Latham Life Febrnuary 17, 2011) - Some Funny Business
COLONIE — As cabin fever sets in from this seemingly never ending winter, it is easy to feel bored and frustrated. They say laughter is the best medicine, so chase those winter blues away with local comedian Greg Aidala at The Brew Ha-Ha Comedy Showcase on March 5 at Chipshots Sports Bar and Restaurant in Colonie.

The Brew Ha-Ha Comedy Showcase is sure to provide an escape from the doldrums of winter with the help of seasoned headliner Pat Dixon. "I met Pat five years ago in New York City. I've had him perform on my showcase a number of times and he's always a crowd pleaser," Aidala said. "He has had his own half-hour Comedy Central Presents performance, he's a regular on VH1's ‘Best Week Ever’ and he's also appeared on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson."

In addition to Dixon, the line-up also features several up and coming area comedians. "In 2008 I started teaching stand-up comedy workshops and, since then, I've had 105 students. With each show I produce in Albany, I bring along four local aspiring comedians. I've learned so much about my act and myself by teaching the workshops, and I truly enjoy listening to the up-and-comers," Aidala said.

The Brew Ha-Ha's past events at Chipshots Sports Bar and Restaurant, which is located at the Town of Colonie Golf Course, have drawn a good crowd and the local comedian says he is excited to be back on his own home turf. "Last year I brought my showcase there twice, and both times it sold out. The owners of the restaurant are friends of my family and it makes it that much more special," Aidala said. "It's always a thrill to play in my hometown - its good energy."

Aidala first formed The Brew Ha-Ha comedy showcase in 2006 and it has enjoyed great success since then, having toured all over the North East and NYC.

The comedian says that he often looks to friends for headlining help. "The headlining acts for my productions are my friends that have all had national television exposure anywhere from the Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central, the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's Last Comic Standing, HBO, MTV and VH1," he said. "This is the 5-year anniversary of 'The Brew Ha-Ha Comedy Showcase' and, to date, it has surpassed the 100-show mark."

Aidala's love affair with comedy began at a very early age. "Growing up, my brothers and I used to watch the Three Stooges and we were impressed with how they worked to get a laugh. Later on, my father introduced me to stand-up comedy by having me listen to his vinyl recording of ‘Bob Newhart's: The Button Down Mind Of.’ Yes, vinyl record, I'm proud of that," Aidala said.

"When I started stand-up comedy in 2001, I wanted to see how I could use these early influences on trying to tell my own stories. Through my shortcomings at the start, my perseverance and hard work has led me to positive growth," said Aidala. "I was voted 'Best Local Comedian' in Albany, New York by the Times Union Reader's Poll, ‘Best Of’ in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. I am truly thankful for the support that my hometown has given to me."

Admission to the event is $15 and reservations, which are strongly suggested, can be made by calling 688-1732.