Catch a Rising Star

Catch a Rising Star is a chain of comedy clubs, founded in New York City in December 1972 and owned by Rick Newman. It has since spread to other areas, such as Las Vegas and New Jersey.

The original club in New York City was notable for its role in starting the careers of many famous singers and comedians, many of whom enjoyed later success in television, theater and film. Among these are Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert Klein, Gabe Kaplan, Freddie Prinze, Shelley Ackerman, David Brenner, Andy Kaufman, Ray Romano, Richard Belzer, Jim Carrey, John Kerwin, Steven Wright, Elayne Boosler, Eddie Murphy, Rodney Dangerfield, Dave Chappelle, Richard Lewis, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Garry Shandling, Kathy Griffin, Denis Leary, Larry David, Tim Allen, Pat Benatar, Whoopi Goldberg, Colin Quinn, Jerry Seinfeld, Stephen Lynch, Michael Royce, David Juskow, Dennis Miller, and many more.

The original club has since gone out of business. Its former location, on 1st Avenue between East 78th Street and East 77th Street, is now occupied by Prince Properties, a real estate agency. In the late 1990s, the club was located on West 28th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. The chain is currently negotiating to build a new club in the New York area.

http://www.catcharisingstar.com/