New comedy club aims to fill a void

By Elena Boryczka

The Times, Nov 15, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Maria Sandoval and her friend Norma Ramirez both were excited for the curtain to lift for the 10:30 show Friday, confirming Kingstad’s suspicion that people in Beaverton will support the local entertainment.

“[The club will] definitely attract attention. They need something like this around here,” Sandoval said, adding, “the suburbs are the perfect place for it.”

Ramirez agreed.

“Once people start to get the word out, I think it’s going to be real successful,” she said.

Both women were confident their evening at Jester would not be near as disappointing as the time they went to Harvey’s, when not only was the comedian not the person they had come to see, they said he was really intoxicated. Kingstad said Jester Comedy Club is designed to be a more upscale comedy experience than the one in downtown Portland, with intimate lighting, a non-smoking environment and a food and drink menu that does not include any fried foods, but still offers hamburgers and steaks. The lineup of comedians taking the stage at the center are all nationally-known acts, preceded by some local talent.

Kingstad believes the 21-and over club will soon be known as a destination, reaching his goal of finding “more ways to deliver superior customer service.”

Coming up this weekend are shows by Marc Ryan and opener Drew Barth; other shows during the month will feature headliners Huck Flyn and Duane Goad. Most show times are Thursdays at 7 p.m., and 8 and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $15 and can be found at www.jestercomedyclub.com.

Kingstad also is bringing open mic nights to the Jester, beginning each Wednesday at 5. There will be no admission price for this chance for people to come out and try their luck at the art of stand up comedy, though Kingstad said he hopes it’s not a “Nascar kind of thing,” with people coming to watch their friends or neighbors crash and burn.

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