New Comedy Club Arrives in the Neighborhood

April 14th, our neighborhood was treated to an unforgettable evening of comedy at The Upstairs Comedy Room (14th and Los Angeles), where the legendary Guy Torry, best known for creating and hosting the iconic Phat Tuesdays comedy showcase, took the stage as host. Phat Tuesday’s re-emergence in DTLA brought a fresh burst of humor to our community and it’s safe to say, it was very much needed laughs for everyone in attendance.

       Guy Torry, a South Park resident, kicked off the night with his signature charisma and quick wit, setting the tone for a lineup that had the audience roaring. Nobody was spared from laughs, including other household name comedians in attendance.  His knack for connecting with the crowd was on full display as he effortlessly wove some DTLA-local flavor into his opening set. Torry’s storytelling, infused with his St. Louis roots and Hollywood polish, made everyone feel like they were in on the joke. And Guy, after living in DTLA for over 15 years, let his STL pride shine with his Jackie Robinson St. Louis Cardinals baseball jersey.

       The show featured 4 talented comedians — Nika King, Tony Rock, Billy Gardell, and Frankie Quinones, a mix of seasoned pros — each bringing their unique style to the stage. From sharp observational humor to bold, in-your-face punchlines, the variety kept the energy high and the laughs nonstop. The intimate vibe of The Upstairs Comedy Club made every punchline land even harder.

       What made the night truly special was how the spirit of Phat Tuesdays captured Torry’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and creating a space where everyone feels included was evident, making Phat Tuesday a perfect fit for our vibrant, welcoming neighborhood.

       The cozy setup presented by Sarah Mello at The Upstairs paired perfectly with the show’s laid-back vibe. added to the fun. Whether you’re a comedy nerd or just looking for a great night out, this new venue is must-see.

       According to Torry, “I want this version of Phat Tuesday at the Upstairs to reflect downtown. And downtown is a melting pot, downtown is everybody.” Torry added, “We need laughter in downtown LA.”

       Mark your calendars for the next Phat Tuesday on May 20 at The Upstairs Comedy Room! A huge thanks to Guy Torry, Sarah Mello, and team for bringing big laughs to our little corner of downtown. Let’s keep the good times rolling!

By Donald Vincent

Your Neighborhood Correspondent