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Comedy Clubs in Rhode Island

While the country's smallest state boasts a small number of comedy clubs, they also attract some well-known national comedians. Three of the clubs are on the Rhode Island mainland, all in or within easy driving distance of the capital, Providence. A fourth is in the city of Newport on Aquidneck Island, accessible to the many mariners and summer tourists who come to the sailing city every year.

  1. Comedy Connection

    • Rhode Island's best known and highest drawing comedy club is the Comedy Connection Rhode Island. Located in East Providence, just across the Harbor from Providence, the Connection regularly draws some of the largest names in American comedy. In addition to headlining performers like Damon Wayans and Dom Irrera, the Connection also serves as a more general club for nights when comedians aren't in session. Comedy classes, Wednesday karaoke nights, and Sunday comedy "showcase" nights (a standup venue made available to selected active and promising comics) aim to keep audiences engaged in between notable performances. The food is standard "pub grub" like chicken strips, nachos and poppers, in addition to the bar. Tickets can be purchased online.

      Comedy Connection Rhode Island
      39 Warren Ave.
      East Providence, RI 02914
      (401) 438-8383
      ricomedyconnection.com

    Catch a Rising Star

    • Based in New York, the original Catch a Rising Star club helped launch the careers of performers who later became household names like Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Chris Rock. Now the iconic Catch has established several clubs across the nation, including in Lincoln, R.I., just north of Providence. True to its name, Catch still aims to find, cultivate and launch promising comedians around the U.S., and its Lincoln club is naturally focused on New England. While many of the performers at Catch might not fill a stadium, performers have often been featured at other national venues, including network TV and Comedy Central. Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster. Prices vary based on performer and night; expect $10 to $25.

      Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club At Twin River
      100 Twin River Road
      Lincoln, RI 02865
      (401) 475-8415
      catcharisingstar.com

    Coconuts Comedy Club

    • Coconuts is located inside The Newport Hotel, next to the ocean on America's Cup Avenue in Newport, RI. The club's shows are intermittent, and the best way to get information about performers and schedules is to speak with the hotel desk.

      Coconuts Comedy Club
      9 Americas Cup Ave.
      Newport, RI 02840
      (401) 847-9000

    Part II Lounge

    • Formerly known as The Coda Lounge, the Part II is a bar and grille that also doubles as a comedy club and improv on select nights. The Part II Lounge also features regular live music, pool tables and karaoke. Call ahead to find out which nights in a given week or month are planned for comedy.

      Part II Lounge
      678 Killingly St.
      Johnston, RI 02919
      (401) 331-5291
      myspace.com/partiilounge

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