This smooth show has stood the test of time.
A pair of Kings County comedians recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of their free stand-up comedy show, happening every other Thursday at Greene Grape Annex in Fort Greene. The founders say that a focus on top-shelf entertainers has kept Butterscotch Comedy alive over the years.
“What’s consistent about our show is us and that we book comics of quality — we won’t just book anyone,” said Park Slope resident Maria Heinegg, who co-hosts the show with Fort Greene dweller Courtney Fearrington.
The duo created Butterscotch in December 2016, when Heinegg mistakenly wandered into Grape Greene Annex while trying to meet Fearrington at a different venue. When she saw that the eatery had a raised platform that could work as a stage, the comedienne immediately pitched the show to the café’s manager.
Since then, Heinegg and Fearrington have hosted plenty of well-known funny folk at the coffee house, including Jo Firestone, Seaton Smith, Dulcé Sloan, and Sasheer Zamata, among others. Fearrington said he and Heinegg try to constantly source a variety of comics to ensure that no two shows are the same.
“Maria and I make it a point to make it just as well-rounded as you possibly can,” he said. “If you came to a show a year ago, you’re going to see a totally different show if you come again.”
The humorists attract a regular crowd of fans for Butterscotch, and repeatedly persuade laptop-wielding café goers — who usually end up being half of the overall audience — to turn off their screens and tune into the show, according to Fearrington.
“Throughout the show you can watch them glance up at you — the best is when someone closes their laptop and doesn’t leave and stays for the show,” he said. “It’s not like a challenge, but it’s a trophy.”
The pair are always excited to see dedicated coffee drinkers join their regular viewers.
“I’m always overwhelmed and stoked for how many people don’t leave,” she said.
Butterscotch’s next show will take place on Jan. 17, featuring Hari Kondabolu, Seaton Smith, and Leah Bonnema, among others, as well as a coat drive.
“We’re really excited about the line-up,” Heinegg said.
Butterscotch at Greene Grape Annex (753 Fulton St. at S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, www.green
