Comedy for a Cause: Heywood Banks Brings Laughter to Evansville in Two-Night Fundraiser for St. Jude

There's a brand new St. Jude fundraising event coming to Evansville, Indiana and it will feature an absolutely hysterical standup comic. Heywood Banks will take the stage at Pat Coslett's Simplicity Furniture for two consecutive nights in August and all proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

WHO IS HEYWOOD BANKS?

'Heywood Banks' is hysterical alter ego of Stuart Mitchell, a Michigan-born songwriter and humorist. Stuart starting performing as Heywood in the mid 80s and he eventually won the national finals of the Johnny Walker Comedy Search. That win landed him a spot on A&E's An Evening at the Improv.

That was back in 1988. I was a senior in high school then. I loved stand up comedy and was obsessed with that A&E series. When we met with Pat Coslett to talk about creating a new St. Jude stand up fundraiser, Heywood's name was the first one he threw out. Because of An Evening at the Improv, I immediately knew exactly who he was talking about. Heywood's hysterical!

Here's one of his most well-known bits. And, yes. He's playing a toaster.

I also remember seeing him on this- the HBO Young Comedians Special.

Heywood has also been a longtime staple of The Bob & Tom Show.

HEYWOOD BANKS AT PAT COSLETT'S FURNITURE

You can catch Heywood Banks at Pat Coslett's on Friday, August 29th and Saturday, August 30th. Admission will be $10 per person at the door and all proceeds will benefit St. Jude.

Here's the nightly schedule of entertainment- Live music with Ben Dahlquist begins at 6:30pm. Comedy begins at 8pm. In addition to exceptional entertainment, the Bodean's Food Truck will be on site. There will be a live auction featuring the chance to win furniture, 4-day passes to Bourbon & Beyond, and more.

Plus, there will be appearances by several local radio personalities: Travis and Melissa from 99.5 WKDQ, Bobby & Liberty from MY 105.3, and Kat Mykals from 103 GBF. Townsquare Media Evansville hosts an annual St. Jude Radiothon to support the life-saving work at St. Jude.

The event, which is intended for audiences 13+, will also feature a bar with beer and wine.

Pat Coslett's Simplicty Furniture Showroom is located at 1335 North Green River Road in Evansville.