Joe Rivera and Matt Fuentes have begun a new open mike comedy night at the Argus Lounge in San Francisco, and they have big intentions to make this open mike something special.

The Argus Lounge (at 3187 Mission St. in San Francisco) is a bar in The City that hosts bands and DJs on a weekly basis.  I am told that they hold the dubious distinction of being one of the few bars that serve Tecate beer.  That may not be enough to get you in the door, but dammit, it's something.  Lucky for them, they've got one of the hardest-working booker/promoters in their corner in Joe Rivera, who has partnered with Matt Fuentes to put on the newest open mike night in the area.

Rivera has been tireless in creating and promoting shows in California's San Joaquin Valley, and is now moving eastward to plant his flag at the Argus in San Francisco.  He has hosted three of the four shows at the location, with Fuentes active in producing these events.

“Stage time in the City is hard to get. We have received an awesome turnout for comedians,” Rivera said, adding that the audiences have also responded by showing up in numbers.  Rivera’s experience both performing comedy and producing events is evident in his desire to provide a worthwhile experience on both sides of the mike: “Matt Fuentes and I work together to make sure everyone who shows up gets on, and we make sure they get enough time,” Rivera says, and he will weed out a poor performance before it can slow down an otherwise strong show.  “I do my best to learn something about every comedian for their intro before they go on stage. No other host seems to do it.”