What happens when funny folks create TEDtalk-style presentations about their single friends? Inspired by the nationally recognized TinderDisrupt show, “Swipe Right LIVE” is a lineup of singles presented by their friends in hopes of finding a special spark with a special someone. Hosted by comedians Arturo Raygoza Jr. and Angela Arellano, this night will bring the ‘aww’s’ and the laughs as we watch folks from all walks of life present funny PowerPoint slideshows all about what makes their single friend totally dateable. Whether you’re single, married, or anything in between, everyone is invited to watch this hilarious show and maybe even make a love connection. This reality-TV-style dating show opens at JP’s Restaurant in Castro Valley on Saturday, February 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at plethos.org, starting at $20.

Looking for a fun-filled Saturday night out?  Stand-up comic David Studebaker performs at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, Saturday, January 25, at 7:30pm.  David describes himself as a comedian, author, host, and diaper-changer! He delights audiences with his special brand of comedy, blending music, personal stories, and pop culture into his interactive shows. “My goal is to take my audience out of their everyday worries  and create our own little joyful, carefree realm—to just have fun and party for the night.”

David’s comedy can be heard on Sirius XM Radio in regular rotation and his new comedy special “The Oracle of Dry Bar” is available now on the Dry Bar Comedy streaming network.  He has been featured on Fox, ABC, and the in the SF Chronicle and is a popular entertainer for corporate gigs for Facebook, Twitter, and Re/Max and many others. As a director, David won Best Director at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival for his hit docu-series David’s Ark, which has amassed millions of views on TikTok. As an author, David published his debut novel, a laugh-out-loud mystery, Lone Star Lance in 2020.  The sequel comes out later this year. David lives with his wife, two boys and two dogs in Los Angeles.

James D. Creviston opens for David. James is a Navy veteran, writer, filmmaker, and host of the Clean Comedy Podcast. He is known for his clean, self-deprecating style.  He has worked as a freelance screenwriter for such shows as Leathal Weapon, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.  James also lives in Los Angeles.

This evening of fun, fresh comedy is presented by the Castro Valley Arts Foundation in their 2024-25 Series.   For tickets: cvartsfoundation.org or call: 510-889-8961.  Free Parking. Handicap accommodations. 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley

Gary has a carefree personality and natural stage presence. From the moment he steps on stage, he looks at home and instantly establishes a connection with the crowd. Gary's astounding ability to craft uproarious jokes out of everyday topics and his eloquent delivery deeply resonates with the audience. His ability to make fun of himself and popular culture is also both hilarious. Furthermore, Gary's jokes are exquisitely crafted and suitable for all audience’s comedy likings. Gary Micheal Anderson cited his son as his greatest source of inspiration and motivation. Looking ahead on his future, Gary harbors soaring aspirations for his comical career, as he seeks to write more scripts and create diverse stories people want to see.

Gary was a former staff writer on the Ms. Pat Show, and has showcased his talent on Live at Gotham (AXS TV), Acting Out (MTV), and LaffTracks (TruTV). He is also a three time semi-finalist on Stand-up NBC.

Tickets available at: www.thecomedydencv.com

Karin Babbitt is a standup comic, actor, director, writer and teacher and a legend of The Comedy Store in Hollywood. Karin appeared at clubs nationally and on TV shows. One of the few female finalists in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, she was a regular on the radio with Alex Bennet Live 105 and on the morning drive at KFX.

Karin is a credentialed teacher with both a B.A. and M.A. in Theatre Arts. She’s directed over 55 plays and musicals, taught high school for over 18 years, and was the first stand up comedy and improv instructor at San Jose State University.

A member of Board of The Actors Theatre in Santa Cruz, Karin has performed in and directed numerous productions from their playwriting competition. Also, Karin manages a vocational film program for developmentally disabled adults.

Buried deep within the most luxuriant beard in comedy lives DJ Sandhu’s silver tongue just aching to get out and spread its diabolical thoughts. From Sacramento, CA, Sandhu decided to break his parents’ hearts by sharing his absurd opinions with strangers rather than going to med school like a responsible, well-adjusted adult. From the World Series of Comedy to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and everywhere in between, Sandhu has worked with some of the industry’s legends including Sinbad, Russell Peters, Theo Von, John Witherspoon, Big Jay Oakerson, and Steve Byrne…all of which leave his mother incredibly disappointed that he didn’t choose a better life path.  Tickets available at: www.thecomedydencv.com

Shawn Felipe is a multi-ethnic stand-up comedian who believes comedy is derived from the pains of life. Shawn is the star of the Food Network show: ‘The Great Food Truck Race’, and his Dry Bar special ‘Man Baby’ fills us in on how to evade his dad’s belt, win the Vietnam War, and adequately fear fish sauce! Don’t miss him, Patrick McDermott and Adam Close at the Comedy Den Jan 20th, 2024 7 pm.  Tickets available at: www.thecomedydencv.com

Northern California’s only all Disabled Comedy Troupe hits Castro Valley on their three day tour!

The Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) is a fabulous collection of comedians with disabilities, both seen and unseen, who bring forth the humor they find in their experiences.

The comedy troupe is the brainchild of comedian Michael O’Connell, who started the group in 2010, and was later joined by Steve Danner and Nina G not long after.  In 2016, O’Connell sadly passed away - but the show he created lives on, spotlighting a variety of Disabled and outrageously funny comedians.

The upcoming lineup of shows includes disability representation from diverse perspectives. The troupe hits Northern California for a weekend tour hitting Sacramento, Castro Valley and Oakland. All shows feature female comedians with disabilities. 

The Comedians with Disabilities Act has toured the country with comedians from varied Disability experiences. Previous lineups included disability representation from the following experiences: stuttering, dyslexia, Dwarfism, amputation, addiction recovery, OCD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, Autism, Tourette's syndrome, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, multiple exostoses, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and blindness.

Information about the Castro Valley show:

Nina G headlines
When: Saturday, November 18, 2023-7:00
Where: JP’s Family Restaurant and Sports Lounge 3600 Castro Valley Blvd Castro Valley, CA 94546
https://thecomedydencv.com

About the comedians:

Nina G: Author and Disability advocate
Nina G, headlines the Comedians with Disabilities Act-Castro Valley show. She is the author of multiple books and most recently had her first solo comedy album debut at #1 on the iTunes and Amazon comedy charts. Nina’s memoir Stutterer Interrupted (which shares its title with her album and special) was released to critical acclaim in 2019. Her comedy special, directed by fellow stutterer Gina Chin-Davis, debuted in October 2023. Nina has toured the world as a comedian and keynote speaker appearing at countless colleges, conference and corporate events. She brings her experiences on stage about what it is like to stutter and have a learning disability.

Steve Danner
Steve Danner's comedy career began as an audience member at a comedy club. That night, the comedian on stage started riffing with him and after Danner showcased his own riffing skills, the comic approached Danner after the show and suggested he give comedy a try. He soon began a career as a comedian and producer and has opened for many headliners such as Last Comic Standing Winner Felipe Esparza. 

Mean Dave
Mean Dave is a favorite in Bay Area Stand Up Comedy. He is in his 10th year of recovery from addiction, which he ingeniously weaves into his humor. Dave has opened for many notable comedians like Josh Blue, Big Jay Oakerson, and Jay Mohr, and has performed at colleges across the US. Mean Dave’s role in the Comedians with Disabilities Act helps to bring his critical message about addiction and disabilities to audiences around the world.   “Not a lot of people know that being an addict in recovery is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Mean Dave advocates.   

Adam Keys
Adam Keys got his start in comedy with Armed Services Arts Partnership back in 2018 and has been hittin’ in person and virtual stages across the country ever since. He’s been North American his whole life- born in Canada and relocated to the U.S. as a teen. He then went on to serve in the U.S. Army after 9/11.

Ring in fall with a pint and a side of laughs on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, at 7pm, at JP’s Restaurant in Castro Valley. Plethos Productions annual Joketoberfest is a hilarious stand-up comedy show featuring the best comedians in the Bay.

This year's show features headliner Dennis Gaxiola. He has over 20 national television appearances under his belt, including Comedy Central's Laffapalooza with Jamie Foxx, Stand-up Revolution with Gabriel Iglesias, and STARZ, Gaxiola is a seasoned pro who has graced stages all over the Bay Area and beyond. Don't miss the chance to witness his unmatched wit and comedic timing live on stage.

Joketoberfest host, Priya Guyadeen, is an award-winning comedian and the founder of Cougar Comedy. With her quick wit and infectious single-mom humor, Priya never fails to bring the laughs. Her comedic prowess has earned her a special place in the hearts of comedy fans.

The show also features the incredibly funny Ed Black. A two-time semi-finalist at Helium’s Comedy Competition and a regular performer at renowned comedy venues such as Cobb's Comedy Club, Punch Line SF, and Comedy House NOLA, Ed Black is guaranteed to leave you in stitches with his unique brand of humor.

Guests will be able to enjoy JP's full bar and restaurant menu of tasty drinks and dinner while enjoying the show. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at plethos.org.

The laughter is about to echo through the streets of Castro Valley as the Comedy Den opens its doors to bring a fresh wave of humor and entertainment to the community. Get ready to experience side-splitting laughter, unforgettable moments, and a night of pure comedic delight.

This new hotspot is set to become the go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking a night of laughter and camaraderie. The venue is a familiar space: JP’s Family Restaurant and Sports Bar. It’s cozy and intimate setting, is perfect for fostering a strong connection between the audience and the talented entertainers who will take the stage.

"We're excited to bring a new level of entertainment to Castro Valley," said Priya Guyadeen, the founder of the Comedy Den. "Our mission is to provide a platform for both seasoned and up-and-coming entertainers to showcase their talents, while also creating a space where the audience can relax and share in the joy of laughter."

This Saturday September 30th, 2023, clean comedian Jeff Applebaum (America’s Got Talent, Dry Bar, and The Pursuit of Happiness) brings his unique brand of humor to the Comedy Den.

For more information about shows, ticket information, and special event announcements, please visit www.thecomedydencv.com. Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: The Comedy Den. Instagram: @thecomedyden_cv for the latest updates.

Don't miss out on the laughter that's about to take over Castro Valley. Join us at the Comedy Den for an unforgettable night of camaraderie, and good times.

The first Thursday of every month is the Plethos Comedy Lab at the Castro Valley Marketplace! It's is an ever-changing lineup of Bay Area comics who are building their craft and experimenting with fresh, new material. Host Priya Guyadeen will be bringing you a lineup of laughs. Come be a part of the experiment and let’s get weird! Showtime is 8 pm and tickets are available at: www.plethos.org