Charity Shows for Comedian Reena Calm

June 20

Comedian Reena Calm has headlined Mason City Limits many times. Unfortunately, she was recently diagnosed with Cancer. The Central Illinois community of comedians is pitching in for two charity comedy shows, with proceeds going directly to Reena to help mitigate expenses during her recovery.

We'll offer two performances to support this cause. There will be at least 8 comedians on each show: Friday on The Thirsty Barrell's patio, Saturday at Mason City Limits Comedy Club these are 8pm shows.

Andrew Starr

June 27

Join the fun as the ensemble show will belatedly celebrate Peoria comedian Andrew Starr's birthday. Growing up using comedy as both a coping mechanism and a defensive strategy, Andrew Starr seemed destined for the stage—especially with a grandfather named "Johnny Carson Starr."

Motivated by a desire to participate in an art form rather than critique it from the sidelines, Andrew first took the stage in 2020 at Mason City Limits. The experience was, by Andrew's own admission, chaotic. "My nerves were shot. I remember machine-gunning my jokes and not even waiting for laughs."

While rookie mistakes are part of the process, Andrew learned quickly. By 2022, Andrew landed a first paid gig in Cleveland, Ohio. Andrew has enjoyed performing alongside and learning from a wide range of professional comedians. Andrew's humor is dark but not edgy—thought-provoking while still playful. Audiences can expect to laugh, reflect, and leave with a slightly altered perspective on the world.

Ruben Ramirez

July 11

Ruben Ramirez is a Chicago based comedian and actor who is known for his blue & observational comedy. He's performed on the Michael Colyar Morning Show , WGN TV and You can catch him on BET+ North of the 10 and Canal Street and on Amazon Prime & Tubi for other films.

He's opened up for touring comedians Martin Amini, Kevin Herrera, Martin Moreno, George Perez, Christian Johnson, Chingo Bling, Craig Conant, Ken Flores, Concrete, Jerry Garcia, Edwin San Juan, DoKnow and Josh Pray. He's also Headlined the Que Chiste Comedy Festival in Seattle, WA and was a performer at the World Comedy Expo as well as competing on Roast Battle where his latest battle reached over 2 million views.

Reuben is signed with Chicago's top actors' agency Hayes Talent. He was also nominated for Best Comedian at the 312 Music Awards in 2023. His comedy will have you feeling that we aren't so different after all regardless of upbringing.

Jeremy Nunes

July 18

Often referred to as "Comedy's next great storyteller," Jeremy's unique show has been in demand for over 20 years. He's drawn rave reviews for his clever observations, unique storytelling style, and ability to improvise with his audience.

After winning $200 in a local comedy competition, the 6'6" comedian left the rural, Southern Illinois life behind to explore the comedy scene in Chicago. Once in Chicago, it was at The Second City Comedy Theater that he first developed the "front porch" comedy that is now a staple of his act.

Jeremy's Dry Bar Comedy Special, Neighborhood Sasq-Watch, is one of the highest rated episodes on the platform. Nunes also released an Amazon Prime special titled Who's With Me?! He has appeared in The Layover, The Break-Up, Last Comic Standing, Final Witness, 2 PBS mini-series, Comcast on Demand, a National Geographic Special and heard on ESPN Radio. Nunes is also one of the most requested comedians by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio listeners. He hosts the award winning comedy-meets-pro-wrestling podcast Dynamite Drop In.

He has since returned to his rural hometown where his parents manage a trailer park. Though he really wants to cash in on that gold mine, he continues to tour instead. Well, he tours when he can, because he got elected mayor of that town! He even wrote a best-selling book about his experiences called You Can't Write City Hall. Audiences are treated to observations of rural life, working as a small-town Mayor, tales of marriage and raising kids, and plenty of stories about his wisecracking Dad. Plus, hear the jokes that put him on the Bob and Tom radar!

This one-of-a-kind act is a must see… Who's with me?!