Brewability's Clean-ish Comedy Showcase: Inclusive fun for everyone

By Elisabeth Monaghan

Comic Jennifer Sutherland hosts Clean-ish Comedy Showcase at Brewability in Englewood, CO Photo: Giles Clasen

Brewability is an Englewood, Colorado-based brewery and pizzeria, where anyone, including individuals with disabilities, can eat and work. Since its inception in 2016, the establishment has received media coverage from the likes of Colorado Public Radio and Westword, as well as national and international media outlets like the BBC, Forbes, and LA Times.

Brewability Employee and comedic impressionist Michael Newland. Photo: Giles Clasen

Tiffany Fixter, who launched Brewability and Pizzability, went from special education teacher to business owner. While her restaurant is known for its made-to-order pizza and craft beer, Brewability has become a popular spot because it is a safe and inclusive space. It’s also a welcoming venue for community gatherings and free events, including drag bingo, goat yoga, book signings, and trivia nights.

Recently, Brewability added to its roster of events with its Clean-ish Comedy Showcase. The idea for the comedy show came from Denver-based comic Jennifer Sutherland, who has been a regular at Brewability since it opened its South Broadway location.

“Brewability has been my local hangout for years,” said Sutherland. “I knew there were events, but I wasn’t sure if they offered an open mic night, and asked Tiffany. She told me a story about one open mic night they hosted, where someone told a hurtful joke. That’s when I suggested a comedy showcase, so I could steer the comics in the right direction.”

Fixter liked Sutherland’s idea and agreed to try a couple of approaches before including the showcase as a recurring event. According to Sutherland, the first comedy showcase was more of a talent show for Brewability employees. She then began to reach out to local comics whose work she enjoyed.

In February of this year, Sutherland hosted the first monthly Clean-ish Comedy Showcase, and so far, comedians have eagerly accepted invitations, or they have asked Sutherland if they could participate.

Lisa Lane, who has done stand-up comedy for about seven years is among those who contacted Sutherland directly. “I saw my comedy friend Jennifer promoting the show on social media, loved the idea, and reached out to her for a spot,” she said.

Lane said she appreciated that the showcase focused on clean comedy and saw it as an opportunity to build an inclusive set that appeals to a variety of audiences. “I have been actively working this year on developing my clean material because when something is funny (without being dirty) to a broad spectrum of people, I know it’s a really good joke,” said Lane.

Comedian Ralph Grate. Photo: Giles Clasen

Veteran comic Ralph Grate, who was a writer for comedian George Wallace and opened for both the O’Jays and The Isley Brothers, accepted Sutherland’s invitation to perform at Brewability because he has experienced a dearth of available opportunities for clean, clever comedians in Denver, especially if they’re Black. “[P]eople expect the same type of racial vulgar material that they see most Black comics doing on social media,” Grate said. The Clean-ish Comedy Showcase was the perfect chance for Grate to get paid to perform in a venue that offers comedy the entire family can enjoy.

When Sutherland asked comedian Jake Cambron if he would participate in the showcase, he said yes, even though he wasn’t familiar with the venue. “I had no idea that Brewability was such an inclusive place and employed people all across the neurological spectrum,” said Cambron. “I’m autistic, so it instantly put me at ease and let me know what kind of material would be appropriate for the audience.”

Given the opportunity to return to the showcase, Cambron said he would do so in a heartbeat. And to anyone who isn’t sure what to expect, Cambron said people should approach the show with an open and kind heart.

“They should see the show because it’s a joy to see so many neurodiverse people able to come together and laugh in a positive environment. It’s definitely the kind of place where you leave your poor attitude at the door,” he said.

According to Sutherland, Brewability employee Michael Newland, who participates in almost every showcase, is a crowd-pleaser. For his set, Newland draws from his repertoire of over 400 impressions, including Donald Duck, Oscar the Grouch, and Grover. Newland, who started doing impressions as a hobby, said he likes getting a chance to make people happy and smile. “Being on stage is a great, great thing,” said Newland. “It makes me feel proud to do something like this.”

Sutherland said she is excited to see how well the Cleanish Comedy Showcase is taking off, but it is the reaction of her fellow comics who point to why Sutherland’s idea is a win for the comics and audience alike.

“[Brewability offers] great food and drink, loving service, with brilliant adaptations that make the experience fun and accessible for EVERYone,” Lisa Lane said. “Sharing the stage with comics — and performing for an audience of various abilities is thrilling. When we laugh together, we seem far more alike than different.” ■

The Clean-ish Comedy Showcase takes place on the first Wednesday of the month at Brewability, 3445 S. Broadway. Tickets are free, but donations are appreciated. For more information on Brewability, Clean-ish Comedy Showcase, or other upcoming events, visit https://brew-ability.com.