Who Owns Austin's NEWEST Comedy Club?

Posted: Mar 29th, 2023

Austin, Texas is currently experiencing a comedy renaissance, with the live comedy scene taking center stage. Joe Rogan's newly opened comedy club, The Comedy Mothership, has been drawing attention from fans and comics alike, thanks to its top-notch talent and game-changing business model. However, it appears the comedy scene in Austin is set to grow even more with the opening of another comedy club, Sunset Strip Comedy Club, owned by Brian Redban.

Redban, a close friend of Rogan, moved to Austin with him back in 2020 and has now decided to open his own club. While there may be some friendly competition between The Comedy Mothership and Sunset Strip, it's evident that the comics are supportive of each other's endeavors. Comedian Andrew Schulz highlights the unique situation Austin is experiencing, with multiple comedy clubs within walking distance from each other. This has only been seen in New York, making Austin a new heavy hitter in the live comedy scene.

The Comedy Mothership has been changing the game in terms of compensation for comedians and workers, with Rogan reportedly paying unheard-of sums of money. Schulz shares that Rogan isn't concerned about making a profit, focusing on creating a supportive environment for comics and spreading the love within the community. While this model may make it difficult for other clubs that are hoping to make a profit succeed, Rogan has stated that he plans on supporting other clubs by performing there himself.

The Broadway Version of Live Stand-Up Comedy

The growth of Austin's comedy scene could lead to more big-name comedians opening their own clubs, similar to how country singers own bars in Nashville. The motivation, money, and resources available to these comedians might just turn 6th Street in Austin into a comedy version of Broadway. Austin's comedy renaissance is just getting started, and as more clubs open and events like the comedy tournament take place, the city is quickly becoming a go-to destination for live comedy enthusiasts. The unique combination of talented comedians, supportive venues, and engaging events is making Austin a true comedy hotspot in the United States.

March Madness of Comedy Podcasts

In addition to the flourishing stand-up comedy scene, there's an exciting event for comedy fans: a March Madness-style comedy tournament. Partnering with WatchComedy.Live, the interactive bracket will feature 16 clips from 16 popular comedians. Starting on Thursday, March 30th, fans can click a link, watch the clips, and vote for their favorites. The tournament is free and aims to bring comedy fans together while enjoying some of the best moments from comedy podcasts from 2023 so far.

Rolling Credits: Who appeared on comedy podcasts this week?

Some of the clips used in this video are from these comedy podcasts:

New(-ish) stand-up comedy specials out recently include:

  • The Attractives by Mike Vecchione on YouTube

  • Dog Belly by Big Jay Oakerson on YouTube is scheduled for release on April 5, 2023

  • Lefty's Son by Ryan Sickler on YouTube is scheduled for release on April 5, 2023

  • Baby J by John Mulaney on Netflix is scheduled for release on April 25, 2023