Conversations with Brian Borbot

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Borbot.

Brian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. (Brian Borbot.) The SNF is a weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan, the Midwest, and around the country. The Sunday Night Funnies is a free admission show that starts at 7:30 PM (Fall/Winter) 8:30 PM (Spring/Summer) and is performed at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, 5656 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, MI. (located between Meijer & Craig’s Cruisers.) The Funnies began in the Fall of 2008 and currently over 1,200 different comedians have performed at the show. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the 15-plus year history of the show we’ve had seven different locations- three within the same building that we’re now in the Spectrum Entertainment Complex in Wyoming Michigan. The show began in the Fall of 2008 in Douglas, MI. (only doing two shows there the shows location moved to the Radisson Hotel in Grand Rapids where we stayed for eight years (the hotel was sold, and the owners got rid of all of the entertainment.) We’ve been at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex since February 2018 (minus 17 months off because of COVID.) 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started the Sunday Night Funnies back in the Fall of 2008 because, at the time, there was really only one other place aspiring comedian could perform. And even at venue they couldn’t get on that often and were given limited stage time. Probably the thing I’m most proud of the show being a part of Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids annual comedy festival LaughFest. To date, we’ve raised over $27,000 for Gilda’s. Who provides free emotional healthcare to children, adults, families, and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I see myself as a risk-taker. I come from a marketing background and that has served me well when promoting the Sunday Night Funnies. Being a free admission show we have a very limited marketing, so I try to maximize social media and other free or inexpensive way to create awareness & bring more audience members to the show. In 2018, I started the Kingpin of Comedy competition. It’s where the audience member receives ballots and vote for the comics that they want to see move on to the next round. The eventual winner receives a prize package worth over $1,000, including $500 cash. The competition brings comedians in from all over-including Canada! Doing the Kingpin has brought a lot of comedians & audience members to the show who might not have been a part of it otherwise. 

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sunday-Night-Funnies/100063679862705/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SundayNightFunniesBrianBcomedy