By: Steven Sandage
April 21, 2024 – Nestled in the heart of Old Town Clovis, Slice of Comedy took center stage at DiCicco’s last Saturday night, cooking up a recipe for success.
Excitement buzzed within the cozy, artisanal ambiance of DiCicco’s as members of the community gathered for a night of entertainment. Danny Minch, the event’s visionary and co-headliner, meticulously ensured every detail was perfect, from setting up extra tables to greeting guests with his affable charm.
In every corner of the room, a tapestry of faces, both familiar and new, wove together in a symphony of food, drinks, and conversation. A sense of camaraderie permeated the air, drawing together relatives, friends, and couples alike to DiCicco’s.
An old acquaintance reconnected with a long-lost friend, sparking laughter and reminiscence. “Didn’t we last run into each other at that one Golf Tournament?” they chuckled.
“They grow up so fast but on their own time,” remarked one voice, echoing the bittersweet nostalgia of parenthood. In another corner, laughter erupted like a bubbling fountain as friends exchanged stories and jokes.
Local Clovis resident Alicia Peña twinkled with delight as she experienced the Slice of Comedy show at DiCicco’s for the first time to support Aaron Schoonover. “I’ve known his momma forever,” she explained, underscoring the close-knit bonds of Clovis.
As the lights dimmed, the stage was set for a night of hearty laughter. Host Nick Ward introduced three captivating comedians who delighted the audience with their wit and humor.
Comedian Tom Smith, with his ‘might be coffee, might be blood’ stained shirt, kicked off the evening with his self-deprecating sense of humor. Next up was Danny Minch, a master of crowd interaction, who took the audience on a rollercoaster of taboo laughter. Closing the night on a true high note was Aaron Schoonover, with his terrific stage presence and spot-on facial expressions.
From lighthearted banter to thought-provoking observations, each performer brought their unique flavor to the table, leaving the audience in stitches and craving more.
As the lights came back on and the laughs subsided, Danny returned to express his heartfelt gratitude to the audience, reminding everyone to enjoy the night responsibly.
After completing the majority of his duties, Danny reflected on the journey of the past 7 years hosting comedy events at DiCicco’s, admitting with a wistful smile the struggles encountered in the early days. “A lot of trial and error,” he stated proudly while also expressing his deep appreciation for DiCicco’s and their GM, Charles Carrero. “He supported me unbelievably. He saw that there was something to it.”
These sentiments were echoed by Charles, the General Manager. “We’ve got our groove,” Charles stated proudly as he recounted the early struggles of their comedy shows, giving credit to the community for embracing their weekly Open Mic Wednesday and Friday Night Headliner shows, and praising Danny for their collaboration in finding the right recipe for their mutual success.
Through perseverance, dedication, and a touch of ingenuity, Danny and Charles discovered the perfect blend of ingredients to create unforgettable evenings of laughter and entertainment. Like so many of DiCicco’s dishes, their comedy nights have become a culinary masterpiece, satisfying the soul and leaving patrons craving more.