Old-School Boston Comedians Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Ding Ho to Honor Late Barry Crimmins and his widow

Tonight many of Boston’s old-school comedy legends will reunite online to perform and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ding Ho, and in doing so, honor the late Barry Crimmins and raise money for his widow, Helen. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

Crimmins started live comedy shows at the Ding Ho in Cambridge in 1979 and jump-started Boston’s stand-up comedy scene in the process. He died in 2018 from cancer. His widow, Helen Crimmins, was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2017 and is currently making steady progress in her recovery.

Earlier this week, Inman Square toasted Crimmins with the designation of Barry Crimmins Square with a sign reading: “Site of the legendary Ding Ho Comedy Club (1979-1984). Founded by renowned comedian, author, and social activist Barry Crimmins (1953-2018).”

Tonight’s showcase starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

Jimmy Tingle will host the event and roll out the comedy, in clips and conversation with…

Steven Wright

Paula Poundstone

Bobcat Goldthwait

Denis Leary

Lenny Clarke

Don Gavin

Jack Gallagher

Tony V

Kenny Rogerson

Mike McDonald

Brian Kiley

Barry Neikrug

Bill Braudis

Chance Langton

Bill Campbell

Jim Morris

Ron Lynch

and Ding Ho piano player and comedic council to the comics Martin Olson

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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