Resolving to have a healthier new year?
Then make laughter part of it.
La Fontana Caffe in the Heights is making it easier for people to get their regular dose of laughter by hosting weekly comedy nights on Wednesdays.
The comedy shows, which start at 7:30 p.m., are free and feature a combination of amateur and professional comics. They're hosted by award-winning counsellor and stand-up comic David Granirer, along with his colleague Al Hassam.
"In these uncertain times, we need laughter more than ever," said Granirer, who has performed throughout Canada, the U.S. and Australia. "As a counsellor I would prescribe at least an hour a week, if not more."
For the past 16 years, Granirer has taught the Stand Up Comedy Clinic at Langara College - a class for people from all walks of life who have always had a dream to do stand-up comedy.
"Whether they're in the audience or up on stage, it's amazing what a difference it makes for people when they laugh regularly," Granirer said.
Hassam - who was in Granirer's first Stand Up Comedy Clinic in 1998 - agreed.
"People need a safe place where they can enjoy some humour, and that's exactly what La Fontana Caffe is," he said.
Granirer added that the whole idea of comedy is healthy because laughter is the best drug there is.
"It's free, legal, and the government can't regulate or tax it," he said. "The only issue is that people may become addicted, in which case they need to come to shows on a regular basis."
