By David DeRocco

Laughter is always the best medicine. Comedian Tom Holman invites you to take a healthy dose of it in support of autism.

January 27^th  in downtown St. Catharines,  Showtime Comedy Club and Entertainment plays host to Stand Up For Autism, an annual fundraiser Holman has put together for a cause that hits close to home.  

“I have two siblings with autism spectrum disorder,” explained Holman, who’ll be hosting the talent-packed bill. “I started doing stand up in college, and I’ve been doing the show for a couple years now as a way to kind of help out however I can and give back to the community.”

Stand Up For Autism features four diverse and incredibly funny stand-up comics who Holman says make for a great comedy bill.

“The headliners are Jeff Leeson and Simon B Cotter,” said Holman. “Jeff is really great and honestly one of my favourite comics to watch. He’s so quick and witty, and most of his show is completely off the cuff. He’s always talking to the audience, and every show in unique. Simon’s act is kind of the opposite of Jeff’s. He’s an award winning comedian who’s been doing it for 20 years. Where Jeff is loose and in the moment, Simon’s act is well-rehearsed and precise. Every joke is delivered with the intention of getting you to fall out of your chair.”

Rounding out the bill are Oren Williamson and Melanie Dahling. Niagara residents may remember Williamson as the morning host of local radio station TodayFM. Dahling is a Winnipeg-born Toronto-based comic who’s appearances include the Winnipeg Comedy Festival.

While the show is being put together for a good cause, it’s just another sign of the growing demand for comedy in the Niagara area according to Holman.

“The scene’s really blowing up,” said Holman, who lists comics John Melaney and Kyle Kinane as two of his current favourites. “I went to college in the area. Back then we had maybe three  bars where we did weekly open mics, a small group of the same people. Through guys like David Green and other local comics, they’ grown the scene to the point where a comedy club is a staple of the downtown area. Other bars are hosting more comedy nights. It’s a really great scene now.”

Tickets for Stand Up For Autism are $20 advance, $25 at the door. They can be purchased on-line via EventBright, at Showtime or through Autism Ontario’s Niagara Chapter.  

Tickets at showtime and through autism ontario’s Niagara chapter. At showtime. On-line eventbright.

I think it depends on the person. I know people who always carry a notebook with them at all times and constanly writing. If I come up with an idea I jot it down in my phone. Set it down net weekend and try to fill it out. No right way to do it. However your brain processes the information.