Comedians Don Friesen and Jason Love will be performing clean comedy to benefit The Friends of the Moorpark Library on Sunday Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at The Grinder Restaurant in Moorpark. Don Friesen, two-time winner of the San Francisco International Comedy Competition and one of the most requested acts on Sirius XM Showtime is currently airing his one hour special “Ask Your Mom.” Jason Love currently hosts a comedy club at Muvico Theater in Thousand Oaks. His comedy has been seen on Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing as well as HBO’s “Luck.”
The event got started after Jason pitched the idea to Mike Fenerin, President of Moorpark Friends of Library. Mike explained that they took a look at Jason’s resume and it was good. Jason has produced two successful shows. When talking about how they choose events, Mike said “If there is an opportunity we do it, [Jason’s Routine] is clean comedy which appeals to the Moorpark demographics.”
The comedy show is part of a joint fundraising initiative with several local service groups who are working to raise money to help enhance a new, bigger library that the city is planning. These groups include Rotary Club, Kiwanas and Moorpark Women’s Fortnightly Club. Mike says he wants to add amenities such as a fireplace and reading nook to make readers feel relaxed. The city has planned for a brand new library since 1992. Approval is currently pending an Environmental Impact Report.
Moorpark Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization that also raises funds for the library for basic books and amenities like new computers as well as programs for residents of all ages such as the Summer Movie Program. Meg Thackoorie, the Youth Services Librarian explained that “Our goal is life long learning and we encourage patronage for that.” Meg pointed out the large help Moorpark Friends of the Library plays in that role by providing funding for there Summer Enrichment program which includes an annual reptile visit and several movie nights.
About 90% of the Friends of the Library’s income comes from book sales. They expect to be able to donate $10,000 this year. Mike hopes this comedy night will attract a following and says if it is poular enough they will consider turning it into a monthly Comedy Club fundraiser as a source of reoccurring income.
The Grinder Restaurant is located at 1 W. Los Angeles Ave, Moorpark CA 93021 in the Ralph’s parking lot. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at: http://moorparklibrary.eventbrite.com or at the door with 100% of the proceeds going to Friends of the Moorpark College Library.
