‘Foot the Bill’ Offers Fairfield’s Circle Lodge Comedy Club Covid Reduction

There’s a perception that good comedy can only be found in New York Metropolis. People glowing marquees and big audiences of the Radio City Tunes Hall, strains wrapped close to the block and a buzz in the air. But, incredibly, that darkish bar, glowing phase and mind-boggling laughs can be found just on Post Road. 

You could possibly overlook it when driving by, generating unlimited loops about that oxbow island where by Donut Inn, McDonald’s and Señor Salsa sits. But, it’s ideal there, concealed away in the lobby of the Circle Lodge. 

Just exactly where it is been given that 2017 when proprietor Joe Gerics moved to Connecticut.

Gerics is a stand-up comedian, and nevertheless he was included in the New York Town comedy scene, when he moved to Stamford he was not able to obtain anyplace locally to execute. Fortunately, a extended-time buddy of his, Ed Gormbley, made available the foyer of the hotel to Gerics. 

For some strange explanation, Gerics states, it became a perfect spot for comedy, “The crowds have usually been incredible, the converted lobby and folding chairs gave us an underdog vibe, but the comics we brought in ended up leading-notch and we’ve been rocking it ever given that,” remarked Gerics.

Given that then, the comedy club has come to be an integral element of the community. They normally function with educational facilities, nonprofits and other modest organizations in the location, donating tickets for performances. 

“People seriously appear to be to love our demonstrates and worth our existence there and it really usually means a great deal to see that in motion,” Gerics states, “Especially above the past 12 months when men and women ended up in dire need to have of an outlet.” 

But, as with almost everything, the club was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. For a location that brings in up to 150 comics each and every calendar year, the shutdown final 12 months was devastating. 

All typical shows have been canceled and though quite a few have been vaccinated and the earth seems to slowly be opening up, the comedy club is nevertheless not entirely operational. The club and the lots of comedians are even now unable to accomplish and thus stay in a dire money strait. 

Luckily for them, Vans, which is a shoe manufacturing business, commenced the “Foot the Bill” initiative to support small companies across the region fundraise during the pandemic and enable offset any damages shut-downs have induced. They make it possible for each and every collaborating compact company to layout a shoe and t-shirt which is then supplied for sale on their site. 

With the enable of internationally acclaimed artist, Person Stanley Philoche, the Fairfield Comedy Club is launching its personal restricted version shoe style. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken so much from us, so when [Gerics] arrived at out and questioned me to husband or wife with him to produce a shoe design for Vans that would aid local comedians who have shed their work opportunities, I pulled out my paintbrush and went to work” Philoche stated. “Artists supporting artists has constantly been my mantra, and as an artist who struggled to get to where by I am, I recognize the price of giving back to my neighborhood. It is an honor to be a portion of this initiative.”

Gerics went on to say, “Vans has normally been one particular of my preferred footwear models and when I uncovered out about their “Foot the Bill” initiative, I understood Fairfield Comedy Club experienced to be a element of it.”

If you want to assist you have to act speedy. Only up to 1,000 pairs of sneakers will be made, with 100% of the proceeds likely to comedians in require. A acquire will give comedians some of the earnings that they lost due to the pandemic and the absence of get the job done for the previous yr. But, Gerics reiterates that it will also, “Bring awareness to an business that has struggled to remain afloat and an art kind that lots of of us miss terribly.”

Philoche proceeds by pushing the worth of everyone not just focusing on them, but on each smaller enterprise in the Fairfield faith, “especially throughout a time like this exactly where many are having difficulties. “

He continues to say, “It’s as uncomplicated as heading to your town’s community farmer’s current market or getting a piece of jewelry from your community boutique. You never know who may well be struggling and how vital that a single buy may possibly be.” 

The footwear can be obtained at https://www.vans.com/footthebill though provides very last.