Patterned shower curtains hang above a stage in the corner of The Stones Throw as sound equipment is set up behind it. A video camera is connected to a wall-mounted TV dubbed the “Hump-O-Tron.” The shower curtains recede from the stage and the first performance begins.
The Hump Day Revue is a showcase of local talent held every Wednesday at The Stones Throw from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The variety show typically hosts eight to 12 acts, each playing a 25 minute set of music, comedy, poetry and other forms of performing art.
Tim Concannon, who graduated in 1995 from the University, started the Hump Day Revue in 2010 after moving back to Bowling Green. It was initially hosted at Grumpy Dave’s, but he sees the Stones Throw as the ideal venue for the event.
“It kind of just worked to come over to the Stones Throw,” Concannon said. “I like Irish music, I like beer and I like soccer. They have all these things over here.”
Concannon performs and books the acts for the Hump Day Revue. While acoustic acts are the most common, he has welcomed other “ultimately creative” performances including Mechanical Cat, who wears a helmet with cat ears and raps about traveling the universe; Tim South, whose comedy routine includes reporting the weather from a random place on earth; and “Master Sock Theater,” a sock puppet rendition of movie scenes.
“The whole idea is for people to get up and express themselves,” Concannon said. “When you let people do that and you encourage them, they come up with some really interesting stuff.”
The Hump Day Revue also hosts quarterly events called “Humpraisers” at The Stones Throw. Vendors, performers and the pub will donate their resources to raise money for charities, including the Wood County Historical Society and the Rape Crisis Center.
Concannon has collaborated with The Stones Throw to host not only the weekly event and Humpraisers, but also a Stones Throw stage at the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
The pub hosts all events free of charge in an effort to provide a welcome atmosphere for performers and spectators.
“Traditionally, Irish pubs are a center of community and entertainment,” manager Chris Cox said. “We just kind of want to keep that philosophy going.”
Amanda Rice certainly feels welcome to perform at the Hump Day Revue. She has played at the event more times than she can remember.
“It’s a really chill atmosphere,” Rice said. “It gets to showcase literally the best talent of Northwest Ohio.”
She said that performances at the event are high quality because Concannon approves the acts himself.
Concannon plans to keep the Hump Day Revue simple in the future with Humpraisers, Farmers’ Market performances and the weekly show itself, but is always looking for more talent.
Acts seeking to book a slot for the event can call Tim Concannon at 419-701-HUMP.
