This June, some of Cincinnati’s most beloved comedians will gather for a one-night only performance to honor the Queen City’s legendary comedy club d.w. eye.
CINCINNATI, May 17, 2017 – On Friday, June 23, more than a dozen comedians will reunite at the 20th Century Theatre for a special, one-night-only performance honoring d.w. eye, the legendary Cincinnati nightclub that gave so many of them their start in the entertainment industry. Among the scheduled performers are Steve Caminiti and Drew Hastings, both of whom were recently ranked top comedians by Cincinnati Magazine; Chili Challis, longtime writer for the Tonight Show; Rico Bruce Wade, an Improv Director for Second City; Michael Flannery, revered host of multiple Cincinnati television shows; and author/comic Alex Bernstein, whose recent book “Plrknib” – chronicling the first year at d.w. eye – provided a catalyst for the reunion.
“d.w. eye has held a special place in the hearts of comics for decades now,” said Michael Flannery, who also produces the show. “The outpouring of love for this event has been incredible and the reunion is going to be much more than ‘a night at a comedy club.’ Beyond the performances, we’ll have a Q&A session with the comics; a gallery of the early days of the club; plenty of swag, including the comics signing copies of ‘Plrknib’; and a few other surprises. If you’re someone who remembers Cincinnati comedy from the 80’s-90’s, this is going to be a very memorable evening.”
About d.w. eye:
d.w. eye, once a small hole-in-the-wall club located at the corner of Calhoun and West Clifton, opened its doors to comedy in October 1980, as nascent cable television fueled a national comedy boom. The eye quickly became a nerve center for all comedy in Cincinnati, drawing huge crowds, national headliners and spawning multiple competitors like The Sandbar, The Lakewood and Giggles.
“Big clubs kept popping up that were built for comedy,” said Bernstein. “But they never really got the vibe right and comics were eager to get back to the eye, where all of their friends were hanging out and changing the face of comedy.”
The eye closed in the mid-80’s as the comedy boom waned. However, many eye alumni continue to perform stand-up nationally as well as write, produce and perform for theatre, radio, television and film.
About the Reunion:
The d.w. eye Reunion takes place on Friday, June 23rd at 8pm at the 20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Road, in Cincinnati. Additionally, fans can meet the comics at a pre-show book signing for “Plrknib” at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Rookwood Pavilion on Thursday, June 22, at 7p. For additional information, please visit www.dweye.com.
Contact:
Michael Flannery
michaelflannery@mac.com
Alex Bernstein
alexb0917@gmail.com
d.w. eye 