There's no shortage of comedy or laughter in New Jersey

Back in the 80s and 90s there was a comedy boom that was packing clubs across the country. I used to host shows at "The Comedy Works" in Philadelphia and can remember having to go in through the service entrance because the line to get in was up the block.

It was there that I worked with comics such as Bill Hicks and Ritch Shydner - the Pennsville native who remembers it all in his new book, "Kicking through The Ashes" My life as a standup in the 1980's comedy Boom." Those were great times, but today comedy is not only alive and well and living in New Jersey, but for some you could say it's thriving!

Just this past year, Julia Scotti of Fairview, became a finalist on America's Got Talent. Other Jersey people on past shows include Kevin Downey Jr. from West New York and Cherry Hill's own Joe Matarese.

Jay Black, a former Marlton school teacher who gave up all that security for a career in comedy, co-wrote and acted in the movie "Meet My Valentine" which aired in prime time on the ION Channel on Valentine's Day.

Dena Blizzards 'Chardonnay Go" went viral and she's got a hilarious one-woman off-Broadway show called "One Funny Mother."

Of course when it comes to viral, let's not forget Vic Dibitetto who's YouTube channel is always must see.

Old Bridge's Jim Florentine has a new comedy special called "A Simple Man," and Brick's Don Jamieson who's "Live and Hilarious" made the Billboard Top Ten, recorded his new album last Saturday The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. I was part of that show and I can tell you that it's some funny stuff.

I can also tell you that these comedians as well as others I may have left out prove that standup comedy continues to be on the rise here in New Jersey.

Steve Trevelise is on the air from Monday-Thursday, 7 to 11 p.m. Tweet him @realstevetrev or @nj1015.

There’s no shortage of comedy or laughter in New Jersey