COMEDY NIGHT CLUB ADDS TO DOWNTOWN CEDAR FALLS

Joker’s Comedy Night Club opens doors September 13

CEDAR FALLS, IA (September 4, 2007) – With the renovation of the 6,200 square foot, $4 million chic design entertainment complex, Joker’s Comedy Night Club will officially open its doors to the public on September 13 in its new location on the third floor of the Odd Fellows building, on the corner of 4^th and Main streets in downtown Cedar Falls.

Joker’s, which has been in its current building in Blackhawk Village for over thirteen years, will now have the capability to host over 200 people for comedy and 500 for live entertainment and dancing. The new club will occupy the entire third floor of the Odd Fellows building which was built in 1901 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The building has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation project including the restoration of the original windows and brick, the addition of an elevator and the construction of a fourth floor mezzanine overlooking the dance floor and staging area, showcasing a space that has been dormant for more than 50 years. Ben Stroh, the building’s owner, approached Darin Beck, President and CEO of Barmuda Corporation about restoring the grand ballroom into something spectacular. “I knew that if anyone could turn this space into something dynamic, it would be Darin,” commented Stroh.

Stroh began construction on the building in the fall of 2006. March 31^st of 2007, the building suffered structural damage to the rear corner of the building as a portion of the brick wall collapsed. According to Terry Refai, building engineer from STS Consultants in Chicago, the building is now structurally sound. “The reason for the collapse was because the external masonry walls were not tied to the building’s frame”, adds Refai. “Many of the steel ties were rusted and/or missing plus the mortar in the brick walls had deteriorated.” Existing ties have been replaced and new ties were added so that the building is now laterally supported.

The new Joker’s will raise the bar in the Cedar Valley just from an investment perspective, but also promises to be the most spectacular entertainment venue the Cedar Valley has ever had. The new Joker’s will be offering nationally touring top comedians every weekend along with special event big-name acts. It will also offer late night dancing and other entertainment options all week long with live DJ entertainment after comedy on weekends. “We’re very excited to be on Main Street,” said Beck. “Joker’s Comedy Night Club will continue to provide much of what has in the past to the community, but will now be better positioned to offer even more in an upscale environment. We’re hoping the community is as excited about it as we are. It’s been a long time in the making and we’re very anxious to get the move made.”

Cedar Falls’ Main Street offerings continue to grow and this new addition offers a new level of entertainment, unlike any other in this area. “The new comedy night club in Cedar Falls brings a new dimension to Main Street”, comments new Community Main Street Director, Kelly Vowels. “The addition of a comedy club and dance club will complement an already great thing happening in Cedar Falls.”

Joker’s Comedy Night Club will mark the opening weekend on September 14 - 15 with The Midnight Swinger. The Swinger’s Vegas-style show combines the cool style of a 60’s Las Vegas performer with the flash and excitement of a 21^st century Super Bowl halftime extravaganza. Midnight Swinger puts on a spectacle that leaves the audience laughin’, singin’ and swingin’. Appearing for Joker’s Grand Opening Celebration on September 21 – 22 will be Ty Barnett, last years second place winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. A funny, thought-provoking and edgy comic, Ty Barnett is a Chicago native, who has been performing since his high school days on the city's south side. He describes his comedy as "comfortably social with funny political views that aren't forced on the audience. "Showtimes and ticket information will be announced soon.

Joker’s Comedy Night Club will open to the public for the first time on Thursday, September 13^th at 9:00 PM. For hours of operation and other information visit the website at www.barmuda.com.

# # # #