Pat Godwin

The Comedy Zone

June 29, 2010

I wouldn't ordinarily review a comedian, let alone post any thoughts about one on the music blog, but comedian Pat Godwin has enough music-based material that I thought I'd share some. Godwin performed a 45-minute set tonight for "Friends and Family Night" as part of the grand opening weekend for the new Charlotte Comedy Zone at the N.C. Music Factory.

Godwin, who has been featured on a variety of morning radio programs such as Howard Stern and Bob and Tom, hit the stage with his guitar, a handful of original songs and plenty of humor aimed at familiar musicians.

His comedy touched on Hootie and the Blowfish, Dave Matthews Band, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and U2. I don't want to spoil any of the show, but as a huge music fan and music editor, I was laughing my ass off.

He made jokes about a few people in the audience, tied some people into songs, sang a song he wrote about Charlotte, offered his slowed-down hip-hop tribute in "Gangsta Folk" and referred to the club's odd basement-like location often.

The club dealt with a few issues such as sound and hot lighting on stage, but overall the experience was a great one. The now-bare walls will soon be covered by murals and the minor kinks will easily be worked out.

In the meantime, I'd highly recommend checking out Godwin this weekend (he's here through July 2). You can also find a calendar of events for the Comedy Zone here. I have to admit, I'm kind of curious to what Flavor Flav's gonna do on that stage...