By Brian Kelley
When I heard that my friend and the Voice of the Wrestling at the Chase Larry Matsyik was going to be featured as a special guest at Hey Guys Comedy Club I knew I had to be there. The Midwest is very fortunate to have Matysik accessible to fans to still hear stories firsthand of legendary matches and the top stars to ever enter the ring from the days of the territories.
The event was hosted by wrestling historian and comedian Patrick Brandmeyer, whom just so happens to be a longtime supporter of pro wrestling in the Midwest. An added bonus for fans was the fact that WWE Hall of Famer, Cowboy Bob Orton was to be on hand to see his son Nathan Orton open up with hilarious stand-up comedy. I was pleas able to meet the son of Sam Muchnick, Dr. Richard Muchnick, who came to enjoy the show with wrestling referee Jay King. I was surprised to learn that he was a Doctor and had spent time stitching up the cuts of the stars of the Chase and the Kiel Auditorium.
Matysik has teamed up with his friend Herb Simmons to promote and announce for Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling in East Carondelet, Illinois while also providing his knowledge and advice to aspiring wrestling for the past four decades. So it was only fitting that Simmons was on stage with Matysik to interview him as the two friends went down memory lane on topics such as Sam Muchnick, Vince McMahon , Mickey Garagiola, Bruno Sammartino, Andre the Giant, Bruiser Brody, Harley Race, Pat O’Connor, the difference between pro wrestling from the past and today.
Larry was also surprised on the night thanks to special guest St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern who proclaimed the day as Larry Matysik Day along with a plaque.
At the end of the night Larry was more than happy to take photos, sign autographs and thank his fans and friends for coming on out. I hope that in the future that there will be another night for the fans and myself to enjoy a night with Larry Matysik.
Hey Guys Comedy Club
Nothing Compares to the Energy of a Live Comedy Performance!
Forget what you think you know about comedy clubs, because Hey Guys Comedy Club, the only dedicated live comedy venue in MetroEast St. Louis, is like no other you’ve ever seen! A first class venue with no obstructed views of the stage, hilarious comedians week in and week out, full bar service with a great selection of beers and specialty cocktails, a variety of delicious food options prepared by our food service partners, FlamentCo’s The Place, and friendly attentive service, all at reasonable prices make Hey Guys Comedy the perfect spot for date night or an evening with friends! And, if you’ve never been to a live comedy show, you will find there is nothing on cable TV or the internet to compare with the energy of a live performance!
Located in Fairview Heights, IL, just 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis and minutes from Belleville, O’Fallon, Columbia, Collinsville, and Scott AFB, Hey Guys Comedy features nationally touring comics headlining our Friday and Saturday shows, plus a variety of local comedy showcases, open mic nights and other events during the week. Go to our calendar page for a complete schedule of show dates, times and comics! Hey Guys Comedy’s Open Mic nights on selected Thursdays offer local comedians an opportunity to hone their craft, and comedy fans the chance to enjoy perhaps the next future comic star! Hey Guys Comedy also makes the club available for charity, group and corporate events, and offers sponsorship opportunities for local businesses.
Hey Guys Comedy is easily accessible off Illinois Route 159, just one mile south of St. Clair Square shopping center, with plenty of parking right out front. Guests are seated on a first-come, first-serve basis from the front of the club to the back, which enhances everyone’s enjoyment of the show. Every seat in the house is a great one!
In partnership with FlamentCo’s The Place, Hey Guys Comedy offers a great menu of hot and cold food items including chicken wings, sliders, nachos, salads and more! And best of all…there is NO DRINK MINIMUM at Hey Guys Comedy! In accordance with Illinois law, Hey Guys Comedy is a non-smoking venue.
Tickets are available online (or by calling 1800-514-etix) up to one hour before each show time, or at the door up until show time, based on availability. The box office opens 1 hour before show time. Doors and bar open one hour before the first show of the night, and generally 15-30 minutes before the second show.
For more info, check out our FAQs!
Hey Guys Comedy at 5225 N. Illinois St. (Rte. 159) in Fairview Heights, IL…Metro East’s home for laughs and great times!
