Fundraising one punchline at a time

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Downey’s stand-up comedy night. 

Sponsored by the Riverdale Main Streets Alliance, Downey’s Bar & Grill at 5790 Mosholu Ave. hosts Main Street’s second official comedy night on Saturday, April 5 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Comedians include Devin Keast, Tom Van Horn, Michele Durante, Theresa Moriarty and Corey Tindall, each performing 15 to 20-minute sets.

“Our organization is all about putting on events which will generate funds for the community and show them a good time,” said Dana Williams, the alliance’s board treasurer and event co-organizer who has volunteered since 2018.

The bar expects to see more than 100 people, according to Williams and will be hosted in its private event space.

“We chose to host this event at Downey’s again because we wanted to utilize a local business and bring the community together for a fun night,” Williams added.

Originally from Chicago, Devin Keast has been performing for more than a decade and will serve as the night’s emcee and one of the acts. 

Previously a music director, Keast attended Manhattan College (now Manhattan University,) where he majored in communications with a focus in broadcasting. He moved from the windy city to the Big Apple in 2014 after realizing comedy was his calling.

“I feel like moving to New York was the best thing for me and my comedy career,” Keast said. “New York has challenging audiences and you never know where you’re going to find the next comedian gem.”

After dabbling in improv and sketch comedy, Keast took to stand-up, which he said was a perfect fit for him and his comedic style.

He has hosted open mic comedy nights since 2015, including one at Earlybird coffee shop, also located on Mosholu Avenue. 

“I was so happy when [the Riverdale Arts Alliance] got in touch with me to host this event — and they’ve continued their ongoing efforts to keep the community together,” Keast said. “It’s going to be a very exciting lineup that night.”

He added living in New York City affords him the luxury of seeing a comic perform every single night.

Downey’s Bar & Grill opened in October 2016 by Brian Downey and Bobby Cook and is now operated solely by Downey.

“[The alliance] is a great organization and they help the community so much,” Downey said. “The last comedy night they hosted here was such a success, so they got in touch with us and asked us to host the event again.”

When The Press interviewed Williams last week, tickets were already sold out.

A full dinner menu and drink options will be available for purchase on the night of the event.

Tickets are $25 with all proceeds going directly towards beautification efforts, such as plants for tree beds, planting supplies, weeding and neighborhood cleanup efforts. Funds will also go towards the organization’s annual block party, according to Williams.

A network of community members, civic organizations, nonprofits and local businesses, Riverdale Main Streets Alliance was founded in 2012 as the North Riverdale Merchants and Business Association. It works to provide community-friendly main streets and thoroughfares and expand the economic growth and vitality of Riverdale.

Partnerships include the University of Mount Saint Vincent, SAR Academy and High School, NYC Female Fight Club, Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation and others.

“Especially during these times, I think everybody could use a laugh,” Williams added.