Help Barrel of the Bottoms Move Out

Stephen here with Barrel of the Bottoms:

I think it's best to start by saying how incredible it is that I'm even getting to type this. The Barrel started in 2017. Originally, it was a podcast studio, writer's office, and comedy collective that produced monthly shows providing much needed stage time to a blossoming comedy scene. After surviving the brunt of the pandemic with the help of Knuckleheads Saloon for letting us produce shows outside, live-streaming shows like Body Language and plenty of other content creators utilizing our space, we have moved to weekly shows at our venue and others around Kansas City. We love this scene and being able to bring it to new faces is an incredible feeling. It all started with that venue in the West Bottoms and that's why I'm here today asking for your help.

These shows have been lucky to have incredible comics from across the country, but nothing beats our audiences. The Barrel has been a favorite venue of comics because the people that come out LOVE it. So many comics come in from New York, LA, Chicago, etc and wish they had what we have. You have made the Barrel one of the most uniquely special venues in the Midwest, and we can't thank you enough for coming to shows, sharing our content, and telling your circle about us. Our supporters have kept us alive and we're excited to start a new chapter together!

It's always been an expectation that we would outgrow our current location in the Hobbs Building. It is a small space and our landlords never loved our interpretation of "art space" to include performance art and especially not a diy comedy club. We are leaving our current venue by September 30, 2024 and will exist (for at least a little while) as a remote organization with consistent shows all around Kansas City.

The focus is on the future even when the past has been this fun. The move will free us to do even more. We currently produce shows every Saturday at the Barrel and every Sunday at Knuckleheads. We will now be at Arts on Broadway in the basement of Post Coffee every single Saturday, and by the end of the Fall, we plan to have weekly shows every Friday through Sunday in Kansas City. The shows are in larger venues with more tickets we need to move. This is where you come in:

Barrel of the Bottoms has always been designed as an art-collective space for comics from across the country and Kansas City to showcase their talents. Many of whom have graduated to larger spaces like SNL, Netflix, Etc. We've never been in the business of making money. All of our ticket sales go towards paying comics, rent, taxes, and then back into ads for the next show. Moving from a venue you've been in for six years won't be easy but with your help, we will make this transition smoothly. It's not our intention to ask for help without something in return so we are giving out free shows and free +1s for your kindness.

ANY DONATION: 1 Free Show and a +1

$50: Laugh Pass +1 for 6 MONTHS

$100: Laugh Pass +1 for 1 YEAR

$500: Laugh Pass +1 for LIFE

Going remote and doing more shows means we want to reward our supporters first! We're launching a monthly subscription called the Laugh Pass which gets you: UNLIMITED Free Shows with a +1, Early ticket access to shows, Merch Discounts.

It's perfect for someone who loves date nights, has friends and family in town, or loves to save money because you get this all for $20/Month. After your donation, you will receive an email with instructions!

We believe in full transparency so here is what your money will directly go toward for the first calendar year:

Whether it's $1 or $40, we still want to say thanks with a free ticket and a +1. If money is too tight, trust we understand. A share on socials or email goes such a long way in this day and age and we're just asking for any help you can offer. Donate, Share, or Show Up or Don't! Either way, thanks for getting us this far!

Fridays: Rotating Shows (Follow us for details)

Saturdays: Arts on Broadway (7PM)

Sundays: Knuckleheads Saloon (6PM)

Barrel Linktree