Local stand-up Cortney Warner has, since 2017, been hosting some form of her periodic, Nashville comedy showcase Comedy Night, bringing together a talented, eclectic slate of local comedians and, typically, a musical guest, at a variety of spaces around town; often rooms less-known for hosting comedy. More recently, Warner has found something of a permanent home for the event at The Blue Room at Third Man Records, bringing a showcase to the space every few months, and carving an incredibly important niche in the Nashville comedy scene.
Warner herself hails originally from Ohio, moving to Nashville in her early 20s with the intention of pursuing music. After beginning to drift from her musical aspirations, then trying her hand at an open mic and falling in love with stand-up, she shifted focus to comedy, cutting her teeth in Nashville’s indie comedy scene, and eventually striving to create spaces for other performers. She’s since traveled around the south and midwest to perform, and appeared at comedy festivals such as The Savannah Comedy Festival, The Eastside Comedy Festival, and Look Out Comedy Festival, and is also a founding member of “improvised, ‘un-true’ crime podcast troup” Murder She Joked. This is Music City though, and Warner’s start in music has always seemed to inform the way she hosts her shows, bringing in bands and DJs and musical guests, often hosting comedians who, like herself, have musical backgrounds or currently still work in music, and bringing her standup to spaces in town less-known for it, like restaurants and bars such as Babo (where she hosts another ongoing Comedy Night) and Yazoo, independent and DIY venues like Drkmttr, The Mouthhole, Eastside Bowl, and The East Room, and of course more typical comedy clubs like Zanies and Third Coast.
For her latest Comedy Night at The Blue Room, which takes places tonight, Aug. 17, Warner has curated a stellar slate of performers: Brian “B Cov” Covington, MK Gannon, Britt Beer, Sarah Dalton, Mark Anundson, and James Holiday, an eclectic crop of local stand-ups with a diverse array of styles and comedic backgrounds. The musical guest this time will be darkwave DJ duo Night Legs (Olivia Jean & Erica Salazar), and tickets are still available right here! Preview all of the performers below, along with some short bios we’ve borrowed from Cortney’s Instagram.
Comedy Night takes place tonight, Aug. 17 at The Blue Room at Third Man Records. The show is 21+, begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), and tickets are available for $22.
Cortney Warner
Brian “B Cov” Covington
“Bcov is one of the funniest and most consistently great comedians around! You can put him in anywhere on any lineup and he’ll crush any room. Brian’s matter of fact and slice of life comedy about being a father and husband appeal to the masses, but he always finds a way to go slightly left of center, which makes him stand out to audiences and comics alike. His experience and body of work speaks for himself, he’s a class act and beloved by everyone.”
MK Gannon
“MK is hot off recording her first comedy special, Clown Me, at drkmttr, and also was the headlining act for the May Blue Room show! MK is absolutely hilarious all the time, and is a hardworking and kind individual who deserves everything good coming her way. MK’s comedy is silly and fun, but gets to the heart of the situation when it needs to. She has a talent for mining her personal life for comedy, but is still able to protect herself and her privacy, which is a skill that comes with practice and discipline. Her ability to pivot to any situation in any room also is a testament to her talent and hard work. You can put MK up on any stage, any room, and anywhere in the lineup and she’ll do a great job! Her passion for the art of comedy and the respect of hosting and running a room is palpable. Check out MK’s shows at the dive motel and lipstick lounge!”
Britt Beer
“Britt Beer is a Jill of all trades comedian. She is a brilliant standup, sketch, and improv comedian. Her unique brand of standup incorporates a lot of avant guard elements, and at any given show you can see Britt playing the saxophone or doing one of her various sketch/solo show characters mixed in with traditional standup. Britt offers observational comedy weaved in with personal stories, so you feel that you’re getting to know her while also getting to know yourself more. She’s one of the most creative and hilarious comedians out there.”
Sarah Dalton
“Sarah Dalton is one of the funniest comics in Nashville! Her penchant for joke writing is a true gift-Sarah has bulletproof joke structure and it’s clear she’s a very talented writer. Sarah brand of observational comedy is able to show how the most mundane things in life are funny. She is able to point out nuances about humanity that we all know, but when you hear her speak about them you’re like, “oh! Yeah that’s right! Why didn’t I think of that?!””
Mark Anundson
“Mark is one of the funniest comedians in Nashville and he’s most certainty your favorite comic’s favorite comic (to borrow from Chappell Roan). Mark’s stand up is quick witted, light, goofy, and just plain fun. He’s an excellent joke writer and that comes through in everything he does. Mark is able to adapt to any room and any show, and that proves his professionalism and talent. In addition, he’s a brilliant musician, and he’ll be bringing his improvised keyboard show to The Blue Room! If you’ve never seen it, you’re missing out!”
James Holiday
“James Holiday is a multifaceted comedian who is not only a great standup in the traditional sense, he also has a knack for writing comedy songs. James’ off the cuff, stream of consciousness style of comedy offers audiences something new and hilarious every time they see him. Everything seems very effortless for James, but it’s very clear he puts in the work and time to hone his craft. James adds a wonderful variety to any lineup!”
& DJ guest Night Legs (Olivia Jean & Erica Salazar)
“Night Legs are a DarkWave DJ duo that provides a juxtaposition of energetic rap and hip hop combined with spooky rock and techno. Night Legs brings unique mashups that very few, if anyone else, would think to create. You can tell that behind the booth are two very seasoned, talented, and intelligent musicians with years of experience as artists honing their craft. Come out and dance with Night Legs! You might even learn about a new song or two in the process of shaking it!”