This image is the cover for the book Bay Area Stand-Up Comedy

Bay Area Stand-Up Comedy

Comedians of the San Francisco Bay Area changed comedy forever.


From visiting acts like Richard Pryor, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg to local favorites who still maintain their following and legacy, the Bay Area has long been a place for comedians to develop their voice and hone their stand-up skills. Popular spots included Cobb's, the Purple Onion, Brainwash, and the holy grail of San Francisco comedy during the 1980s boom, the Holy City Zoo. For over seventy years, these iconic venues and others fostered talent like Ali Wong, Moshe Kasher and the Smothers Brothers, introducing them to local crowds and the world beyond.


Join comedians Nina G and OJ Patterson on a hilarious and thoughtful tour through the history of Bay Area comedy.

Nina G, OJ Patterson

Nina G is a stand-up comedian, author and disability advocate. She performs and gives keynote speeches at colleges, companies and conferences across the world. She is the author of Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn't Happen and the children's book Once Upon an Accommodation: A Book About Learning Disabilities. Nina is a fifth-generation Bay Area native and resides in Oakland. She contributes to books, blogs, articles and podcasts. For more on Nina, go to www.NinaGcomedian.com. Oj Patterson is a writer, comedian and homebrew historian born and raised in Pittsburg, California. A "retired stand-up," he's contributed to numerous online and print publications, including his award-winning blog Courting Comedy and as an entertainment copywriter. OJ Patterson currently resides in the Greater Los Angeles area and unofficially has the best laugh in the room.

The History Press