3rd Annual Comedy Café Features Vegas Headliner

The third annual Comedy Café starring Las Vegas headliner Jeff Civillico and comedian Bob Stromberg, is coming to Watford City on Friday, October 26 at 7 p.m. Central at the Watford City Performing Arts Center at Watford City High School.

Featured comedian, TV Host Personality and Philanthropist Jeff Civillico has been a Las Vegas Headliner with Caesars Entertainment for 7 years, having performed 1000+ shows at The LINQ, The Flamingo, and now at The Paris Hotel & Casino. Jeff's Vegas show at Paris Las Vegas is highly-acclaimed and was named the #1 place to "Kick it with Kids in Vegas" in 2015 by Las Vegas Magazine. Jeff was also named 2015's "Cultural Advocate/Entertainer of the Year" by Vegas Inc. Jeff has hosted national programs on ABC, NBC, ESPN, Travel Channel, Cooking Channel and more. In addition, Jeff is ridiculous. He holds a world record for bungee jumping of his unicycle off a cliff in New Zealand and goes "joggling" (juggling while jogging) for fun. Jeff will perform a family friendly show tailored to the community, bringing his unique blend of humor and entertainment, and a bit of Vegas to the Bakken.

Opening the show at 7 pm is Comedian and Speaker Bob Stromberg. Bob is "a genuinely funny man," according to London Times. Stromberg has been delighting audiences of all ages for over thirty years, traveling the world performing his very unique and perfect blend of standup, story and shtick. He's the co-author and original star of the megahit theatrical comedy, Triple Espresso (A Highly Caffeinated Comedy), which has been seen by over two million people from San Diego to the West End of London. The Chicago Sun Times calls Bob, "...a mesmerizing physical comedian."

Along with a good laugh, guests will also enjoy locally-made desserts by Hometown Homemade, coffee and hot apple cider provided by Door 204 as part of their café experience.

The Comedy Cafe is the primary funding source for the operations of Bakken Oil Rush Ministry, which began in 2013 with a mission to find ways to meet the needs of new incoming families in the community. The ministry started as a mobile thrift store, operating out of an enclosed trailer, where they gave away everything. It has now grown to occupy a building and a quonset and has expanded services to offer furniture and other goods at minimal pricing. All proceeds from the Comedy Café will work to fulfill that mission.

"The support for this event and this cause has been amazing," said Jim Konsor, the founding pastor of the ministry. "Demands for household items and clothing have greatly increased over the last six months with the return of increased energy production in the area, so the support we receive at this event makes a huge difference in how we can help fill these needs."

According to Konsor the ministry has helped over four thousand families and individuals since the last Comedy Cafe.

"Last week, we gave away over two hundred coats during our annual coat giveaway, said Melanie Smith, who serves on the Comedy Café committee. "The Christmas Toy Event is right around the corner and we hope to provide toys and entertainment to over one hundred children."

Bakken Oil Rush is expanding its operations to accommodate the additional influx of young families with plans to renovate both the retail store and the sorting facility, including more space for large items such as appliances and furniture. These expansion projects are incomplete and in need of more funding.

To help expand outreach on this event, the Long X Arts Foundation has teamed up with the Comedy Café as a sponsor and a host, offering this event as part of their Member Concert Series. Watford City Concert Series Members will also enjoy three additional concerts throughout the year.

"The Long X Arts Foundation is all about collaboration and support and using the arts to bring community together," said Jessie Scofield, Concert Series President. "We saw this as a perfect opportunity to lend a hand on a unique event for the whole family. Our goal is to fill every seat in that beautiful theater."

Tickets to the show are $25 per person with all proceeds going to further the work of the ministry. Tickets can be purchased in advance at iTickets.com and at area churches. Watford City Concert Series member tickets are accepted and memberships will be available for sale at the event. The arts foundation will donate a percentage of sales at the event back to the ministry.

The Comdey Café begins at 7 pm on Frinday, October 26. The Performing Arts Center is located at Watford City High School, 2313 Wolves Den Parkway, Watford City. For more information visit facebook.com/comedycafend. Find out more about the concert series and art foundation at longxarts.com.

To donate to the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry, contact Jim Konsor at 605-268-0058 or [email protected]. Ministry store hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12-5:30 pm. They are located at 600 12th St. NE. Find out more at facebook.com/oilrushministry