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Comedians
Joe Huisman
Joe Huisman, founder and creator of Second Chance Comedy, is living proof that you can turn your life around—and make people laugh while doing it. A customer support executive by day, Joe started doing standup comedy in 2023. Years ago, Joe battled a crack addiction, and now he uses those past struggles as comedic fuel, transforming tough experiences into hilarious anecdotes. His comedy not only brings laughter but also gives back to the community, with a portion of proceeds supporting Sobriety House.
Ben Roy
If you aren't familiar with Ben Roy, he's been taking comedy audiences by storm since 2004, bringing an unparalleled energy and unique voice to the stage. Often compared to Lewis Black or Bill Hicks due to his passionate, ranting approach, Roy has a style that is definitively his own. Roy cut his comedic teeth in Denver at the world famous Comedy Works. Since then, he has been selected to perform at the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs Toronto, Just For Laughs Chicago, The New York Comedy Festival, Austin’s South by Southwest festival, and many more. Roy has been featured on HBO's Funny as Hell series; as well as on the Comedy Central shows Adam DeVine's House Party, Corporate, @midnight, and This Is Not Happening. Ben has also released four stand-up comedy albums and was listed as one of Variety's Top 10 Comics to Watch.
Von Sprecken
Von Sprecken is a nationally touring comedian passionate about mental health. He has been a part of the recovery community for over 10 years, and has extensive experience with the addiction and mental health crisis - as not only a patient and surviving family member, but also front-line healthcare worker. These days, Von has devoted his life to using humor to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences across the country. Von started doing comedy in Denver in 2017, and has made appearances in several of Denver's best comedy spots, including Comedy Works, and he was the winner of the Pop Culture Con Tournament of Laughs in 2019.
Aj Finney
Stylistically manic and artistically brilliant, AJ Finney is an eclectic Midwestern storyteller with a passion for the psychedelic scene of the Sixties. His show has something for everyone. A relatable vicarious ride through his world involving topics like family, anxiety, and everyday mishaps. Crowned "Best of the Midwest" at Gilda’s Laugh Fest, featured on the FOX television show Laughs, and one of the 100 performers chosen for Season 8 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. He was a semifinalist in the Comedy Central talent search Up Next and a finalist in HBO’s Lucky 21. His podcast "Hippie Not Hippie" has achieved over 1 million impressions in its first season, and his latest album, "Too Fast for Rain," debuted at number one on Amazon and iTunes. AJ currently resides with his family in Denver, where he’s a paid regular at the world-famous Comedy Works.
Tara Check
Tara, a rising star in the comedy world, grew up surrounded by addiction and has turned her experiences into a source of laughter and inspiration. She started doing standup comedy in 2023 and quickly found her voice, using humor to share her unique perspective on addiction and recovery. Through her performances, Tara not only entertains but also connects with audiences on a deep, personal level, shedding light on the realities of addiction.
Jay Donaldson
Second Chance Comedy has provided Jay an outlet to share his direct struggles and experiences with addiction through laughter in a safe environment. Jay is passionate about helping others through their recovery journey and has been volunteering as a coach and leader for the ReGeneration recovery program since 2016.
Deb Lastowka
Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Deb Lastowka awkwardly emerged onto Denver's comedy scene in 2021, performing for resident cats, other comics waiting to go up, and people who did not even know a comedy show was happening. Deb is very interested in normalizing conversations around mental health and addiction. She has performed in the Cow Town, RISE, Laugh Out Loveland, and the Front Range Funny Festivals.
Jeff Koehn
Jeff Koehn is a hilariously awkward comedian from Denver, Colorado. He has been touring the country with his brand of zaniness and has performed in many festivals, including the Plano Comedy Festival, and the Red Clay Comedy Festival. He was also a finalist in the 2023 Comedy Works New Faces Competition. He recently won the Sacramento regional of the World Series of Comedy competition. His quirky self-deprecating style has delighted audiences and prematurely ended many relationships.
Donna Shannon
Donna Shannon (they/them) believes in following their dreams, which led them to become a strip club DJ, a recovering addict, a teen mom, and a career coach (not necessarily in that order.) With 25 years of continuous sobriety, Donna takes audiences through their journey, including the good, the bad, and the hilarious. You can catch more of their life stories and unique perspectives on their podcast, “Donna Shannon’s Coyote Tales,” on all major platforms.