Newfound humor: Detroit comedian bringing L.O.L. Comedy Group to Collingwood Arts Center June 18
Written by Mighty Wyte (Matt Feher) | | mw@toledofreepress.comWe have all met people in our lives that should be comedians. Whether it’s your co-worker or a cousin, we have all undoubtedly run into a natural jokester. Detroit’s Glenn Kynard Jr. is certainly one of the funniest “regular guys” you’ll meet.
“Believe it or not, I started doing stand-up in July of 2010,” Kynard said in a recent interview. “People were always telling me I should do stand-up, and I finally did it.”
For many, the road to stardom in comedy is paved with years of open mic events and scavenging for time in front of an audience. However, Kynard’s style and material were well-received from the beginning.
“I’ve always had the gift, but I needed an outlet,” Kynard said. “Stand-up is fun, but it’s also an outlet for my frustrations. As a comedian, I see what I do as an art. I’m able to relate to people in the most elemental way. I take experiences we all share and twist them so we can see the humor.”
As a result of his early success, Kynard was able to connect with other local and regional talent to develop something of a comedic bomb squad.
“In December of 2010, I came to a couple of comics with the idea that if we pool our resources we could set up our own shows,” Kynard said. “This idea spawned the L.O.L. Comedy Group.”
The L.O.L. Comedy Group holds a 12-comedian roster with talent from Detroit, Columbus and, of course, Toledo.
“We’ll have five or six comedians at every show, depending on who is available for each event, so you’ll always get a good mix of comedic styles from show to show,” Kynard said.
The group’s first show was at the Hill Street Blues Café and was sold out with standing-room only, Kynard said.
“Since then, we’ve continued to expand and have done shows in Michigan, here in Toledo and most recently at the Collingwood Arts Center,” Kynard said. “Our goal is to put on a show every month here in Toledo.”
Kynard said performing stand-up is the best feeling in the world.
“You have the power to affect what people think,” Kynard said. “People may have certain expectations when they first see you, but the words you leave them with can change their thought process on things. That’s very powerful.”
L.O.L.’s next scheduled show is June 18 at the Collingwood Arts Center at 2413 Collingwood Blvd. Seating for the show begins at 7:30 p.m. with showtime at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 online from CACToledo.org or $15 at the door.
Tags: Collingwood Arts Center, Comedy, Glenn Kynard Jr., L.O.L. Comedy Group, Star
