Comedy show grows in Oakland bookstore

On Saturday, Bergeron’s Books in Oakland will host its monthly stand up comedy night, “The Book Was Better” Comedy Show.

Every month for the past six months, comics from around the Bay Area are booked to perform at the 15th Street bookstore.

“So, originally [co-owner] Matt Laurel and I had an idea about having a small independent bookstore that would be a sort of community space after hours,” said Rick Killeen, co-owner of Bergeron’s Books. “That idea quickly grew and we started hosting events here including art shows etc.”

With many comedy shows being held mostly San Francisco, Bergeron’s wanted to bring some of the comedy across to the East Bay.

“We really wanted to see legit comedy shows here in Oakland,” said Killeen, “So we decided that it was worth a try and we hooked up with Adrian McNair, a local talented comedian to put together a monthly show.”

Though most comedians do not have national recognition, comedians such as Butch Escobar, who is headlining Saturday’s event, is known around the Bay Area for performing at clubs up and down the West Coast.

Escobar’s has also been in commercials and TV show appearances. The San Jose native has been seen in shows such as “I Almost Got Away With It,” and ABC’s “Trauma.”

While Cobb’s and Punchline in San Francisco, Improv in San Jose, and Tommy T’s in Pleasanton host bigger, more frequent comedy shows, Bergeron’s Books has been holding monthly local shows.

Other comedians in the area that will be featured at Saturday’s show are Pedro Salinas, Johan Miranda, Jonathan Rockwell, and Lydia Popovich. Adrian McNair will host the event.

As for the reception to the shows, the Oakland community has been supportive of the store’s new monthly endeavor.

“The turnout varies but we have never had an issue with filling the majority of seats,” said Killeen. “The response to the shows have been really positive and we are looking forward to future shows.”

In addition to these comedy shows, the bookstore hosts other events for the artistic crowd.

“We have four art shows lined up for this year to this point,” said Killeen. “A basketball themed art show on first Friday in March, Alice In Wonderland themed show in April, Shepherd Fairy [theme] in May and HP Lovecraft in October.”

We also have gaming nights twice a week, added Killeen. “Including Magic: The Gathering tournaments and chess and board games.”
Tickets for Feb. 21‘s “The Book Was Better Comedy Show” are available now at Bergeron’s Books for $10.