No joke: Comedy's back in Valley

When La Villa Real Special Events Center closed its doors almost two years ago so did the opportunity to laugh.

Years back La Villa Real made way for up and coming comedians now considered heavyweights in the industry. Up and comers like Carlos Mencia, Gabriel Iglesias and Cleto Rodriguez treated audiences to a distinct type of humor which definitely tickled a funnybone among folks in the Rio Grande Valley.

Then it came to a jolting halt.

Although the demand is there, few venues cater to comedians these days which leaves a definite void where that type of entertainment is concerned.

That's why promoter and founder of La Villa Real Nano Ramirez wants to bring back the laughs. Starting Wednesday, Ramirez is set to launch Comedy Wednesday's at Cine El Rey. The historic downtown theater is the most ideal venues for such an event, he said.

Along with bigger names around the stand up circuit, Ramirez also encourages local talent to polish their chops for a chance on the big stage. Like comedy clubs in bigger cities there will be concession stands and drinks available.

"People love comedy," he said. "We would sell out at La Villa Real and we hope to do the same at El Rey.

"There is a place for a comedy night here in the Valley."

For the inaguraul show, Ramirez tapped San Antonio native and Valley favorite Cleto Rodriguez to headline. Opener will be Richard Treviño of San Antonio and a regular at the RIvercenter Comedy Club there.

Ramirez says he couldn't do all the planning alone. He consulted with his longtime go-to in the comedy realm, a vetarn comedian/magician himself, Rob Jenkins. Jenkins will be in charge of booking.

Together they have brought numerous comedy shows, as well as introduced the Valley to several up and coming, but not so well known talent including Rodriguez, Juan Villareal, Slade Hamm, Tim Schultz (The Singing Cowboy), Speedy Gonzalez, and The Cajun Queen Caroline Picard.

Jenkins, no stranger to the stage has opened for Wynonna Judd, Clint Black, Clay Walker, Kenny Rogers, Montgomery Gentry, Tracy Lawrence, and Pat Green.

"I have been doing comedy in the Valley with Nano Ramirez for the better part of 10 years," he said. "Nano has been instrumental in me getting in front of huge crowds that aren't exactly there for comedy.

"He has let me show them that comedy is still around and live comedy can be the best form of stress release there is. There is something about a live crowd and the raw unpredictability that you can't get from watching a TV set."

Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.

• Comedy Wednesday's at Cine El Rey
  Featuring Cleto Rodriguez, Richard Treviño and host Rob Jenkins
  TIME: 7 p.m.
  COST: $10 advance/$12 door
  FOR MORE INFO: (956) 971-9829
• Tickets available at: Melhart's Music, Lionel's Western Wear, all Wireless Toyz or EZ-TIXX.com

WHO IS ROB JENKINS?

Before he takes the mic as the official emcee for comedy night at Cine El Rey, get to know the Texas funnyman... Rob Jenkins started out in Houston, and, like most all comics -- played a lot of open mic nights.

"But you can only do that for so long. A lot of comics are satisfied with that five minutes every Monday night at the Holiday Inn or wherever but it get you nowhere. I was lucky to be where I was and doing what I was doing. I knew the right people and I worked the road. I learned show business from the inside out. Business first."

Rob did 15 minutes of material, out-of-town every night of the week at the usual type places with names like Mr. Chuckles and The Yuk Hut, but he learned his comic craft sometimes getting a crash course.

"There's this comedian I love named Rodney Carrington, and early on I'd occasionally lift one or two of his lines in my act," he said. "So one night, this woman comes up to me after the show and busts me on it -- and I never did it again. But I didn't know any better at the time. I learned.

"It's the same kind of conviction I've had with my magic. I've put my heart and my soul and everything I've had into it. I've invested everything. I've stayed on the road and worked a lot."