Brick City Comedy Revue

This month's show features:

Carmen Lagala masterfully blends silly and confessional humor with an approach that makes you feel like you’re pulling an all-nighter with a best friend. Carmen’s journey from a shy Vermont collegiate hall-of-fame athlete to a well-known New York City stand-up comedian is nothing short of inspiring. You may have seen her on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, from her viral Don’t Tell Comedy set, or in clubs and colleges around the country! You can find her on Instagram & TikTok, and subscribe to her YouTube channel to catch her debut hour-long special, which hit 100k views in its first two months!

Racheal Parenta has been seen on Lifetime, Animal Planet and Discovery Channel. She’s was featured in Time Out New York had several short plays produced, an essay published alongside Carrie Fisher in the book entitled What Was I Thinking?!, contributed writings to the Grumpy Films’ podcast "Sketchpod", was featured in the New York Underground Comedy Festival’s Emerging Comics Showcase, has appeared twice at the Women in Comedy Festival in Cambridge, co-hosted "Sports Ball" podcast produced by TWIB FM.

Joe Markz is a comedian and guitarist who is one of New Jersey's most promising up-and-coming performers. He is the producer of shows at Newark's Takeoff Lounge and Cryout Cave.

Special guest co-host

Kristina Gustovich is an Earth scientist, performer, and educator. When she’s not puttin’ on the Ritz in live shows like Yesterday’s Horoscope, she’s a doctoral student at Columbia’s Teachers College studying science education in informal settings like museums (and Caveat!). Find her on socials at @K_Gustovich on X and @mucho_gustovich on Instagram.

Musical Guest

Haitian-American artist “JoSUÉ” (Josué Simon) has been leaving audiences breathless with his feel-good lyrics, high-energy singing and the tune of his captivating saxophone dubbed “Fat Lady.” With 10+ years of experience performing professionally, the Newark, NJ native has captivated crowds all across the tri-state area— most recently playing at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. JoSUÉ’s accolades also include performances at the 2018 Newark Arts Open Doors Citywide Arts Festival and the 2018 Ubuntu Awards. JoSUÉ would come to form RoyalXctasy, a collective of various artists and instrumentalists freely blending genres and sounds to create new musical experiences. 2018 saw the release of JoSUÉ’s single “Winner,” a genre-fusing Pop/House uptempo anthem dedicated to women empowerment.

Official Stop of Newark First Fridays

Host or Publisher Justin Williams