After two outstanding preliminary rounds on Sept. 11 and 18 with stand-up comedians from across the Midwest and from as far away as California, The Speakeasy in downtown Rock Island is down to the top 10 competing for the chance to win $1,000 and be crowned as Speakeasy Laugh Hard Champion on Sept. 25. “We are so excited about this show on the 25th” said Brett Hitchcock, director of audience development. “We’ve had so many talented comics perform this month. It was really difficult for the judges to narrow this field to the top 10! Those competing on the 25th are all outstanding comics... Read More

The Rock Island Speakeasy, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island, is presenting the Laugh Hard Challenge at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. We are pleased, once again, to be sponsoring the Speakeasy Laugh Stand Up Comedy Competition this year. The second of two preliminary rounds will be this weekend and the finals will take place on September 25. The winner will receive $1,000 and the title of Laugh Hard Champion! We are only accepting 30 comics. We will have 15 perform at each prelim and the top five from both prelims move into the finals. The cost to enter is only $10 and can be done by clicking on link below... Read More