New monthly comedy showcase kicks off this month at Ireland’s Own
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
Things just got a whole lot funnier West of the Ashley. That’s because Ireland’s Own is now the official home of the Best Medicine Brigade, the brainchild of local comedian Robin Phoenix, a 26-year U.S. Army veteran whose mission is now to heal people through humor.
Phoenix’s Best Medicine Brigade will hold the first in a monthly series of comedy showcases at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. The comedian, who was recently voted Best Charleston Comic 2022 by the readers of the Charleston City Paper, says the best part about being a stand-up comic is “The feeling of making someone forget about their stress … getting them to belly laugh! Knowing this is not about a dollar, this is my way to give back to my hometown.”
Besides all the attention and accolades she has received over the last couple years, Phoenix says she’s most proud of her volunteer work implementing the applied and therapeutic use of humor at Veterans’ Affairs hospitals.
“I’m passionate about how humor therapy helps heal invisible wounds like PTSD,” says Phoenix, who served five tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq in her more than a quarter century in Army. Beyond her volunteer work with the V.A., she is also a touring comedian who not only has the ability to make you fall out of your seat laughing, but she also possesses the organizational skills to assemble other high caliber working comedians and put on a show that is superior to a lot of other comedy night showcases around town.
With Best Medicine Brigade shows, Phoenix says she strives to bring a professional quality, emphasizing attention to detail when it comes to lighting, sound, and backdrop.
“I have O.C.D., so everything has to be perfect,” she says. “I used to plan complex missions and military logistics. The planning process is very similar … but more fun for sure,” says Phoenix.
Best Medicine Brigade prides itself on bringing in professional comedians from all over the country, says Phoenix. For the first show in the new monthly series at Ireland’s Own, not only will Phoenix be hosting the event, but she’s bringing in headliner Daniel Butler, a finalist in the World Series of Comedy competition as well as experienced local comics Stan Shelby and Laura Dixon.
“I keep hearing from the locals that they want more comedy in Charleston, but then they don’t come out to shows … get your butt out here! We are doing this! You can get the laugh therapy you need while helping Charleston get back on the map for stand-up comedy!” says Phoenix, adding that Ireland’s Own is the perfect venue to host the Best Medicine Comedy showcase.
“We are honored to partner with a team that truly understands that building community is more than just some great food and drinks. This is how we come together and have a great night laughing as a community,” says Phoenix. “Best Medicine Brigade is grateful for the sponsorship for this upcoming show and our work at the V.A. from Striped Pig and Orange Bees (Greenville Tech Company).”
According to Phoenix, a large percentage of the revenue will be donated back to the humor therapy program at the V.A. Hospital. ‘We believe laughter is a great tool to help those that served our Nation heal from their invisible wounds,” says Phoenix. “Also, since it is back to school time, we are offering $5 tickets to teachers and school staff with promo code TEACHER5.”
The monthly Best Medicine Brigade Comedy Showcase debuts at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 at Ireland’s Own, located at 3025 Ashley Town Center Dr. For more information and for tickets, visit www.bestmedicinebrigade.com.
