Local comedy hub Little Mountain Gallery announces fundraising shows to help improve performance space

Since Hot Art Wet City closed its doors in March, one of the last dens for experimental comedy in the city (that isn’t in a restaurant or a café) is at Riley Park's Little Mountain Gallery (195 East 26th Avenue).

Of course, you can still get your dose of straight-up standup at the Comedy Mix (1015 Burrard Street) or Yuk Yuk’s (2837 Cambie Street), and classic improv at the Improv Centre on Granville Island (1502 Duranleau Street). But if you're looking for independent comedy that gets a little weird at times, LMG is your spot.

The venue's operators are comedians and artists themselves, so they understand what needs to happen to make a comedy show work. They let comedians and improvisers do their thing and experiment onstage, which creates great, one-of-a-kind shows. But there are some things that LMG needs in order to make the space even better. To do so, they need your help, since the whole operation—a not-for-profit—doesn’t make any money. This room doesn't exist without community support.

LMG operator Brent Constantine has set out to make improvements in the space and has organized two special fundraising shows on June 24, where ticket sales and onsite donations will go toward renovations. A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe has also been launched for those who are unable to make it to the shows.

Local comedian, podcast host, and artist Graham Clark has also listed one of his famous beard paintings on eBay with the money going towards the LMG fundraiser.

Constantine hopes to raise at least $5,000 for the upgrades. Anything extra will go to any other improvements that come up.

Improvements that LMG will be focusing on include proper ventilation (thank God), stage redevelopment, improving electrical and plumbing systems, general clean up and painting, retooling of the Raccoon Room (a shared shed structure that once housed a raccoon), and liquor licensing.

The majority of the work will be done by volunteers. Any amount small or large will help keep this dank little comedy oasis alive and well.

The Little Mountain Comedy Department Fun(d)raiser takes place on June 24 at Little Mountain Gallery for two shows at 8 p.m and 10 p.m. The lineup will soon be released.