Stand-up comic Matt Cole hosted the outdoor comedy event “Quaran-Times Day” at Asylum Brewing in Anaheim Valentine’s Day where locals gathered ’round for laughs, relatable stories, fresh brew and authentic tacos.
The show consisted of adult humor with short storytelling, relationship and pandemic themed skits. Cole described the show as “rated-R” and “madhouse comedy” and included special guests Tim Groeschel, Ken Garr and headliner Taylor Tomlinson.
Tomlinson previously appeared on Conan and has a 1-hour special called “Quarter-Life Crisis” currently on Netflix.
The name of the show “Quaran-Times Day” was a play on words to note the holiday being affected by the pandemic. However, being planned on Valentine’s Day held little significance.
Cole decided to host the event because outdoor events had recently opened back up in Orange County, so he wanted to schedule something quickly, noting, “We just wanted to get them out here and have some fun!”
Within minutes of starting the show, Cole pointed out an audience member, “I don’t want to say too much about that mustache, but it’s probably got some 1970s cocaine in there.”
The comedians performed in the back parking lot of the venue where the mood was lively as audience members wiped away tears of laughter. Tomlinson recognized the humor in the location of the event, “Look at us making it work in the sketchiest place I ever did a show!”
Groeschel included post-pandemic shortcomings in his skit emphasizing his increased use of food delivery services, telling the crowd, “It should be illegal that at 2 a.m. my phone can ask me if I want to spend $35 on a burrito. Of course, I’m going to, that’s attractive!”
Garr’s skit focused on his marriage with his wife whom he described as comparatively more attractive than him, “My wife is so beautiful people think I’m her gay best friend.”
Tomlinson’s skit focused on relationship struggles and seeking professional help during the pandemic in a humorous way.
“Zoom therapy… watching your trauma buffer, it’s the best,” Tomlinson joked.
When asking the crowd if anyone had been to couples therapy, she received an unexpected reply from a couple in the audience that were not patients but couples therapists. After engaging with them she apologized and said, “Sorry guys, that was about me not you.” The couple laughed and one said, “We’re therapists, we know.”
The comedy show was exclusive to ages 21 and up due to the location and two-drink minimum requirement. Asylum Brewing had six beers available on the menu and tap water. Borracho Tacos set up a stand so that the audience could order tacos at the show as well.
Masks were required for entry and when not eating or drinking. Each party was seated at separate tables and spaced apart to adhere to CDC guidelines on social distancing.
For more comedy events and information follow Matt Cole @mattcolecomedy on Instagram or visit his website.
