MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- When Jason Fifi was 7, his grandfather brought comedy into his life by teaching him how to write jokes.

Now, Fifi is putting those tips to good use by hosting monthly comedy shows in Montgomery.

Fifi, who performed his first show at the age of 15, said he can't remember a time when he wasn't actively pursuing comedy. The comedian admits he was pretty horrible in those early days, but learned from his mistakes.



"The first time, it doesn't matter how it goes," said Fifi. "It feels wonderful. I had a bad set the first time, but it didn't matter. Stuff was learned from it. The promise of how much better the next time's going to be."



While all comedians approach their act in a different way, Fifi said he prefers to keep things simple by telling jokes he's written down. However, he also can appreciate other kinds of stand-up comedy.



"I like "joke writers," said Fifi. "It's the style I identify with the most strongly. We put jokes in a notebook, and tell them ... I'm also really impressed by comics that are nothing like me, people that can sell observational material, or bring a narrative voice to life that's really easy to identify with."



Fifi said he wanted to bring comedy shows to the Capital City so residents can have the option of doing something new and different with their time. In addition, it gives those interested in comedy an outlet to perform and try different material in front of an audience.



"It's important for the same reason it's important to have live original music or theater or art galleries," said Fifi. "Without it, we just go to work every morning, go home, drink, run, bicycle, call into talk radio shows, go bowling ... I mean, if those are the alternatives to a life lived honestly, inquisitively, and expressively... we just need it."



With the third comedy show at the AlleyBar coming up tonight, Fifi said that new comers can expect to see several acts from local and regional comedians.



"So far, everybody we've had perform at the monthly event has been really good," said Fifi. "There are a lot more comics in Montgomery than I thought, and five to seven of them are absolutely killer. Rudy Banes, Shawn the Red, Dan Kynard, Fluffy Fritz, and a handful of others are taking comedy pretty seriously."



"The Bicentenially Curious Comedy" will take place at 8 p.m. tonight at AlleyBar. Comedians performing include Jason Fifi, Bubbs Harris, Alfred Ward and more. There's no cover charge. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.