If you weren't a teenage girl and sitting next to your father, the first Laugh Tracks show at Tracks Pub last Saturday evening ñ with some distinctly adult material ñ was by all accounts a successful bid to bring a regular comedy show to the area.
Olds native AimÈe Beaudoin MCed the inaugural show, which featured local rookie comic Ron Ross ñ who, incidentally, beat Beaudoin in a race for student council president at Olds High back in the day ñ along with pros Ryan Short and Lars Callieou, who headlined the evening.
"It was fantastic ñ it was a great turnout, the crowd was attentive and so warm," said Beaudoin, who wasn't sure what to expect.
"We hadn't pre-sold one ticket, so I had no idea," she said, although the hometown girl knew she'd be able to get some people out to the event, which in the end totalled about 50.
By curtain close it was announced that a second show was already in the works and will hit the stage on Oct. 14.
"We've tried a few times, but this was the most successful," said Tracks owner Scott van de Pypekamp. "If Aimee can be our MC, and we can get some local talent, and bring talent like Lars in, it will be successful."
Indeed, Beaudoin will repeat as MC for the second show, and said she plans to feature locals along with top Albertan headliners.
"I definitely want every show to have at least one, hopefully two local acts, whether it be their first time or whatever, to get people trying it," she said.
Beaudoin said they will be looking for locals to get on stage, and has heard rumours of a few comedians kicking around town, including one "mystery girl."
"Maybe she'll be the Cinderella that sees the article," said Beaudoin.
Maybe she's the teenage girl who had the distinction of being the inspiration for some adult jokes by Lars, before he realized her father was sitting in the next seat.
"We're not from Caroline!" she hollered.
MORE: If you want to find out more about the upcoming show, or are interested in trying your hand at standup, contact Tracks Pub at 403-556-6180, or look them up on Facebook.
"It was fantastic ñ it was a great turnout, the crowd was attentive and so warm."AIM'EE BEAUDOINORGANIZER, MC
