In 2001, Keith Stubbs found a vacant space in a West Valley strip mall and remodeled it into Wiseguys Comedy Club.
Now 10 years and countless jokes later, Wiseguys has become a prominent club and hot spot for some of the country's most popular comedians.
Wiseguys will celebrate its 10th birthday with a special show Saturday, Feb. 5, featuring Saturday Night Live alum Norm MacDonald. The shows at the West Valley club will begin at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Birthday cake will be served at all clubs during all shows on Feb. 5 to thank patrons for their loyal support of Wiseguys.
Over the years, Wiseguys has brought in names such as Margaret Cho, Joel McHale, Frank Caliendo, Adam Carolla, Charlie Murphy, Eddie Griffin, Lewis Black, the Wayans Brothers, Louis C.K., Caroline Rhea, Jay Mohr, Rob Schneider, Kevin Nealon and MacDonald. The talent has impressed those who attend the club, said Stubbs, a comedian himself and former stock broker.
With the support, advice and ample stage time provided by Stubbs, many local aspiring comedians have been given their first opportunities at taking the stage to try their hand at comedy. Ryan Hamilton, Marcus and Sina Amedson are young comedians who first started at Wiseguys. Marcus and Ryan Hamilton were both on NBC's Last Comic Standing, with Marcus finishing in second place. Hamilton was named one of Rolling Stone magazine's "Young Comedians to Watch" and Sina is appearing in a 2011 Sundance movie.
In addition to its original West Valley location, Wiseguys has locations in Ogden (2003) and Trolley Square (2009).