Portland Is Getting a New Comedy Club on Congress Street

According to WGME, Empire on Congress St. in Portland is going to become a dedicated comedy club starting on January 1, 2020. We'll be able to check out national and local stand-up comics.

The change is a smart pivot for Empire, as more live music venues have popped up over the past few years. What we no longer have is a comedy club. The Comedy Connection was a go-to spot for locals for years but they closed their doors in 2012, there has been a void ever since.

I think that it will be great to have the option to hit up one of Empire's First Friday Comedy Nights. Also on their events page, for your entertainment pleasure:

• Drag hosted by Kat Walker
• Burlesque Idol
• Neil Hamburger, Sept. 5
• McQueen, Oct. 4
• Todd Barry, Nov. 15
• Joe List, Dec. 6
• New York comic Carmen Lynch will open the club on Jan. 10
• Jamie Kennedy Dec. 20-21
• Stand up from national and local comics

Downstairs at Empire Chinese Kitchen, you'll still be enjoying dim sum and cocktails, the restaurant will remain the same.