RICHMOND, VA. (WRIC) – The mic is hot in a new comedy club that just opened on Grace Street in Richmond.
Sandman Comedy Club had its first show on April 29th and this year the owners said people need a laugh more than ever.
Michael and Carrie Sands opened the appropriately named “Sandman” as a new venture after being married for over 30 years.
“First date, I took her to a comedy club,” Sands said. “Our first date.”
Now the circle has come full.
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After moving to Richmond from Wisconsin two years ago, they wanted to start their own comedy club.
“We took over the property on January 1, 2020,” said Sands. “We started the cleanup and prepared for the rebuild when COVID hit.”
Over a year later, the couple finally put on their first show.
The club is now located in the old Bank of Virginia building on Grace Street. They even converted the bank vault into an alcohol safe.
The club is in the old Bank of Virginia building and they have converted the vault into a liquor cabinet. ?
Now the couple are hoping to make people laugh this year when it is needed more than ever. pic.twitter.com/8OAFDsde7a
– Tyler Thrasher (@TylerJThrasher) April 30, 2021
“You can come in for an hour and a half and just laugh and forget about everything. We want to be part of the community and hug Richmond, ”said Sands.
The club is open every week from Thursday to Sunday. They have Sundays host an open mic night for local comedians and presenters.
To enter, you can Submit your comedy material. They host 20-24 comedians every Sunday.
The venue is also able to host weddings, birthdays and other events.
Sands said he just wants his club to bring joy to the people of Richmond.
“A place where people are comfortable to hang out,” said Sands. “A place where people can laugh and be entertained. The food is great, the drinks are great. We’re open and want to make Richmond laugh. Laughter is the best medicine.”