Johnny Buss, the son of the iconic Angeleno Dr. Jerry Buss and also the co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers (left) has breathed new life into Pasadena’s storied Ice House comedy club. Fully renovated, the re-energized spot opens Feb, 16 with comedy legend Margaret Cho (right).
After more than three years of renovations designed to bring a great venue for classy entertainment, the Ice House comedy club is set to have its grand re-opening on Feb. 16.
Comedy legend Margaret Cho will take her rightful place on stage in the club’s new Legendary Room mainstage for two shows at 8 and 10 p.m. that are sure to regale Pasadena comedy lovers.
The Ice House is reportedly the oldest comedy club in America, having continuously run from 1962 until Dec. 2019. Its sterling sound quality and intimate seating – in the former mainstage, the furthest seat was only just over 100 feet from the stage – was so excellent that more comedy albums have been recorded there than any other venue on the planet.
The ownership changed hands three years ago, when longtime owner Bob Fisher opted to finally retire and came to terms with Johnny Buss, the son of the iconic Angeleno Dr. Jerry Buss and also the co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. A huge comedy fan who was a longtime attendee of the club, Buss had long wanted to enter the world of owning a top nightlife destination.
The long, three-year delay between the purchase and the grand re-opening was largely caused by the immense impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. With the emergency now over, he finished the renovations, hired staff and lined up a top-flight roster of comics.
Following in the historic footsteps of past Ice House comedy stars including George Carlin, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Ellen DeGeneres, the club will relaunch with a bang. IN addition to Cho’s one-night-only performances at 8 and 10 pm, the opening weekend will also headline HBO sitcom star Pete Holmes (“Crashiing”) in the club’s secondary stage the California Room.
Superstar Brad Williams – whose diminutive stature inspired his self-proclaimed nickname “Mr. Big” will headline the mainstage on Friday Feb. 17, while the California Room features a four-comic show with Arsenio Hall and much-loved “Ted Lasso” co-star Brett Goldstein among the talent.
A look further in the stylish website’s impressive talent lineups reveals favorites Don Friesen, Darren Carter, Orny Adams and Jamie Kennedy. An exceptional pair of shows is coming the weekend of Mar. 24-25 when arena-filling superstar Gabriel “Fluff”” Iglesias returns to the Ice House, where he previously set the record for a run of performances that earned him the record of most sold-out shows in a row in the history of the club.
An eclectic new food and drink menu awaits clubgoers, who can enjoy a full meal and libations while enjoying a show. But perhaps most impressive of all is the club’s new VIP Lounge, which seats up to 30 people with an assigned food and cocktail server and a self-serve bar, and a giant privacy glass that affords a direct view of the mainstage.
The Ice House grand re-opening starring Margaret Cho is Thurs., Feb. 16 at 8 and 10 p.m. The club is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. nightly and located at 24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 414-2FUN (386) or visit icehousecomedy.com.
