LEWISTON — Maine Event Comedy’s Tightest Five contest returns to Bear Bones Beer at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20. Los Angeles transplant Brian Brinegar will be the evening’s featured comedian.

Any stand-up comedian will tell you they have a tight five minutes, but who has the Tightest Five? Twenty of New England’s rising comedy stars will give it their best shot.

In the first preliminary round, Mark Turcotte will host 10 hopefuls as they perform their best five minutes of original material; five will advance to the semifinal. Along with bragging rights, the winner’s prize package includes paid work, professional headshots and craft beer.

The prelim will include: Steve Cloutier, Arundel; Andrew Della Volpe, Concord, Massachusetts; Nic Dufault, Lewiston; Nick Gordon, New Gloucester; Danny Jordan, Westbrook; Leonard Kimble, Auburn; Jim Martin, Portland; Daniel McRobbie, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Mark Moccia, Newmarket, New Hampshire; and Brendan Williams, South Portland.

Brinegar, now residing in Gorham, was thrice named Maine’s Best Comedian by the Portland Phoenix. He’s worked with Last Comic Standing winner Iliza Shlesinger and was featured on the Comedy Time Network. 

The second preliminary round will be Oct. 18, followed by the semifinals on Nov. 15, and the finals on Dec. 20. A comedy open mic will follow each show.

The show is free and for ages 21-plus. Bear Bones Beer is at 43 Lisbon St. FMI call 207-513-0742 or email maineeventcomedy@gmail.com.

Brian Brinegar