When I started doing stand-up at the late, lamented Thoroughgood Inn in Virginia Beach, there was a self-possessed talent with raw charisma relentlessly honing the same five-minute routine week after week, as we were encouraged to there.

Regi.

This was Regi Elliott, and he was one of the first guys to give me a gig outside of that night. He was doing his own show at Relative Theory Records, which is where I met those guys (now the local champions running the Boot), something that had a profound impact on the following years in this wacky/traumatic life of mine. Doing Regi’s independent shows was an awakening, and when circumstance threw a weekly open mic at Bayside Inn into my lap, Regi was a tireless performer and supporter.

Seeing him blossom beyond those repeated, hilarious five minutes at Thoroughgood has been one of the more profound live artistic experiences I’ve had in my life as a spectator. I abuse hyperbole like “genius” and “funny” way too much as we all do about our friends. Regi is the cat I tend to mean it about. The man is amazing, a singular wit in complete control as a performer while still vulnerable and present. See for yourself (warning, it’s a little saucy):

It is a great honor that he will be doing the closing set at “Humor in Hell’s Kitchen,” the explosiaganza of mirth I’ve planned for the opening night of Art | Everywhere.

It is appropriate, as Regi fully embodies more than anybody in the area stand-up comedy as a live artform. Sorry this was not funny, but my admiration for Regi Elliott lives beyond quips. Don’t worry, he will be funny, and I will attempt a few jokes of my own, and we’re stuffing the show full of some Tim Loulies, Kim Durfee, Kevin Berard, and Brendan Kennedy to provide road tested chuckles.

There will also be a special unannounced set by local favorite/prodigal son Jason Kypros, who is impossible not to like no matter how nefarious he may be. This will be the most fun thing going on Granby between 8 and 9:30 outside of aLatte, and best of all it is free.