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Open Arms WNY to host 'Comedy for a Cause'

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Mon, Feb 27th 2017 07:00 am

Comedy fans can enjoy April Fool's Day with a night filled with laughs as Open Arms WNY, a new nonprofit based out of Lockport, hosts its first stand-up comedy night, "Comedy for a Cause." The event will take place from 7-9 p.m. April 1, in the club-like atmosphere of the Kenan Center's Taylor Theatre, 433 Locust St., Lockport.

Comedy for a Cause will be Open Arm WNY's first major fundraising event. Proceeds raised will go toward getting 501(c)(3) status, along with other upcoming events being planned, which will give back to children and adults in the community.

Headlining the show is Lockport's own Nicky Spin. Spin has been doing comedy for a little over four years. She went to the University at Buffalo, where she studied acting and helped establish the school's first improv comedy troupe. Opening for "The Office" star B.J. Novak would be one of her major accomplishments while in college. After falling in love with improv, Spin decided it was time to branch out and try stand-up. She's been doing it ever since.

Spin has also opened for Josh Wolf and Gilbert Gottfried at the Helium Comedy Club in Buffalo, and regularly performs stand-up around the Buffalo area.

Emceeing "Comedy for a Cause" will be Qwizman, also known as Jason Bradley. Raised in Rochester and Western New York, Bradley is considered comedy's new funny guy. He is blazing a trail of work from New York to California and has created his own style of comedy through character-based skits and hosting shows for up-and-coming artists.

The show will also feature other local talent, including Louie Gee and Trayvel Patterson.

"The comedy show is going to be amazing," said Felicia Patterson, Open Arms WNY co-founder. "The people we have performing are not only funny, but hilarious local talent from our community coming out to support us on this new venture."

Open Arms WNY began last October with the mission to inspire, empower and serve individuals and families in Lockport and all of Western New York. The first project will be to open a weekend soup kitchen in Lockport. The building will not only hold a soup kitchen, but also act as a center for both youth and adult services.

"I believe Open Arms WNY is needed in this community, because we are here to help those who are being looked over," said Demetrius Grant, Open Arms WNY co-founder. "The mothers and fathers that are working to support their families but still need that extra support - that's what Open Arms WNY wants to help with."

Patterson added, "Open Arms WNY goals are to build stronger families.

"Stronger families build stronger communities. We aim to do that by encouraging all to come in and be served no matter what age, race, gender or religion. We are here to serve you."

Tickets for "Comedy for a Cause" are $20 presale or $25 at the door. Seating is limited, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The comedy show is open to those 18 and older. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit www.openarmswny.com.

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