Comedy and cuisine collided last night at Spanish Moon.
At “Stand-Up, Pop-Up,” guests were invited to share some laughs while munching on Chef Michael Kopynec’s deviled avocados.
The monthly event doubles as a stand-up comedy show and an outlet for aspiring chefs to showcase their skills. Doors opened at 9 p.m., giving guests ample time to enjoy music, drinks and food before the show began at 10 p.m.
This month’s show featured comedians Justin Golak of Chicago, Gabe Bravo of Houston, Josh Louis of New Orleans, Jason P. Leonard of Lafayette and Will Merrill of Baton Rouge, among others. These comedians were a part of Hell Yes Fest, the Gulf Coast’s largest comedy festival, and stopped by Spanish Moon on their way home, said event host Jeffrey Buck.
Provided by Commonplate, the food represented a sample of the menu selections from Kopynec’s upcoming venue in Mid-City. His dish — lime-marinated, spinach and artichoke-stuffed avocados — brought a little flavor to the night. The avocados went for $5 a plate.
“With his venue, [Kopynec] hopes to bring the community together in a space that engages the patrons and showcases the talent in our city, while also providing a warm atmosphere to enjoy drinks and small plates,” Buck said.
Buck, a comedian himself, lives in New Orleans but grew up in Baton Rouge. He has produced monthly comedy shows in the local area for more than four years. He also hosts “Pass The Mic,” a monthly New Orleans show.
Buck has been on several comedy tours across the Gulf South, including Hell Yes Fest, New York Funny Song Fest and Fun Fun Fun Fest. He also recorded a song with rap artist Riff Raff and released a comedy mixtape titled #FreeJeffBuck.
Buck created “Stand-Up, Pop-Up” last February. He said he came up with the idea after cooking for many years and attending different kitchen pop-ups in New Orleans.
“I saw how successful the pop-ups were and wanted to merge the two worlds of culinary arts and comedy,” Buck said. “Everyone loves food and everyone loves to laugh, so I figured it would be a perfect event.”
The event was free of charge for guests. Buck, who has hosted shows with Spanish Moon in the past, said the venue has been nothing but “kind and respectful.” He commends the staff and management for their generosity and willingness to accommodate his needs.
Buck said he hopes the guests head home feeling they’ve experienced something unique.
“I feel like there’s too much of the same thing going on in Baton Rouge sometimes, and I hope to break the monotony of people’s nightlife experience,” Buck said.
He said his involvement with “Stand-Up, Pop-Up” feels “really nice.” Buck, who also produces shows in his hometown, said he loves aiding in the construction of a greater comedy scene — something he thinks Baton Rouge deserves.
“We’ve been through a lot this year as a community, and I think people can find solace in comedy,” Buck said. “It’s therapeutic for me to stay involved in the community that shaped who I am today, and I hope I’ll continue to give back to the city and keep offering these events.”

Gallery • 18 Photos

Anjana Nair

Jason P. Leonard of Lafayette performs at the Stand Up Pop Up, which combines chefs and comedians in a free monthly show that is hosted by local comedian Jeff Buck on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at the Spanish Moon.