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Porky's Comedy Club
There was nothing funny about businesses having to close for several months due to the coronavirus.
But Porky’s Comedy Club in St. Cloud said it’s time to laugh again.
The club is ready to bring back the funny starting July 3-4 with the comedian William Sloan.
According to his biography, Sloan is a Tampa comic, whose comedy covers a wide range of topics, from personal experiences to what’s happening in the world today. He has appeared in comedy clubs, colleges, casinos and theaters as well as having appeared in comedy festivals throughout the country, most notably, Bridgetown Comedy Festival and South by Southwest. He also toured for 13 years with late legendary comedian John Witherspoon.
“I’m excited and glad to be back, especially at Porky’s performing,” said Sloan. “I think we all could use some comic relief right now.
Eric Godfrey, owner of Porky’s, said he and Sloan started out within two weeks of each other at the Comedy Zone in Charlotte, N.C., and were part of the Comedy Zone All-Stars back in the early 1990’s.
“Sloan is kind of laid back until he hits the punchline!” Godfrey said. “He is a favorite in the Southeast and we are lucky to have him to kick things off for us, especially since the fireworks have all been canceled... people are looking for some entertainment.”
Then, on July 17- 18, Porky’s will have Pat Godwin. Godwin was a regular on the Howard Stern Show, Philadelphia’s Morning Zoo and currently is on the widely syndicated Bob & Tom Show.
Godfrey said he already has booked Porky’s for all of 2020, and there’s a waiting list for 2021.
“We are lucky that we are so popular with the comics that we can bring in the best,” Godfrey said. “Some comics who headline other clubs will only be a feature act for us.”
Porky’s has been a real popular comedy club with all the comedians, Godfrey noted.
“We really take care of our talent. We feed them at no charge to them and the crowds we get are great,” he added. “Comics like good crowds and all of our customers are good laughers.”
Of course, some people might have concerns about social distancing because of COVID-19. Godfrey said Porky’s has that covered
With Porky’s being located inside of Jimmy Bear’s BBQ, keeping the place clean was always a top priority for owner Vinny Barber, according to Godfrey. Since the venue is mainly a restaurant, Barber has followed all of the Centers for Disease Control guidelines that must be met before Jimmy Bear’s could open. The tables have been spread apart, all areas have been cleaned, and which are cleaned after every guest.
“It’s the social distancing thing that we have had to work out for the comedy club,” Godfrey said. “That’s why, for now, we are only selling 70 seats per show. It will give us a good crowd and still be able to keep the social distance suggested.”
What would Godfrey like to say to the local community to get them back to Porky’s?
“The world is going crazy right now. Every time you turn on the news, it’s bad. Porky’s Comedy Club is a break from all of that negativity,” Godfrey said. “There is nowhere else in Osceola County where this type of entertainment is happening. There is no need to drive to Orlando or I-Drive anymore...it’s right in your back yard.”
For tickets or more information, visit https://porkyscomedyclub.com.
