Now performing almost exclusively for corporate audiences in Canada, the United States and Europe, Disero can also be seen in promotional spots for RIM (makers of the Blackberry) detailing the life of a comedian attempting to use the device within the confines of the cutthroat entertainment business. In addition to performing at conferences and conventions, Disero regularly performs aboard some of the world’s largest cruise ships, for lines such as NCL, Princess and Holland America, and has taken the stage for the Canadian Armed Forces to boost morale for them in Cyprus, Bosnia, the U.E.A. and even up at the North Pole.

Catch Matt Disero with magician Darren Moore Friday, November 13, 8:30 p.m., at Groucho’s Comedy Club in the Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn (1300 N. Atlantic Ave.). For more information, visit www.grouchoscomedy.com or call Groucho’s new comedy hotline: 866-0222.

Faye Woodruff has years’ worth of opinions to express and stories to tell, all of which are not quite as “sweet” as audiences might expect from a grandmother. She not only targets male egos, but often recounts how she tried to eliminate a few uncooperative husbands with poison mushrooms. And Faye’s stories about aging body parts and her sexual escapades may have hysterical audience members begging to use some of her extra Depends.

After raising her children and working as a clerical secretary at a school for more years than she cares to remember, Faye had finally reached the time for retirement and relaxation until friends and coworkers started teasing her about growing old. Soon Faye was up in front of audiences proving how alive she was by winning Showtime’s “Funniest Person in Tennessee “and then HBO’s Comic Relief II National Championship. Now known as “the Grandmother from Hell,” Faye tours tirelessly and is set to perform locally this month.

Faye Woodruff appears with comedian Derik Boik at Gregory’s Comedy Club on Thursday, November 12 at 9 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with preferred seating for dinner guests. To find out more about the show or to order tickets, visit www.gregoryscomedyclub.com. Gregory’s is located upstairs at 900 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Call 799-2557 for more details.

AL APRILL

On the air, Al Aprill’s TV appearances include “48 Hours” with Dan Rather and ABC’s “Home Improvement,” as well as featured performances on “Night Shift” and PM Magazine’s “So You Want to Be a Comedian.” Al was also Continental Airline’s — and the world’s — first in-flight comic, drawing notices from all the major networks and wire services. “High comedy,” they called it.

Originally from Michigan, Al began work as a sales engineer. His comedy career was officially launched on a 1980 business trip to L.A., when friends dared him to take the open mike at the Comedy Store. He’s been entertaining ever since.

Live, Al has appeared with such greats as the late Count Basie, Kennie Rankin, and Dave Mason. In competition, he was named the 1990 and 1991 Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search Finalist in Detroit and Miami, and in 1995, he was nominated as a finalist in the Vail Comedy Invitational Competitions in Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and St. Louis.

Al Aprill performs Friday, October 16, 8 p.m. at Groucho’s Comedy Club in the Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn (1300 N. Atlantic Ave.; 866-0222). He’ll also be performing Saturday, October 17 at Groucho’s newest venue, The Blue Cellar, located at 924 E. New Haven Ave. in downtown Melbourne. Call 722-2594 for more details. For more information visit www.alaprill.com. You can also find out more by visiting www.grouchoscomedy.com or by calling Groucho’s at (772) 221-0990.

GARY CONRAD

Hypnotist Gary Conrad has quickly become one of the hottest and most skillful hypnotists working in this country today. He began his odyssey into hypnosis in 1980 in order to better condition himself during training for bodybuilding competitions. Conrad soon learned that he could maximize his workout abilities through mind control, igniting a passion for hypnotism he holds to this day. After several years of study, which included a stint in England, Conrad began hypnotizing people in a clinical setting and eventually moved to the stage.

Conrad has hypnotized people from all walks of life, from Army Special Forces and bikers to New York Policemen and schoolteachers. His shows are among the most popular many comedy clubs host, with many longtime fans returning regularly to part of his unique shows.

Catch Gary Conrad at Gregory’s Comedy Club Thursday, October 8 at 9 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with preferred seating for dinner guests. To find out more about the show, visit www.gregoryscomedyclub.com or check www.garyconrad.com. Gregory’s Comedy Club is located upstairs at 900 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Call 799-2557 for more details.

But Johnson’s passion for stand-up remained, and his career began in earnest when he relocated to Jacksonville, where he attended a workshop at the Comedy Zone down the road from his home. After having honed his craft with emcee work and numerous open mic appearances, Johnson now finds himself being compared to Jackie Gleason, Kevin James, Jerry Seinfeld, and even Don Knotts.  He’s shared the stage with the likes of Chris Rock, Bob Saget, Richard Lewis, Damon Wayans, Tommy Davidson, Kevin Pollack, Adam Ferrara, and Jamie Kennedy and was also a semi-finalist in Comedy Central’s “Laugh Riots” competition and winner of the Carnival Cruise Line Comedy Challenge. Fans and critics agree that Johnson is the kind of comic who connects with all types of audiences.

Catch Danny Johnson with Herman Nasworth at Gregory’s Comedy Club Thursday, September 24 at 9 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with preferred seating for dinner guests. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. To find out more about the show, visit www.gregoryscomedyclub.com and check www.dannyjohnson.com for video samples of his act. Gregory’s Comedy Club is located upstairs at 900 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Call 799-2557 for more details.

A native New Yorker and proud father of two, Fernandez says his routines mainly draw on experiences in his own family, cultural differences among people and conflicts between genders and generations. Claiming Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor as early childhood influences, Fernandez  has performed as a member of the Copa Comedy Troupe at the Copacabana and is a ligit stage actor with the Puerto Rican Repertory Theater. He also has several television appearances to his credit, including NBC’s “Friday Night”, Showtime’s “Latino Laugh Festival,” Comedy Central’s “Stand Up Stand Up,” a starring role in the Paramount/UPN pilot “American Family” and feature roles in soap operas on ABC, CBS and NBC. Classically trained at the William Esper Studios, Fernandez combines his love for acting with his stand-up comedy to give his audiences a show they will never forget.

Andres Fernandez performs Friday, September 25th, 8 p.m. at Groucho’s Comedy Club in the Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn (1300 N. Atlantic Ave.; 866-0222). For more information, visit www.andresfernandez.com or www.grouchoscomedy.com

DeBoer’s nerve-hitting show flows from the devious side of childhood to the never-ending pressures of our times. His twisted observations on life, the world around him, and particularly how he’s managed to screw it up, have earned him a reputation as one of the most consistently strong acts wherever he goes. DeBoer, a national-touring comic with over 15 years experience in the business, guides his audience through a discovery of their own blunders and the laughter that lies within. Falling somewhere between “The Next John DeBoer of Comedy,” and “the best you can do on short notice,” he takes crowds on a ride they’ve all been on, yet somehow failed to see the humor in the first time through.

Having performed at a multitude of comedy clubs, casinos, corporate events, colleges, three federal penitentiaries, as well as on Comedy Central, HBO’s Comic Relief, and in national TV commercials, John DeBoer is one of the funniest comics you never heard of.

Catch John DeBoer with opener Ron Bender at Gregory’s Comedy Club Thursday, August 13th at 9 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with preferred seating for dinner guests. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. To find out more about the show, visit www.gregoryscomedyclub.com and check www.johndeboer.com for video samples of his act. Gregory’s Comedy Club is located upstairs at 900 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Call 799-2557 for more details.

In 1986, he won the “Funniest Person in Florida” award, and has since gone on to take the stage at the Punchline, Improv, Funny Bones, LaffFactory, and clubs throughout the United States. His comedy has earned him a spot as the closing act for A&E’s “Caroline’s Comedy Hour,” and he’s also appeared on Showtime, NBC’s “Ed,” “Law & Order” and “Last Comic Standing.”

Most recently, he’s toured as part of The Midlifers Stand-Up Tour, proving that getting older is an hilarious process. The show featured four comedians with four different perspectives on life and what it’s like to be middle aged in America, and Evans’ uproarious routine helped make 50 seem like the new 40. Find out why Ken Evans is being called one of comedy’s best-kept secrets.

Ken Evans appears Friday, August 21 at Groucho’s Comedy Club at the Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn (1300 N. Atlantic Ave.; 866-0222) — tickets are $12; show begins at 8 p.m. Other Groucho’s comedians this month include Rob Holloway with Shannon Hall (8/7); Joe DeLion and Darren Moore (8/14); and a special “Hypno Comedy Show” with the “HypnoLarryous” Larry Silver, founder of Groucho’s Productions. Groucho’s shows take place every Friday at the Holiday Inn. For more information on comedians and a planned “Best of Groucho’s” show this month, visit www.grouchoscomedy.com.

Frankie Paul is fast becoming a prominent force in the world of comedy. He’s been touring professionally and entertaining audiences all over the country since 1990 with his unique knack for taking a typically unnoticeable situation and elevating it to new levels of hysterics. From fishing, scuba diving, and female body builders to marriage, kids, and how we choose the animals we eat, Paul hits them all from angles you know but never see coming.

Born in New York City, Paul and his family moved to Melbourne at the age of seven where he lives today with his wife and two children. As he says, “Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned under a palm tree.” He knew from a young age that he had an uncanny comedic ability, especially in school, where as a rambunctious class clown he managed to avoid several trips to the front office through the power of laughter. Once you see Paul, you’ll want to see him again and will want to bring uninitiated friends to experience his act. With an animated appearance and positive edge, he takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride of uproarious laughter. If laughter is truly the best medicine, then Frankie Paul should be Surgeon General.

Frankie Paul appears at Groucho’s Comedy Club (at the Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn, 1300 N. Atlantic Ave.; 866-0222) on Friday, July 31. For more information, got to www.grouchoscomedy.com, or visit www.frankiepaulcomedy.com

Voted “Most likely to do something big with his life or fail miserably while trying,” Scotty Lee is doing just that. Lee began entertaining from the stage of his junior high school school auditorium when he was 12. From starring in musicals, to performing humorous monologues to entering every talent show he could sign up for, he knew early that entertaining was what he was destined to do.

Lee began crafting his stand-up comedy career at age 17 on the Wiseguys Comedy Café stage in West Valley Utah and today you’ll find him performing at many large and small comedy clubs and venues all across America and in many other parts of the world. He’s worked side-by-side with greats like George Carlin, Lewis Black, Dane Cook, and Doug Stanhope, and has been featured on The Kings of Utah Comedy Tour, The Van Candy Comedy Tour, his headlining “Am I Wrong” tour, and has been heard on many national and local radio stations all across the U.S. His material can be heard on Sirius Satellite radio and his comedy shorts can be seen on the internet worldwide.

Scotty Lee performs at Gregory’s Comedy Club (900 N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach; 799-2557) Thursday, July 16 at 9 p.m. For more details, visit www.gregorysonthebeach.com. To view clips of Scotty Lee’s routine, go to: www.scottylee.net
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Beginning this month, Groucho’s Comedy Club is moving to a new location and a new night. After almost 15 years together, Groucho’s is relocating from its old digs above Gregory’s just down the road to the Holiday Inn Oceanfront Resort in Cocoa Beach.

Groucho’s Productions was begun in 1986 by Larry Silver, who is determined to continue the club’s tradition and excellent reputation of providing the community with the best possible comedy available. Essentially a network of comedy clubs which draw from his impressive roster of performers — men and women who’ve graced the stages of cruise ships, casinos, metropolitan clubs, television, and film — the first Groucho’s club opened in Stuart shortly after starting out. Another club followed in Melbourne at Makoto’s in 1991 and yet another opened at Gregory’s three years later. Today, Groucho’s Productions also boasts comedy venues in Port St. Lucie, Clermont, and Okeechobee as well, making it the longest running comedy club in Florida.

Every Friday night at 8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, Larry will bring his favorite acts to the beachside. As part of the June 5 “Grand Opening,” Silver has booked longtime Groucho favorite John Ferrentino, who will also make an appearance the following day at downtown Melbourne’s Continental Flambé. June 12 sees the arrival of resort, casino, and Comedy Central comedian John Rathbone, followed by New Jersey’s own Tom Drake. On June 26, Groucho’s introduces today’s hottest, hippest ventriloquist, Peter Hefty (with Justin).

To learn more about Groucho’s scheduled comedians, visit www.grouchoscomedy.com. Tickets for all shows are only $12. For reservations, call 866-0222. The Holiday Inn Oceanfront Resort is located at 1300 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach.

Born in Kentucky and dragged throughout the South before settling in Indiana to be raised in a trailer, Mikey Mason has a diverse background to draw material from. With his abnormal childhood, five siblings, two marriages, children, multiple pets, college experiences, and many career changes (ranging from fast food service and working at a funeral home to teaching middle school, high school and college, as well as working with at-risk youth), he’s got a lot to talk — and sing — about. He’s spent the last two decades transitioning from performing in bands and sketch and improv comedy troupes to performing standup comedy.

With a strong stage presence, infectiously hilarious original songs, and a wit as fast as his mouth, Mason is an unforgettable performer, and definitely not your typical “guitar comic.” He’s plunges into his standup and songs, one leading into the other, grabbing the audience by surprise with an incredibly high-energy performance that keeps everyone laughing and singing along, then leaves them screaming for more. Mikey Mason is unabashed, unafraid, and unquestionably funny.

Catch Mikey Mason Wednesday, April 22nd at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill (610 Glen Cheek Dr.; Port Canaveral; 784-4533). Show starts at 10 p.m. Check out Mikey’s websites for samples of his routine: www.mikeymason.com and www.myspace.com/mikeymason

Phil Tag

Asbury Park, NJ native Phil Tag, an accomplished comedian, writer and actor, proves that versatility is one of the most valuable traits in show business. As a stand-up comic for well over a decade, Phil headlines both comedy clubs and universities throughout the country and internationally.

He’s performed at many corporate events and has been the master of ceremonies for an array of award banquets, and has appeared on Jay Leno twice, his hilarious riffs on everything from smoking and restaurant service to pets and sports eliciting uproarious applause from the audience. As a writer, Phil worked for “Saturday Night Live,” wrote scripts and screen plays for several films, including projects for Disney and Barry Sonnenfeld, and served as head writer and associate producer of a comedy sports show entitled “Unsportsmanlike Conduct.” Phil has numerous television appearances under his belt, including spots on Showtime, Comedy Central, A&E’s “Evening at the Improv,” and “Good Morning America.” In an interesting twist, Phil was the comedy champion on the last episode of “Star Search” before its demise, effectively leaving him with the title for all time.

Phil has performed with some of the country’s most beloved comedians, but reserves special appreciation for his audiences, without whom, as he notes, he’d “be nothing more than a man on stage talking to himself.”

Phil Tag appears Friday, Thursday, April 9th at Groucho’s Comedy Club in Cocoa Beach (above Gregory’s at 900 Atlantic Ave.; 799-2557); Friday, April 10th at Coyote’s in Indian Harbour Beach (1070 E. Eau Gallie Blvd.; 610-7950); and Saturday, April 11th at Melbourne’s Groucho’s in Makoto’s (785 S. Babcock Rd.; 724-1220). Shows begin at 9:30. For more details, visit www.grouchoscomedy.com. To watch and hear samples of Phil Tag’s comedy, go to: www.comedianphiltag.com

Kris’s personality and versatility have allowed him to perform in nearly 40 states and around the world. Counting Steve Martin, Bill Cosby and George Burns as inspirations, he’s entertained troops in Iraq, Kuwait, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia and Africa, he’s been seen in several national television commercials, and recently had a recurring extra role on the CBS series “Close To Home.” You can currently hear him on XM-Sirius Radio, using his cutting wit to make some incredibly insightful (and very funny) observations about modern life and the world around us.

See Kris Shaw Wednesday, March 18th at Fishlips Waterfront (610 Glen Cheek Dr.; Port Canaveral; 784-4535). Visit www.fishlipswaterfront.com, or check out Kris’ website — www.krisshaw.com — for video samples.

Rathbone’s act is characterized by witty insights, urbane style, fantastic expressions and an easy rapport with his audiences. His sense of humor appeals to a remarkable range of tastes, and he has dozens of TV and radio performances under his belt, having appeared on Showtime, the A&E Network, “Bob & Tom” and the Comedy Central. A self-described generalist, native Ohioan Rathbone doesn’t avoid topical issues because of their “short shelf life.” If he did, he’d end up “preaching to the choir,” as he says. “A lot of it is taking cheap shots at people I really don’t care about in the first place.”

John Rathbone performs Thursday, March 5th at Groucho’s Comedy Club in Cocoa Beach (900 Atlantic Ave.; 799-2557). Due to Makotos re-modeling their banquet room, Groucho’s Melbourne location will move to Coyote’s Seafood Restaurant & Raw Bar every Friday and Saturday for the month of March. Rathbone will perform there (1070 E. Eau Gallie Blvd.; Indian Harbour Beach; 610-7950) Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th. Shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $12. A special dinner show option for $16.99 is offered for the Friday performance; Saturday dinner shows start at $21.99. Comic Michelle Harrington opens. For more information, visit www.grouchoscomedy.com, or www.johnrathbone.com

The Naughty and Sorta’ Nice comedic duo of April Macie and Christina Pazsitsky

Naughty and Sorta’ Nice is April Macie (finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and E! Entertainment) and Christina Pazsitsky (from MTV’s “Road Rules” and “Last Comic Standing”). Together, they’re a modern-day version of the odd couple, accomplished stand-up comedians and best friends.

Nice (Pazsitsky) is getting married. Naughty (Macie) is forever single. Nice likes fat guys, while Naughty likes male strippers. Nice is an angelic flower — that is, if angelic flowers told jokes about sex, race, and “poopin’ in people’s cat boxes.” Nothing is off-limits for this Catholic girl gone wrong. Naughty, on the other hand is an angel deflowered. She just can’t help it. If you like sex, or if sex makes you fell shameful and a little dirty, then this show is for you.

Do you remember the girl in your highschool who had a horrible rumor spread about her? It might have involved a football team, a dog and some peanut butter or processed meat. Well, that girl in Easton, Pennsylvania was April Macie. With her irreverent brand of overtly sexual humor she attempts to break down double-standards and lend her voice to sexually dissatisfied women everywhere. Although she’s only been doing comedy for a short period of time, she’s been using comedy as a defense her entire life. Christina Pazsitsky performs in Los Angeles as well as major comedy clubs across the U.S and won 2nd Place in 2007’s “California’s Funniest Female Contest.” She’s also written for countless animated shows and has earned accolades as Animation Magazine’s “Up and Coming Animation Writer.” Apart from her recent appearance on “Last Comic Standing,” she can be seen on Animal Planet’s “The A List.”

Catch Naughty and Sorta’ Nice Thursday, February 26th at Groucho’s in Cocoa Beach (900 Atlantic Ave.; 799-2557) and Friday and Saturday night, February 27th and 28th at Groucho’s in Melbourne (785 S. Babcock Rd.; 724-1220). Shows start at 9:30; tickets are $14. For more details, visit www.naughtybutsortanice.com, or www.grouchoscomedy.com

If life is analogous to a journey through the forest — and the masses tout “success” as being focused enough to find your way out — then Roy Haber is proudly one of the lost.

Born In Israel, Roy had your average beginning. Then, as if the confusion of his roots weren’t enough to turn this little boy into a skewed man, his parents pulled the cruelest trick you can play on a child, deciding to raise him in Kentucky. Considering this kaleidoscope of genealogy and eclecticism of personality traits, only one career path seemed appropriate for Roy: Comedy.

Standing at a breathtaking 5 feet, 2 inches, and weighing in at a staggering 130 pounds, Roy Haber is one funny little dude. His life is his comedy, and vice versa. Roy revels in his unique redneck-Jewish heritage, and unlike other guys his stature who have a chip on their shoulder, Roy takes it all in stride. He’s as funny as other short guys are pissed, and rather than compensating for it with a pickup truck, he makes his statement on the stage with laughter and applause. Whether it’s making fun of himself, tackling serious issues like his battle with Crohn’s disease, slamming an analytical magnifying glass on world events and society in general, or sharing a story from his travels, Roy’s comedy is live, direct, and brutally honest.

Roy has performed throughout the United States, for our troops abroad, and cut his teeth on many stages in Canada. He’s appeared with Jim Breuer, Tommy Davidson, Don Rickles, Tim Wilson, Alex Reymundo, and many more. He also received numerous awards at the IMTA Nationals in Los Angeles California, including 2nd runner-up, “Actor Of The Year”. Come out to the show, warm up your face muscles, and prepare your tear ducts for an evening of hilarity. You’ll be sure to have big fun with this little man. But be warned… Anything goes!

Catch Roy Haber’s act Wednesday, February 11th at Fishlips Waterfront (610 Glen Cheek Dr.; Port Canaveral; 784-4535). Visit www.fishlipswaterfront.com, or check out Roy’s website — www.royscomedy.com — for sample videos of his routine.

Jumping from high school straight to the stage, Malone has been performing since he was 19. His first time on stage he took home second place at the local comedy club and from there he was asked to be in one of Ohio’s most elite comedy improv groups. “The Boss Players” had him touring with headlining and veteran comedians all over the Midwest. He was let loose in Los Angeles in 2005 doing stand-up at various prestigious clubs, such as The Improv and The Laugh Factory, where he returned again in ‘06.

Malone’s most recent double album, Random Thoughts, is an instant hit, jam-packed with non-stop laughter from the second he grabs the mic. “Dangerously outrageous” might be the best way to describe his sense of humor, which covers such topics as the war, life experiences and, of course, past relationships. He’s been seen on “Last Comic Standind” and has been featured on XM radio. Malone’s intense stage persona marks him a consistent crowd favorite, and he stands out from his peers with his rubbery facial expressions, high energy, biting sarcasm and wildly imaginative views. Need evidence? Just visit his official website — www.malonecomedy.com — to see video and audio clips of him in action.

Catch Michael Malone Thursday, January 15th at Groucho’s Comedy Club in Cocoa Beach (900 N. Atlantic Ave.; 799-2557). Tickets are $12. Visit www.grouchoscomedy.com for details and stop by www.malonecomedy.com for clips and touring dates.