The Red and Black

Issue date: 1/14/08 Section: Variety

BENSON

Media Credit: Courtesy Doug Benson Doug Benson's bucket list, a spoof on a film now out in theaters, is featured on his MySpace page. Benson will perform at The Loft tonight at 10. [Click to enlarge]

The Loft is possibly having the best week ever.

Tonight, the downtown bar features comedian Doug Benson, who was a finalist on NBC's "Last Comic Standing" and a pop culture connoisseur on VH1's "Best Week Ever."

Benson said he looks forward to visiting and performing in Athens - both for the first time.

"I'll have just spent four nights in Alpharetta, so I'll be ready to take it up a notch," he said.

While the comedian may be well-known for his social commentary on "Best Week Ever," he warns that his stand-up is not an extension of it.

"Some people come to my shows and expect I'm just going to talk about Britney Spears or Paris Hilton, but the majority of people don't really care about Britney Spears or Paris Hilton," Benson said. "My stand-up's different, but it's all coming from the same voice and the same personality."

Benson got his start as a comedian on a whim, attempting stand-up at a Los Angeles club on a dare from friends.

"The end of that story is now I'm a famous comedian," he said. "I lucked out in that I was kind of pushed into it. Also, I actually got some laughs. That was very encouraging."

Benson earned his degree at a junior college in San Diego studying journalism and drama, but ultimately felt he was better suited for a career in "showbiz."

"I started to figure out on my own that a degree is nice, and it's certainly something to brag about for the rest of your life, but when it comes to show business, jumping in and actually doing it seems to be the most important thing," he said.


Benson said he looks forward to performing for a college crowd, who he said is most likely to appreciate the subject matter of his stand-up.

"Loft Comedy," created in January 2007 by Athens-based comedian T.J. Young, offers stand-up performances on the last Monday of each month.

Young said he was inspired to start "Loft Comedy" when he noticed scarce outlets for comedians in Athens.

"There wasn't anything really happening around Athens (comedy-wise), so I decided to start my own thing to help build a comedy scene around here. This town is so music-heavy, so I wanted to see something different happening," he said.

On designated Monday nights, the dance floor transforms into a relaxed comedy club with comfortable couches, high-top tables and the elevated section of the dance floor used as a stage.

"I think it's really hard for some people to imagine the transformation," Young said. "It's definitely a lot more low key."

"Loft Comedy" will return to its regular "last Monday" schedule on Jan. 28, hosting Brian McKim and Traci Skene.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools