Birmingham Comedy Night Aids Strong Kids

Have fun, laugh and help the Strong Kids Campaign of the Birmingham YMCA at their third annual Comedy Slam to benefit scholarships for kids and families in need.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh? And when that comes attached to a chance to help a good cause, so much the better. That’s what the Birmingham Family YMCA is doing Friday with their third annual Comedy Slam.

Tony Pecoraro, director of the Birmingham branch, says the idea started when he came to the branch two years ago. His brother-in-law, Joe Nipote, is a successful actor and comic in Los Angeles, and Tony asked him to gather some of his friends and colleagues for a show here to benefit the Birmingham Y.

The first one was so successful, raising more than $30,000 for the Strong Kids Campaign, that it’s become an annual can’t-miss comedy event.

Besides Joe Nipote, stand-up comics Rocky LaPorte, Don Friesen, Mike Green and Jason Carr (from FOX 2 News) will perform.

The evening kicks off at the Southfield Westin Hotel with a 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by music from the Dan Rafferty Band at 7 and the show at 7:30. Tickets are $50, or $75 for a VIP ticket which includes reserved seating and an afterglow meet-and-greet with the comedians.

For tickets, call the Birmingham Y at 248-644-9036 or stop by the branch at 400 Lincoln St. in Birmingham.