RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – There’s a saying that goes, “Laughter is the best form of medicine,” and one new business is bringing that medication to the corner of 7th and Saint Joseph Streets.

West River Comedy Club had its grand opening earlier this month and what makes this place so unique is “it’s the only comedy club in South Dakota,” according to Trevor Ryan, owner of West River Comedy Club.

Ryan is a stand-up comedian who has been touring and hosting with West River Comedy in the Black Hills since 2019.

“We wanted our space for so long, so we were able to make that leap and sign a lease here and get something going,” Ryan said.

Ryan said the name and location of the venue came about because, “‘West River is the best river,’ you know? So, I just wanted to name it because I just love this area.”

Before opening West River Comedy Club, Ryan started open mic night at Aby’s.

“I was trying to find a place that was eclectic enough that, you know, where the misfit toys could go hang out, and Aby’s was perfect for that,” Ryan said, “They stuck with us whether we had two people or twenty people.”

Keeping the local feel, you can enjoy brews from breweries around the Black Hills and food from Ugly Graffiti before the show.

“We’re such a tight-knit community in this town. You know one person, you know six other people that knows that person. So, these people have been encouraging to me, and I wanted to pay it forward, plus they make good beer,” Ryan said.

Besides supporting other local businesses, Ryan said he wanted to give back to the community and have something open regularly.

“We don’t always have something to do for the locals, you know, when the tourists come in, things ramp up and there’s a lot more events,” Ryan added. “But I wanted to do something year-round because shoot, we live here year-round right? So, I wanted to make sure we take care of the locals.”

Ryan doesn’t just own the comedy club, he also makes appearances on stage.

“I still perform from time to time. You know, I’m an only child and I need the attention so every now and then I’ll still be on the stage,” Ryan said.

If you do plan on getting a good laugh, Ryan recommends getting your tickets early and online.

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