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Ochi's Lounge, which opened three years ago in the basement of NYC comedy club Comix and simultaneously offered a bar and stage for several independently produced stand-up comedy shows while also confusing unsuspecting audience members from Comix's mainstage who were looking for the bathrooms, has closed. A new investor plans on renovating the space. No further details are known at this point.
Kambri Crews sent out an email to comedians this morning to announce the closure, and also posted it on the Ochi's Lounge's Facebook page. Crews, Comix's publicist, convinced the club to stage shows in the basement in 2007 shortly after the closure of another popular indie comedy room, Mo Pitkins, had left several shows without a home. Earlier this year, Comix reduced its operating schedule, eliminating shows on nights early in the workweek. Now, all of the remaining Ochi's shows find themselves seeking new homes.
Crews wrote:
"After three years of fighting to keep it open, free and cheap, it is with great sadness that I report that Ochi's was officially closed. I want to thank each of you for giving that room so much charm and community. The joy I felt in that room was never short of stupendous. I'm sure going to miss it. Special thanks to Mr. John Morrison for the loan of the lighting system for over two years! His generosity and support is mind-boggling. Your commitment to comedy is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing you all move on to bigger and brighter things. I'll be seeing your faces around. I can't wait to have some laughs with you outside of that club. Best, Kambri Crews."
RIP Ochi’s…