrite, at Billies Flower House and at the school.
