Branson Comedy Collective, House of Hope and Branson Song of Hope had a big night on October 29 at Wranglers Honky Tonk in Branson.
“Hopeful Hilarity: A Stand-Up Comedy Show,” kicked off their movement to bring more stand-up comedy to the Branson area through Branson Comedy Collective. It's a mission to make Branson a top spot for comedy lovers. This event was to raise money to have the proceeds to benefit the House of Hope warming center, to help those in need this winter. "We raised $930 and had an additional amount of $1,500 ($300 of which went to advertising the event). My goal was to raise $2,000 - $3,000, so about $2,200 total going to this cause is not too bad. I would like to reach out and tell everyone 'Thank You' for coming out and supporting us!” said Marshall Howden.
It was a special night also because they awarded a Branson Comedy Collective Lifetime Achievement Award to Tim Mabe (Droopy Drawers Jr.) This award was presented by his old comedic partner and pal, Jerl Adams (Hargus Marcel). Tim and Jerl are the first winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award, but will certainly not be the last!
Comedians who entertained us through the show were Joey I.L.O from Branson and Corbin LeMaster of Austin, TX, formerly of Branson, MO; along with Chrissy Iles; Preston Sly; and Kyle Fleming.
I was able to ask a few questions and here are the responses:
To the comedians:
1. Where are you from and how long have you been in the area?
2. What influenced you into doing stand-up comedy?
3. Where or who is a dream place and/or person that you would like to do a performance with?
4. What has been the most comical or fun thing that has happened to you?
5. What do you look forward to the most in doing a performance?
Corbin LeMaster’s response:
1. I grew up in Branson, MO, but live in Austin, TX, now for comedy work.
2. I would say the realization of having to actually attempt a dream for it to become a reality and having true self-belief that a person can accomplish anything they want to do, as long as you set your mind and heart to it. And, the free cocktails aren't so bad either when you're a comedian!
3. I would like to do Madison Square Garden. I've done half of the famous comedy clubs, but to do MSG would be an amazing experience, for sure! The "Greats" in entertainment and sports have performed in that arena, so that's where my sights are!
4. One time I took a nap at Bill Cosby's house. I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. I ended up leaving with the worst headache ever!
5. Making people laugh and being their source of entertainment for a bit of time. Life is so hard right now and being the reason people are able to smile and let loose really makes all the traveling and hard times so worth it.
Joey I.L.O.’s response:
1. I am from the Racine, WI, area, and have been in Branson, MO, area since 2012.
2. When I was in college, I tried a "Stand-Up" open mic night in 1999. And I loved it; I have been doing it since!
3. I would love to do Madison Square Garden with Jim Gaffigan or Brian Regan, that would be really nice!
4. While on stage performing, I tripped over a speaker and fell off stage backwards, while still holding the microphone in my hand, got back on stage and every time I turned around the audience roared with laughter! I didn't realize that I had ripped my pants in the back, so every time I turned around, I was mooning the audience!
5. Making people laugh, especially nowadays. Laughter is definitely needed!!
Chrissy Iles’ response:
1. Originally from western KS, I now live in Tulsa, OK. It's home and has been for 25 years.
2. I learned early on in life that humor got me through a lot of things. I enjoyed making people laugh all the time. It just came naturally to me.
3. I would love to open for Nate Bargatze or Fortune Feimster. But honestly, getting to perform with other local comics and learn from them has been rewarding, too.
4. Every day is a new adventure! But, raising my granddaughter for the past three years has provided me with lots of comical moments for sure!
5. I know how much laughter has helped me through life. If, for just a moment in time, I can take the audience out of their daily stresses and provide them with laughter and levity, that is SUCCESS to me!
I would like to share that I am proof that it's never too late to chase your dream. Being the oldest living person with my heart condition, and originally given only a 3% chance to live through my first day, I am not taking any of this adventure for granted! =God gave me this talent of humor and I'm running with it! Look out world, I AM JUST GETTING STARTED!
Now to Marshall Howden’s questions and responses:
1. How long has House of Hope been around?
House of Hope opened the Warming Center in the Winter of 2020. There were 25 cots available for guests to stay overnight during the frigid cold temperatures. After, the Warming Center ended, many of the staff members and volunteers wondered about the clients and their next steps. The advocacy office launched in July of 2021. It was founded on a desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our guests and assist them in creating long-term positive change.
2. What are the goals of House of Hope?
The winter weather will be here before we know it. House Of Hope staff and volunteers have spent a lot of time preparing for the many guests that will utilize this critical service. Guests in the Warming Center have access to a safe place to sleep, food and drinks, and a positive community.
3. What are some future projects?
House of Hope is gearing up for their annual Christmas event: "Chimneys of Hope." This event is an opportunity to create lasting relationships with both parents and children.
For more information on how to get connected with serving during the event or providing toys or donations, contact House of Hope directly at hopehousebranson@gmail.com