While the end-of-year holiday frenzy is rapidly approaching, most people may be looking for a break from the stress that comes with the times and what better cure than a dose of laughter.
Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula will host weekly Friday and Saturday night comedy shows starting tonight. Each concert will feature three comedians performing at Kelsey’s Loft, which seats 150 and is located on the second floor above the restaurant, across from the Pechanga Rewards Club desk. Here’s the concert lineup.
Comedian Richard Villa will perform Nov. 3-4 at Kelsey’s Loft at Pechanga Resort Casino.
(Pechanga Resort Casino)
Richard Villa — Nov. 3 & 4
Richard Villa is a bilingual (English/Spanish) stand-up comedian and actor who draws his comedy routine from life experiences, including growing up Mexican-American in Compton. He’s landed appearances and specials on Netflix, MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, Comedy Central Mexico, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Televisa, Galavision and Azteca TV. Villa was the longtime Friday night host of “Refried Fridays” at the Hollywood Improv and was the first Latino host to land the gig. He has performed alongside comedy’s biggest names, including Gabriel Iglesias, Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., Russell Peters, Carlos Mencia, Mike Epps, Orlando Jones, Franco Escamilla, El Costeño and Luis de Alba.
Pete George — Nov. 10 & 11
Pete George started his career on stage in 1985 as the guitarist for the band Separate Checks out of Cleveland, Ohio. He later took his stage banter, crafted it into a stand-up comedy routine, and booked his first role in the Oscar-nominated film “The Shawshank Redemption.” He’s also appeared on television shows, including “Family Law” and “Strong Medicine.”
Don Friesen — Nov. 17 & 18
Don Friesen’s stand-up comedy act is mostly clean and includes self-deprecating humor, often focused on his life as a suburban husband and father. His act consists of satirical scenes that spoof his daily interactions with his wife, kids, tech support, creditors, and airline pilots, mixed in with impressions, improvisation and audience interaction. He has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” “Comics Unleashed” and on Los Angeles’ 95.5 KLOS “Five O-Clock Funnies.”
Manny Maldonado — Nov. 24 & 25
Manny Maldonado is a stand-up comedian based out of Modesto who has performed with comedians Dave Attell, Paul Rodriguez, Dave Chappelle and Tommy Davidson. His work has been showcased on Comedy Central’s “Comedy Rehab,” “Comics Unleashed” and B.E.T.’s “Comic View.”
Standup at Kelsey’s Loft
When: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, tonight through Nov. 25
Where: Kelsey’s loft, Pechanga Resort Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula
Tickets: $25
Phone: (877) 711-2946
Online: pechanga.com
Vargas writes for the Southern California News Group.
