Comedy brings relief when the ‘Sparkman cometh’

Talk about it

Thursday night, “Comedy Brings Relief” at Ace’s on 29th. Chicago native Spark Mann brings his high-energy stand up act to Superior, with all the proceeds earmarked for American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

“It’s a good way to help out a good cause,” Mann said.

It’s going to be a great show, said local comedian Chuck Androsky. As posters for the event state, “The Sparkman Cometh.”

That drew a chuckle from Mann.

“It makes me sound like a superhero,” he said. “There’s Aquaman, Batman and Sparkman.”

Mann has been entertaining audiences with his keen wit since 1987. His humor includes a little something for everyone, from regional jokes and audience participation to musical bits. Now living in southern Ohio, Mann has toured with Sinbad, Jamie Foxx and Boyz II Men.

“He’s really a star,” Androsky said.

With family in the Minneapolis area, Mann has put the Twin Ports on his radar, doing occasional shows in the area, although he has yet to visit the area during a heat wave.

“When is it not cold up there?” he joked.

Superior is part of a whirlwind tour of Haiti relief concerts Mann is holding. Following Thursday’s show, he heads to Wyoming then Canada.

Mark Carlson, Ace’s on 29th managing partner, said he was glad to open the back room up for a comedy night devoted to Haiti relief efforts.

“It’s an appropriate time,” he said. “We’re honored to be a part of it.”

This will be the second comedy show held at Ace’s on 29th, and more are planned.

“I think there’s a lack of live entertainment in Superior other than bands,” Carlson said, and comedy appeals to a broad range of people. He said the back room of the smoke free bar, which seats 150, is available for area fund raising efforts, as well.

Androsky will open for Mann with his brand of localized humor.

“Our town is called Superior,” he joked. “We all know in our hearts that, at best, we should be called adequate.”

Also slated to take the stage is up and coming comic Randy Ankarlo from Duluth. With a ticket cost of $5 and donations being accepted at the door, it promises to be a night of affordable entertainment with heart.

“We’re all God’s children,” Mann said. “This is a way to help out.”

Tags: arts and entertainment, news, comedy, superior, fundraiser