By Sarah Gianelli EBS Contributor
BIG SKY – Steve and Vicky Nordahl, owners of Big Sky’s Lone Peak Brewery, launched a bimonthly comedy night this February in the brewery’s second-floor loft space.
If the success of their first “Laughs at the Loft” event on Feb. 12 is any indication, the Nordahls just might have tapped into a niche that was itching to be filled.
The Nordahls had the foresight to open Big Sky’s first brewery in 2007, and since they acquired the upstairs space in 2013, they’ve hosted a number of musical acts. They were eager, however, to bring a different form of entertainment to the community.
Now replete with 10 taps pouring Lone Peak’s wide spectrum of brews, a full bar, loungey nightclub seating, state of the art sound system and two-tiered stage, the venue is ideal for stand-up comedy.
The couple found David Tribble, a veteran booking agent who represents hundreds of comedians from around the country and secured Lone Peak Brewery a slot on his western tour circuit. The Feb. 12 performance featured comedians Charlie Stone from Chicago and Alaskan Ryan Wingfield.
“Thankfully we sold out the event and it went flawlessly,” Steve said in late February. “The comedians were both so good. They were professional, funny … and their timing and delivery were spot on. It actually made me nervous to do it again because it went so well.”
The response from the audience was enthusiastic and the Nordahls found it rewarding to provide a forum for the best medicine – laughter and, many might argue, beer.
Phil Fluke, a Big Sky resident for nearly a decade, attended the “Laughs at the Loft” premiere.
“I just enjoyed the heck out of it,” Fluke said. “It reminded me of my days going to all the big New York City comedy clubs. The talent I saw on Lone Peak’s first comedy night was incredible – very funny guys who weren’t amateurs. They were definitely pros.”
Fluke added that he thinks the venue is set up well – it’s intimate and there was good crowd interaction with the comics.
“[It’s] everything you hope for from a comedy show,” he said. “So long as I’m in town, I won’t miss a comedy night at Lone Peak.”
Headlining a two-night booking on March 17 and 18 is Portland, Ore. stand-up comic and musician, D.C. Malone. Expect a mishmash of animated spoof songs and story-form bits on the trials and tribulations of marriage, the foibles of single life, the fumbles of childhood, and other universal life experiences.
Malone performs for a 21 year old and over crowd with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and an opener at 8 p.m. still to be determined. Visit dcmalone.net for a preview of Malone’s shtick.
Tickets are available at Lone Peak Brewery & Taphouse and The Cave Spirit and Gifts.
