Calling All the Funny People

Seven years ago, Jon Arnett looked around for a place to see comedy in Marin and came up short.

So he started his own open mic night at Novato’s Rolling Hills Club. The events soon became known as the Marin Comedy Show and as word spread, more comedians started making appearances.

The shows eventually migrated to Las Guitarras and Ghiringhelli before finding a permanent home at Trek Winery earlier this year where comedians entertain crowds on a small stage surrounded by barrels of wine.

Arnett, 47, says he simply wanted to give Marin residents a place for comedy without having to drive to San Francisco. He’s an amateur comedian himself, but mostly it’s about having a good time.

“I do it because I love stand up comedy and want to bring it to other people,” he said. “Novato especially needs some fun things going on.”

Arnett personally screens every performer to make sure they pass his “funny” test. Some recent performers have included Carlos Alazraqui, best known for appearances on Comedy Central’s Reno 911, and Larry “Bubbles” Brown, a San Francisco comedian who often opens for Dana Carvey and Dave Attell.

Marin County is known for many things--cycling, the great outdoors, the foodie culture. Comedy is not one of them. Still plenty of comedians live in the area or at least close enough to make the trek up to Novato, and Arnett wants to create a community for them.

His efforts are paying off and as word gets out about the gatherings, bigger fish are coming to feed. Last October, Robin Williams paid a surprise visit and performed a set. People who know Arnett, say what makes the shows work is his easy personality. It also doesn't hurt that he has the chutzpah to pick up the phone and dial a celebrity to ask if they’d like to do a show in Novato.

“In comedy, there’s a lot of nightmarish people and Jon is really easy to work for,” said Larry Brown, who has known Arnett for seven years and regularly performs with the Marin Comedy Show. “He’s good at what he does and is honest.”

Arnett is now preparing for the next show scheduled for January 25, featuring headliner Dave Burleigh. Burleigh has appeared on various TV shows and is a veteran of the casino circuit, but recently known for being on America’s Got Talent. Besides jokes, he’s a master impressionist who often pokes fun of celebrities. Tickets for that show are $20.

And amateur comedians take note. If you’re funny and looking to make a comedic debut, Arnett wants to hear from you. After all, the next Robin Williams or Dana Carvey may be living in our very own backyard.

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