You’re invited to

HAPPY HOUR

A Stand-up Comedy Fundraiser

Get ready to laugh until your sides ache at Happy Hour, a hilarious event featuring several of Greater Grand Forks’ most talented comedians!

Each comedian brings their unique style and perspective to the stage, guaranteeing a diverse range of comedy that will cater to every sense of humor.

The fun doesn't stop there – not only will you be treated to an evening of laughter, but your ticket purchase will also go towards supporting the Empire Arts Center, a cornerstone of our community's cultural scene. Your ticket helps ensure that the arts continue to thrive in our city for years to come.

General admission.
Cash bar will be available.
Recommended age: 18+

𝗦𝗘𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗔𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥

🥂

𝗦𝗘𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗔𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥 🥂

MEET THE COMEDIANS

CALEB EILTS

Caleb Eilts has been telling jokes his entire life, but he found a passion for doing it in front of a crowd 3 years ago. Since his first open mic at Archives Coffee House, Caleb has become a staple performer for the venue and works alongside the others in this show to recruit new comics in the community. With a life of entertaining ups and downs, he has worked hard to develop his comedic timing, and now it’s time to make our community laugh.

NELLIE PIEKARSKI

Nellie Piekarski is one of Greater Grand Forks’ newest comedians. Clocking in at just under one year of experience, Piekarski has taken the area comedy scene by storm. From being a regular at open mic nights in the region to opening for Paint the Town in the packed basement venue of Half Brothers, Nellie brings her audience into her life. With each performance, Nellie gives audiences a raw look into her world through her engaging, no-filter storytelling style.

MATTHEW TERNUS

Matthew Ternus has taken the stage throughout the Greater Grand Forks area for the past three years. With standup comedy experience performing at open-mic venues like Archives Coffee House and Half Brothers, and with improv comedy experience through Nine & Numb, Ternus brings his unique storytelling-style of standup comedy to the Empire’s stage for the first time. An early nominee for the category Entertainer in Community Votes Grand Forks 2024, Matthew aims to have everyone laughing either with him or at him.

RICHARD Z

A staple of North Dakota comedy, Richard Z is a regular at The Cellar in Fargo and can be found at mics all over the state. He has performed throughout the Midwest, and was a finalist in Acme’s Funniest Person in the Twin Cities contest in 2023. As a student of the craft, Richard has studied comedy and theatre at The Guthrie, HUGE Improv Theater, and The Second City.