Bear’s is the Place for funny

A comedy show in Bloomington conjures up an image of local stand-ups delivering tired one-liners about their mother-in-laws. Nothing could be further from the truth at the Comedy Caravan at Bear’s Place.
The show, which features different comedians every Monday and Saturday at 8 and 10:30 p.m., is of a surprisingly high quality, bringing in professional talent from around the country. It’s a good sign when the opening act has credits that include Comedy Central Presents and Live at the Gotham.
Comedian Moody McCarthy opened July 14 at Bear’s Place.
A comic who has opened for Wanda Sykes, Jimmy Fallon, and Lewis Black, McCarthy gave a hit-and-miss set that didn’t astound, but was highly entertaining.
“Bloomington’s good,” he said after the show. “You get a nice mix of people, older locals and younger students.”
His set, on challenges like time zones and computer difficulties, served as a good warm-up for Stewart Huff, the evening’s headliner.
Huff, whose material covered subjects ranging from the people you meet at the Muncie Cracker Barrel to man’s first humorous attempts at flying, was one of the best comedians this reporter has ever seen. If this is the kind of quality Bear’s Place delivers, then it is well worth the $5 cover charge.
“I always have a good time. I was surprised – I came in here with little expectations, but it was really great.” said Brandon Johnson, a summer visitor to Bloomington.
The show has quite a few regulars who come back week after week, which is to be expected from an event that has run consistently for over 25 years.
In a 2005 article, USA Today listed Bear’s Place as the 10th best place in the country to see stand-up.
The show certainly deserves the praise. With cheap cover, fantastic comedians and the ubiquitous Hairy Bear house drink, it’s easy to see where Bear’s Place gets its glowing reputation.
“It’s a good show. We just want people to know where to come to see good comedy.” said Jason West, a Comedy Caravan organizer.
With the new Funny Bone Comedy Club opening Sept. 25, in downtown Bloomington, Bear’s will soon have some competition. Given the caliber of show they put on, it doesn’t seem likely that they will much difficulty bringing in an audience. For now, Bear’s Place is the place for comedy.