Five years ago, when bar owner Richard Pekala introduced OHM Lounge into Armory Square, he succeeded in bringing a sense of urban sophistication to a city with too many dive bars and neighborhood pubs. The multi-functional space was designed by Pekala and partners, Michael Swatt and Michael Barletta, to attract a diverse crowd. They wanted to find customers in search of a top-quality cocktail or microbrew to sip leisurely while enjoying live entertainment from performers with a distinctive, experimental edge. The space is also highly adaptable to change, as the trio maintains a constant rotation of music, video, and artwork to stimulate interest.

This month, Pekala has decided to add another element of entertainment to the previously all-musical lineup. The Last Laff Comedy Club will give Pekala the opportunity to explore a currently untapped market in the downtown Syracuse club scene. Syracuse residents in search of a fresh comedy venue are guaranteed the same level of service and dedication to quality that has been characteristic of OHM since its opening. “We suddenly have a whole new demographic of customers,” explains Pekala. “I think the majority of Syracusans are looking for something different to do on the weekends,” adds Swatt, “and stand-up comedy is hard to find in Central New York.”

Guests in search of top-quality stand-up will surely appreciate the opportunity to enhance the experience with a specially-crafted cocktail. “Our specials are constantly changing,” explains Swatt. “Every week the staff gets together and comes up with a new martini and mixed drink special.” Previous favorites have included mint mocha martinis, blackberry mojitos, and the refreshing Mangorita. Weekly specials are a bargain at five dollars a pop.

Comedy Club performances are held Thursday nights at eight p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays at seven and nine p.m. Each show brings a new opportunity to sample national comedic talent. Sparing no expense in his quest to make OHM stand above the selection of local entertainment, Pekala teamed up with the Comedy Zone, an agency owned by the nationally renowned Charlotte, North Carolina-based Hefron Agency.

The lineup of performers for Last Laff stand-up routines are chosen from among the most talented comedians in the country. “These comedians are already nationally known,” says Pekala, “and are currently doing shows at places like Comedy Central and HBO.”

“It was so much fun,” says Pekala of a special comedy event that helped him develop the idea for The Last Laff in the first place. Enthusiasm demonstrated by the audience also contributed to his decision to establish a comedy club in the already-popular lounge. “We’re not only exposing new people to our club, but to the downtown area in general.”

The Last Laff will undoubtedly help to promote the revitalization of downtown Syracuse, while giving city residents an opportunity to enjoy big-city entertainment for a fraction of the price. “In a major city,” explains Pekala, “you will normally pay at least fifteen to twenty-five bucks for a ticket to a comedy show.” At the Last Laff, he offers a much lower ticket price without having to sacrifice talent. The ten-dollar price tag on tickets to a Friday or Saturday night performance makes for an affordable night on the town. And the five-dollar Thursday shows make the outing accessible to just about everyone.

The quickest respondents will secure the best values, however. In its first month of opening, the club will offer half-priced tickets to Thursday night shows and a special two-for-one ticket price on weekends, allowing couples to see shows for the cost of a single ticket. Date night has never been easier, or more affordable.

The comedy club schedule is currently available at HYPERLINK "http://www.thelastlaffcomedyclub.com" www.thelastlaffcomedyclub.com. Website visitors can expect to find lineup information at least two months in advance, though according to Pekala, the schedule is already booked for the next year. “And there are so many comedians to choose from in the Hefron Agency,” explains Pekala, “that you won’t see the same comedian twice in a year unless we ask them back.”

“Guests will be treated to a unique experience every time,” adds Swatt. “The Last Laff is the perfect fit for OHM lounge.”