Sally Tomatoes in Rohnert Park is a one-stop destination for music, food, and entertainment. By day, the venue resembles somewhat of a conference room; come showtime, the lights are dimmed and round tables fill the space around the stage with eager patrons ready to laugh. 

“Our comedy show is every Tuesday starting at 7 p.m. It’s a free show with the requirement of purchasing dinner,” said Andrew Campbell, office manager at Sally Tomatoes. 

“We have a promoter, his name is Casey Williams. He’s well known in the community. He usually selects around 6-8 local comedians. People also travel… from out of state to come to the free comedy shows. They work with him… his company’s name is Barrel Proof Comedy,” continued Campbell.

For Tuesday Night Comedy, Williams sources both local comics from the Bay Area, as well as comics who decide to travel to Rohnert Park to perform. 

Williams usually hosts the event, and has gotten comedians including Rob Schneider, Carlos Mencia, Michael Kosta, and Felipe Esparza, for past events. 

 “We bring in 4-6 amazing comics from all over the Bay Area and beyond. DJ Rob Cervantes is in the house playing music before, after, and during the show… Tips for the comics are encouraged, but never required,” Williams wrote in an email. “[As host,] I try to get the audience warmed up and excited to start the show. I introduce each comedian. I also do a fun little tip jar thing. If someone tips $20, we give them a free Barrel Proof Comedy T-shirt.”

When asked about his favorite part of the show, Williams replied, “When it’s over. (Sorry, jokes). I love meeting new comics, and we get them from as far away as New York. Sally Tomatoes has a great reputation for comedy. We have been doing it since 2012. Honestly, my joke answer has some truth to it. There is nothing better than interacting with a happy audience after they just laughed all night.”

The crowd at Sally Tomatoes seems to be loved by both Williams as a host, and the comedians alike.

“This year I’ve [performed here] twice… usually I wait awhile to come back… [Williams] has to cycle a lot of comics through, but it was cool to be able to [perform] two months in a row… It’s always fun. The crowd is always into it,” said Luke Soin, a comedian. 

When asked of his experience performing at Sally Tomatoes, comedian Jon Lehre replied in an email, “Always positive! Sally Tomatoes is one of the best venues for comedy in the North Bay and Casey Williams has made it a favorite place to play for local and even national comedians.”

“The crowd is fairly reflective of Sonoma County. They are upbeat and always ready to have a good time… I usually perform there 2 or 3 times a year, more if I’m lucky… I hope to perform at Sally’s again soon but it’s a sought after gig. Even with shows every Tuesday, it can take a while before a place on the schedule opens up…” Lehre continued.

Sharing laughter in a space with others, especially after over a year apart from one another, seems to have a way of bringing community members and those who perform together in a positive way.

“There’s a sense of community there. We have people who feel perfectly comfortable coming alone, because you’re never alone at Sally Tomatoes. We have the best comedy audience in Sonoma County!” Williams wrote.

If you would like to take part in the comedy community at Sally Tomatoes, visit Williams’ website and check out upcoming shows and comedians at www.barrelproofcomedy.com/upcoming-shows.