Cancer is no laughing matter, but a local comedian is using humour to raise money for the cause.
Brady Holm will be sharing his comedic skills on Nov. 9 and 10 in support of his friend Zachary Hunter, who was diagnosed with bone cancer and lung cancer last year.
The 18-year-old comedian did a similar fundraiser in March at Rumours Restaurant and Comedy Club — and he ended up selling out the venue on a Tuesday evening.
“I’ve known Zach from school, hockey, soccer and work. I ran it past some of his close friends and his Uncle Chris and they all said it was a great idea,” said Holm, who graduated from Collège Stonewall Collegiate as valedictorian in 2022.
“It went well, so I figured it doesn’t hurt to do it again at The Basement, which is a really nice speakeasy on the close side of the city.”
In addition to Holm, other comedians will take the stage for the fundraiser. The Nov. 9 will also feature Pat Gagne, Dewey Parker and Jordan Welwood, while the Nov. 10 show will feature Jeff Gobeil, Spencer Adamus and Rollin Penner.
“It’s a showcase of some of the best comedians working right now in Winnipeg and even nationally right now. I’ve booked the lineups based on what I think people from Stonewall would like to see, knowing that will be a majority of the crowd,” Holm said.
“There’s two shows and two different great lineups. As long as people show up and support, that’s more than I can ask for.”
Besides these fundraising comedy nights, Holm takes the stage for open mic comedy nights several times each week. And on most weekends, you can catch him as part of a comedy showcase at Silver Heights Restaurant or The Basement Speakeasy.
“My friends are terrible influences,” he said, explaining how he got his start in comedy.
“About a week after I graduated, being valedictorian, a good buddy of mine and I went out one night and ended up at Wee Johnny’s, where they host an open mic that I ended up on — and I’ve been going up ever since.”
Brady Holm’s fundraising comedy shows are set for Friday, Nov. 9 and Saturday, Nov. 10 at The Basement Speakeasy and Comedy Lounge, located at 3740 Portage Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25 each and are available through The Basement’s website at basementwpg.com. All proceeds from ticket sales will support Zach Hunter and CancerCare Manitoba.
To help raise funds for the cause, Holm is also seeking prize donations. To make arrangements, email bradyholm87@gmail.com
