Amidst the culture that defines our city, SBC has a comedy scene that locals are working hard to improve. You may think you are funny in social gatherings, but are you capable of delivering a killer routine that will make people fall out of their seats?

Christopher Washburn of Bossier City says he feels like a rock star when there’s any number of people in the room that he can make laugh. Telling funny stories is something Washburn works hard at, and having the chance to perform regularly is a rare commodity for the Ark-La-Tex region. Washburn wishes more venues would provide the stage time to Shreveport-Bossier comedians.

Thankfully, for Washburn and others, SBC comedians host a comedy competition every summer; this year you can find them in front of the lights, cameras, and audience at Back 2 Back bar on Diamond Jacks Blvd. every Wednesday in June.

Nine comedians will try to make you chuckle, including comics from Tyler, Lafayette, and Texarkana. The top three each week will be chosen by a panel of judges and advance to the finals on June 25 to compete for a $600 prize.

Last week’s first place winner was Brandon Davidson of Tyler, who expressed the tremendous appeal of traveling here to do stand-up. Washburn slid into second place this week, while Jesse Capps of Texarkana slipped into third. David Allen of Shreveport battled Mac McMillan of Lafayette in a four minute lightning round to qualify for the wildcard; McMillan the victor.

The SBC comics welcome out-of-towners such as Davidson, saying that everybody wants to be the funniest, but bringing comedians in only helps to promote the events and provides diversity. We are the hub of Ark-La-Tex comedy!

Anyone that wants to try their hand at comedy is welcome to make a fool of themselves in front of total strangers; no one is stopping you.

For those of us who are allergic to the stage, Back 2 Back provides a laid back atmosphere and plenty of dark corners to listen to our local comedians tell their tales.

The cover is $5, and there are whole pickles for sale.