Giving people something local to do for fun is one of the reasons that Chris Teicheira has made such an effort at bringing headlining comedians to Manteca to perform.
But Teicheira – who will host another installment of his monthly standup showcase at Strings Bar and Grill on Saturday – also knows that not all of the comics that he brings perform material that is suited for everybody.
Until now.
With a unique blend of comedy, magic, and ventriloquism, Brad Bonar Jr. has built a steady following amongst clean comedy fans and earned a special on the Utah-based Dry Bar Comedy channel on YouTube that has garnered thousands of views.
Bonar – who regularly tours the West performing his hybrid act, will headline the Deaf Puppies comedy show on Saturday at Strings – located at 680 N. Main Street – starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at the restaurant and bar, or at the door until the room reaches capacity.
“It still bothers me when people say that there’s nothing to do in this town because that’s part of the reason I started promoting these shows, but I began to realize that people have these misconceptions about the types of shows that these are,” Teicheira said. “Sometimes the comedy can be a little bold, but not with Bret Bonar – he’s as squeaky-clean as they come, and he’s really good at blending different elements together to make a great show.
“Along with featured act Torio Van Grol – a veteran of the San Francisco comedy scene for the last decade – this is going to be a great show.”
Teicheira said that he first met Bonar when he was just starting out in comedy, and the veteran performer contacted him after hearing through fellow comics that he was also an auctioneer – something that Boner needed for a comedy fundraiser up in Sacramento.
When Teicheira showed up – for a $300 rate that was significantly higher than anything he had been paid in comedy up to that point – he caught Bonar off guard when he asked him how much “time” he wanted him to do.
“He looked at me like I was crazy, and said, ‘however long it takes to do the auction,’” Teicheira said with a laugh. “He didn’t know that I did comedy. He ended up giving me 10 minutes and I did pretty well, and we’ve worked together a couple of times since then.
“I’m excited that he’s coming to Manteca to do his thing – it will be a good show for people who aren’t quite so sure about something a little edgier, but it’s still great for people who enjoy that too.”
The Strings show is just the latest in a monthly series of heavy hitters that Teicheira routinely brings to Manteca for shows that are routinely at capacity – taking advantage of his contacts in the comedy world to book touring comics as they pass through the Central Valley on their way to spots in the Bay Area or Sacramento or on their way down to Southern California.
Plans are still in the works to open a permanent comedy club somewhere in Manteca that bears the Deaf Puppy name at some point this calendar year.
“I’m still actively seeking a building and venue to open the Deaf Puppies Comedy Club – the problem is finding something with four walls up that would be adequate as a dinner theater showroom,” Teicheira said. “There are many options within the city, but I’d much prefer something near the Bypass – making it readily accessible to people throughout the Valley.
“I love my town, but the reality is this needs to be a 209 destination spot – the first of its kind around here. And I believe it will be a huge success – there is too much positivity around it to fail.”
The monthly Deaf Puppy show at Strings will take place on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Strings Bar and Grill – located at 680 N. Main Street – at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at the bar, or at the door on the day of the event as long as space is available.
To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.
