Last Wednesday evening was not the typical open mic night at the Thought Lot, which presented a night of stand-up comedy and indie rock. The show, hosted by Sean Hallock, featured four funny guys, followed by three rockin’ bands, including a “super secret new band.”

Lennon Free was the first comedian up to the mic. Free warmed up the audience with witty observations on a variety of topics ranging from the Olympics to annoying Facebook statuses as everyone settled into the comfy couches and recliners surrounding the stage.

Free, who has been doing stand-up for the past four years, discovered his talent during a Mission Improvable comedy competition held in the Shippensburg University CUB. After winning the competition, he began writing new material and regularly performing on stages around the region.
“I try to hit at least one show a week,” Free said.

Next up was first-time comedian Derrick Brandon, who later played guitar with Andrew Platt and the secret band. Brandon’s low-key style earned him lots of laughs and left the audience with a memorable first impression.

Jordan Hudkins kept the laughs rolling in his comedy debut. Hudkins is a hilariously funny guy of many creative talents, including singing lead vocals and playing guitar for the band Rozwell Kid (who will be at a show at the Thought Lot on March 6).

Comedy show headliner and former WSYC disc jockey Bryce Chevalier stepped up next and did not disappoint. His act energized the crowd and wrapped up the comedy portion of the evening on a high note.

Chevalier, who has always enjoyed a reputation as a humorous guy (“Best Sense of Humor, Class of 2007”), started performing comedy on stage at The Brickhouse in Evansville, Ind., before moving back east.

Chevalier draws inspiration from hard-hitting comedy legends like George Carlin. His goal is to do comedy that “cuts through the bull,” he said.

After an enthusiastic round of applause for all of the comedians, Hallock turned the stage over to the bands. Members of the audience took their cue and rearranged several couches so they would have space to congregate next to the stage.

The Philadelphia indie rock scene was well represented by Janelle and Ruby Buff, who kicked off a three-week tour with Wednesday night’s performance.

Janelle was first in the lineup and delivered an impressive performance with heavy percussion and electric bass, dominated by layers of spacy synthesizer-based effects. Their sound is reminiscent of ’90s-era alternative rock with a heavy dose of trippy synth elements.

The three-piece band has been playing together for the past year and released a nine-track digital album with Suicide Bong Records last October.

Philly-based band Ruby Buff, described as “super ’60s pop meets ’80s garage punk,” kept the audience on its feet with fast-paced songs from its recently released digital album. Check them out at rubybuff.bandcamp.com.

Andrew Platt and the Secret Band ended the show in dramatic fashion with a brief but powerful set. Drummer Hallock describes the band’s purely instrumental sound as a fusion of punk and classical influences. Platt (formerly of Skeletonbreath from Brooklyn, N.Y.) has been playing with Hallock and Brandon (guitar) for the past few months. He writes material for the band and plays electric bass.
As promised, the show delivered lots of laughs and solid musical performances by all of the bands.

If you are interested in checking out some live indie rock bands, Hallock will be hosting an upcoming show on Thursday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at the Thought Lot. The line-up features performances by Fletcher C. Johnson and Hector’s Pets (of Brooklyn, N.Y.), and Bishops and Rozwell Kid (of West Virginia).

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