Riot Art Comedy Club: Funny and Fly

| Print Post This | Like (0) | Comments (0)

A FREQUENT AND FAVORITE STOP for local jazz-lovers, 14th Street NW's HR-57 now welcomes patrons who prefer their emotions sway to the lighter side of things.

Thanks to a partnership between HR-57 owner Tony Puesan and Riot Act Entertainment's founder John Xereas, the newly remodeled lower level of the establishment opens Thursday as Riot Act Comedy Club.

This may seem an unlikely marriage infected by a bad case of opposites attracting, but Xereas believes that "jazz and comedy are alike in the freedoms they provide a performer" and in that they are "two of [his] all-time loves." He also would like to provide a more intimate setting for his shows than the larger Improv — where he's still part owner.

Headlining the kick-off festivities is Christopher "Kid" Reid (pictured here) — remembered as the high-top-fade-sporting member of '80s rap duo Kid 'N' Play or from any of the first three "House Party" movies in which the two starred.

Reid began doing stand-up in 2000 at the urging of friends Bill Maher and Tommy Davidson. He's now headlining shows all over the country, and has more than gained the respect of his comedian peers.

When asked what subjects he might poke fun at this weekend, Reid replied, "I've got a crazy family. My kids are driving me crazy. I've got relationship problems. I may toss in a little humorous spoken word piece. Or I can always throw in some impersonations. I do a Clinton that's really stood the test of time. He's always good for a laugh."

» HR-57, 1610 14th St. NW; Thu., 7 p.m., $17-$20; 202-667-3700. (Dupont Circle)