In 1984, Joe Sanfelippo along with his brother John and best friend George Maltezos were operating Papa Gaio nightclub in Milwaukee, WI, a two floor venue that combined a high energy dance format and live music. The trio accidentally stumbled on the idea of live comedy after booking a one-time comedy event for the club and realizing that it took about 8 hours a day less to produce than live music. Nothing could make a trio of fun loving 20-somethings happier than working 16 hours less a week! BONKERZ was the first comedy club in the state of Wisconsin and 26 years later, we still has a location in Milwaukee inside of Potawatomi casino. In 1987, BONKERZ moved its headquarters to its current location in Orlando, Fl and began its journey as a national comedy production company.
BONKERZ first open mic night included then Orlando residents, Billy Gardell (of CBS’s Mike and Molly), Daryl Hammond, Larry the Cable Guy, and Carrot Top. Over the years BONKERZ has formed lasting relationships with many of today’s most famous comedians and has expanded to over 2 dozen locations nationwide including Las Vegas where Bonkerz currently produces the Louie Anderson show and theater. BONKERZ continues the tradition of seeking out and developing today’s hottest upcoming comedians in locations around the country as well as in its association with America’s Got Talent.
Visit us online: Bonkerz Comedy Club
Local: (407) 629-2665