Start weekend with a laugh at 'Laughlines'

Don Friesen, two-time winner of the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, is bringing his humorous take on life as a suburban husband and father to the Yuba-Sutter area Friday night during the annual "Laughlines" hosted by Soroptimist International of Marysville-Yuba City.

"It's a Friday night, it's after work," said longtime Soroptimist member Jackie Sillman. "Start your weekend off with a laugh!"

Set at the Bonanza Inn in Yuba City for ages 18 years and over, the fundraiser also includes comedians Sean Peabody and "Soccer Mom" Cheryl Anderson, with local resident Jimmy Earll as emcee.

All have performed in comedy clubs across the United States.

The evening also includes a no-host bar and a silent auction.

"Tickets may be (available) at the door, but I would not take that risk," said Cherie Stephens, event chairwoman. Previous shows have sold out.

Friesen's humor appeals to a wide range of adults, Stephens noted. "It ties into family, it ties into adapting to technologies. It appeals to young and older people."

She added, "I was also impressed (that) his humor is clean. It's funny, but it's clean."

The headliner, based in South Pasadena, did a Showtime special, "Ask Your Mom," tours the country and can be heard nationally on Sirius XM.

He is the only two-time winner in the San Francisco comedy competition's more than 36-year history.

Bay Area resident Sean Peabody has performed with several talents including Bruce Bruce, Eddie Griffin, D.C. Curry and John Witherspoon.

Anderson recently appeared on the Nickelodeon program "NickMom Night Out" and is the author of two humor books including "It's a Jungle Out There and a Zoo in Here."

Yuba-Sutter resident Earll has opened for various performers and writes comedy in addition to doing comedy shows.

While "Laughlines" patrons enjoy the performers' clean comedy, they are also donating funds for local Soroptimist programs including Girls on the Run, First Steps and Club S at River Valley High School, plus individual projects.

"Their dollars ... directly affect other's lives," Stephens said. "It may be small things, but huge in other's lives."

This year's goal for "Laughlines," the Soroptimists' only fundraiser for the year, is to clear $10,000, Stephens said. Last year's event raised $7,000.

Before "Laughlines," the Soroptimists hosted a "Casino Night" as its major fundraiser.

Laughlines is "a night of just letting go of challenges you have that week," Sillman said. And, "You raise enough money to fund our programs throughout the year."

"Take someone with you and have a good time" at the comedy night, Stephens said. "And give something back. It's a win-win situation."

CONTACT Leticia Gutierrez at lgutierrez@appealdemocrat .com or call 749-4722.