Funny business
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
WARREN
Eric Thompson of Newton Falls is a comedian-magician who has performed in nightclubs, comedy clubs, theaters and at private events for the past 31 years.
He also is a businessman and a civic leader. He owns and operates Satolli Carpet in Warren and was a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Newton Falls, where he also served two stints as a city councilman.
Beginning next month, Thompson will add a new title: comedy-club owner.
It’s something he has long wanted to do.
Thompson will open the Warren Comedy Club on March 3 in the banquet room of the Sunrise Inn restaurant, 510 E. Market St., downtown Warren.
“I have wanted to open a comedy club for many, many years,” he said. “About three or four years ago, I began negotiating to buy an existing club. I thought it had great potential, but we couldn’t come to realistic terms, and I walked away. That was difficult, but I’m glad it happened the way it did or this club would never have come to fruition.”
With his background as an entertainer and a small-business owner, Thompson has a wealth of experience in promotion and marketing.
He said there is a real need for entertainment in the area, especially in Trumbull County.
The Warren Comedy Club will book shows on Saturdays. First up will be comedian Chris Ciardi of Pittsburgh on March 3.
“Ciardi’s act consists of true stories about life, love, kids and many other four-letter words,” said Thompson. “He is very funny.”
Future national acts already booked include Katrina Brown on April 7 and Matt Wohlfarth on May 5.
Local acts also will be booked, including Thompson himself, who said he will headline a few times each year.
“I get asked all the time when my next local show will be,” he said.
“A few years ago when I performed at a now-closed comedy club in Niles, they had to add a second show on Saturday to handle the demand.”
Thompson’s business partner in the club is Dan Long, who has been a performer and talent booker for many years. “He used to write for Kevin Nealon on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and has performed in hundreds of clubs around the country,” said Thompson. Long also will erform on occasion.
For more information on the club or upcoming shows, go to WarrenComedyClub.com. For reservations, call 330-506-0114.