A stand-up comedy movement is taking over historic downtown Evansville. It began one night at Haynie's Corner, inside Bokeh Lounge.
Owner Mike Millard was looking for someone to host the bar’s open mic night. He asked regular patron, Rachael Goldman, if she would do the honors.
At first, Goldman refused. She’s already working a few jobs -- president of the board of the Alhambra Theater and a fifth-generation pawn broker, among other civic projects and organizations.
Then Millard offered to buy her a drink.
“One or two Bokeh Breezes and I was in,” Goldman said.
In true Rachael Goldman form, she went full force.
She started a buzz on social media with a group called “Stand Up Evv” to bring local talent -- and those who could use a laugh – together.
“I was recently reminded, that 'oh gosh, we are known as one of the most miserable places to live,'" Goldman said. "But here are these people who are out having fun and making people laugh. Why hide that away, why not turn that Evansville frown upside down, and embrace this great movement we have going on?"
Rachael says she’ll try her hand at comedy, too.
Stand Up Evv meets tonight (the last Thursday of every month) at 8:30 at Bokeh Lounge.
