Portland after dark F e b r u a r y / M a r c h 2 0 1 8 2 7 photo by brian peterson; inset: jake jacobson Just for Laughs Talented locals and eager audiences have transformed Portland’s comedy scene into a headline act. By Madison Andrews “I t’s impossible to be in the alter- native scene in the Portland area and not hook up with dudes who are into woodworking,” deadpans Micaela Tepler with a shrug. No, we’re not sharing a private drink in a quiet bar. Tepler is on stage in front of a crowd of laughing strang- ers. At a time when a little comic relief is welcome, Portland’s comedy scene packs a punch from Monday through Sunday. Step inside Blue and you’ll find its inte- rior warm and intimate, with deep red walls and muted lighting. On Monday nights, Blue treats its patrons to a stand-up comedy show, “Worst Day of the Week.” Presented by Portland Comedy Co-op, the event features both local and out-of-state comedians, in- cluding sets from members Tepler, Connor McGrath, Ali Simpson, and Anders Nielsen. Shortly before 8 p.m. on a recent Mon- day, I slip into a seat at the bar. Blue’s events are donation-based, and the menu polite- ly requests guests order at least one item. They don’t need to tell me twice. A draft of Goodfire Brewing Co. Waves ($7) can only help subside the drag of another Monday. Showtime. The first comedian is slow to ignite the audience with a quiet yet impas- sioned monologue about tuna fish, but this crowd isn’t baring its teeth–yet. Nielsen de- scribes the crowd at Blue as “our refined, NPR audience.” Another round of drinks and several sets later, seasoned comedian Tepler takes the stage, reducing the now- loosened audience to hysterics with her sharp wit. Her secret? “I use what’s around me,” she says. “A lot of my material comes out of Portland, but I also like to subvert what people think being a woman is about.” Gin and Jokes To give you a head-start on the weekend, Portland Comedy Co-op also produces Laugh Shack Comedy every Thursday at Lincoln’s. “The best thing about Blue and Lincoln’s is they’re really well-established,” Tepler says. “The people in the audience know what they’re getting, and they’re coming back.” Lincoln’s reputation as a hotbed for up-and-coming comedy has been building “I’m at a point in my life where I can’t decide if I want to start yoga or smoking.” –Mark Turcotte