Key Highlights
- Innovative comedy show in Columbiana features disabled comedians.
- Event serves as a fundraiser for Disability Rights Ohio.
- Comedians promise a no-holds-barred approach to their performances.
- The event aims to become an annual highlight, blending humor with advocacy.
(livesinsight.com) – In the charming city of Columbiana, Ohio, a unique comedy show titled ‘Don’t Call It Standup’ is setting the stage not just for laughs but for a powerful message of inclusivity and resilience. Organized by Matt O’Nesti, a comedian and advocate for disability rights, this event showcases talents who refuse to let their physical limitations define their comedic prowess. With a lineup of sharp-witted comedians who are as unapologetic about their humor as they are about their disabilities, the show also doubles as a fundraiser for Disability Rights Ohio, aiming to support and empower the disabled community. This comedic venture not only entertains but challenges societal perceptions, making it a must-attend event in the region.
Empowering Voices on Stage: The Comedians and Their Craft
In the heart of Columbiana, at the Riser Tavern on The Links, ‘Don’t Call It Standup’ is more than just a comedy show; it’s a platform for voices often unheard. Spearheaded by Matt O’Nesti, who has been a comedian for over a decade, the event features a lineup of talented comedians, including Harrison Poole, Chevy Terril, and GW Neil, who besides being comedians, are advocates in their own right. Neil, notably, is a mother of children with disabilities and brings a unique perspective to the stage.
The event, staged in conjunction with Dave Robich of Funny Farm Comedy Club, promises an evening where the gloves come off. The comedians, all hailing from the Youngstown area, are not only set to entertain but also to confront and redefine the boundaries of what stand-up comedy can represent. Each performer will deliver a 15 to 20-minute set, ensuring a night filled with diverse styles and unfiltered narratives.
More Than Laughter: A Fundraiser for Disability Rights
While the primary allure of ‘Don’t Call It Standup’ is its bold, uncensored humor, the event serves a dual purpose as a fundraiser for Disability Rights Ohio. This organization plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and dignity of disabled individuals across the state. By attending the show, patrons not only guarantee themselves a night of quality entertainment but also contribute to a noble cause. The funds raised will aid in furthering the education and advocacy efforts of the organization, which is committed to fostering an inclusive society where every individual is respected and valued.
Tickets for the event are available for $30, and it is recommended for an audience aged 21 and above. As the comedians take the stage, the audience is not just watching a comedy show but participating in a movement that champions equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.
A Vision for the Future: Annual Celebrations and Lasting Impacts
Matt O’Nesti envisions ‘Don’t Call It Standup’ as more than a one-time event. With hopes of making it an annual occurrence, O’Nesti aims to create a lasting tradition that continuously highlights the talents and voices of disabled comedians. The show’s success could pave the way for similar events nationwide, encouraging more open discussions about disability and inclusivity in the arts.
The impact of such an event extends beyond the immediate laughter it provokes; it serves as a catalyst for change, challenging audiences to rethink their perceptions of disability and comedy. By blending humor with advocacy, ‘Don’t Call It Standup’ sets a precedent for how entertainment can be a powerful tool for social change.