Greeley is funny. And not in the, “What’s that funny smell?” type of way either.
The city bolsters a rising stand-up comedy scene that soon could rival Denver and Fort Collins. A funny thing for a community that’s usually the punchline of jokes.
In 2021, local businessman and promoter Ely Corliss opened Stella’s Pinball Arcade and Lounge, 802 9th St., which soon hosted a monthly stand-up showcase that bloomed into a weekly Thursday night showcase in October 2022.
“The comedy scene in Greeley, I always felt like there was potential there,” said the host and producer of Stella’s Underground Stand-Up Comedy Showcase, Jared Chandler. “Greeley, I feel like, hasn’t had an opportunity to make a name for itself. We just want to build and cultivate local talent.”
With Greeley growing the way it is, Chandler — a Greeley native and stand-up comedian — felt the comedy scene needed to mirror that growth. And Corliss shared that vision. Both men felt Stella’s was the ideal location to foster stand-up comedy talent because of its intimate setting.
“The space was just built for comedy, too,” Corliss said. “It’s a really amazing environment for comedy. It’s exactly what you want in a comedy show. You want to be tight, compact, bumping elbows, good drinks and good food.”
Chandler, a stand-up comedian for eight years, said creating the ideal climate in a comedy room starts with eliminating all distractions. He and Corliss praised Stella’s staff for their efforts and the work they do during the shows so that food and drinks arrive at tables without a hitch or interruptions. Along with the stellar hospitality, when it’s showtime, the house lights dim down so all that’s illuminated is the performer.
“So, it all collects together for a recipe that makes for a great experience,” Chandler said.
On Thursday night, just a few ticks after 9 p.m., Chandler took his spot on the raised wooden square stage at Stella’s. He welcomed a crowd of more than 20 people. A few ocean-blue lights faintly kissed the crowd as a purple-pink light behind Chandler and a few spotlights fixated on him and the evening’s comedians.
One of Chandler’s jokes explained the “Greeley smell,” which had audiences laughing and ready for an hour of laughter.
“Greeley doesn’t smell like s***,” Chandler said. “LaSalle has been crop dusting Greeley for years.”
After his set, Chandler welcomed Jennifer Sutherland, a Denver-based comedian, who thought the aesthetic of the venue was an upgrade over the last place she performed.
“This place is so cool,” she said. “It’s the opposite of the retirement home gig I had.”
Chase Vialpando, Jake Tupitza and Kelsey Rosen also graced the stage to tell jokes about their lives, not knowing their girlfriend’s race, what they watch on their VR headset and how they use binoculars.
Being a stand-up comedian for nearly a decade, Chandler said being up on the stage is his “favorite thing.” He has worked with or produced shows for various comedians over his career in Denver and Greeley. He lives in Denver, so he makes the commute every Thursday night to Stella’s to host the showcase. Stella’s also hosts an open mic night every last Tuesday of the month.
Hosting the showcase has improved Chandler’s stand-up skills, he said. Every Thursday, he welcomes a “cold” room full of people who may be at their first comedy show. As a host, it’s his job to set the tone and expectations for the evening.
In addition to the responsibilities of being the host, Chandler can work on his routine in front of a new audience each Thursday.
When the showcase began, it was about building the brand, Corliss said, as well as building a quality showcase that’s earned respect from audiences and comedians.
Some early showcases were held at the Moxi Theater, 802 9th St., but it was hard to fill the venue, Chandler said. As Stella’s gains notoriety in the comedy scene, Chandler and Corliss are confident they’ll get renowned comedians to perform at Stella’s or the Moxi sooner rather than later.
Comedian Ben Roy is scheduled to perform at Stella’s in July. Roy has been in comedy since 2004 and helped shape the Denver comedy scene, according to Chandler.
As Chandler and Corliss play their own parts in shaping Greeley’s comedy scene, they hope to get people laughing in Greeley, not at it.
“People underestimate Greeley all the time,” Chandler said. “I feel like there’s so much to offer (here).”
To see the list of upcoming shows and purchase tickets, go to bandwagonpresents.com/venues/stellas-pinball. The Thursday showcase starts at 9 p.m.
