Even South Beach -- America's pleasure pen of excess and indulgence -- has looked a bit jaded amid the current economic woes.But Abebe Lewis wants you to laugh in spite of.
"With the current recession we're not charging," said Lewis late Wednesday night. " We just want everyone to lay back and enjoy the comedy."
For the past month, Lewis and funny man Clyde Gordon have hosted an amateur stand-up comedy show at club Play.
Call it a temporary respite from the penny-pinching blues in these cash strapped times. Its not surprising that Lewis, one of Miami's top brand marketing gurus threw his chips in organizing the event given the fact that making folks feel good runs in his family. His pops, Ian Lewis, is a member of the legendary reggae group Inner Circle.
"Were trying to bring comedy to South Beach with a mix of folks," said Lewis. "We'd like to highlight local young talent."
Gordon, whos track record includes HBO, BET and Tyler Perry, said the talent onstage is the first stage to offer young comedians an opportunity in the biz.
"The best acts tonight will get to open for the heavyweights in an upcoming Memorial Day show," he said.
