Blue Lagoonies Celebrate 20 Years of Free Comedy in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz's Blue Lagoonies mark 20 years as one of California's longest-running free weekly comedy shows, known for its community and standout performers.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:11am

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A bold, abstract illustration featuring stark black silhouettes of comedians and audience members set against a vibrant red background, capturing the energy and spirit of the long-running Blue Lagoonies comedy show.The Blue Lagoonies comedy troupe celebrates two decades of bringing laughter and community to Santa Cruz.Santa Cruz Today

The Blue Lagoonies Comedy troupe in Santa Cruz, California is celebrating 20 years of bringing free, weekly comedy shows to the community. This makes it the longest-running, free, weekly comedy show in the entire state of California, and possibly the entire West Coast. The show's longevity is attributed to the support of the venue owner, the camaraderie among the comedians, and the energetic crowds that have made the Blue Lagoonies a hub for both up-and-coming and established stand-up comics.

Why it matters

The Blue Lagoonies' 20-year run as a free, weekly comedy show in Santa Cruz highlights the importance of community-driven entertainment that provides a platform for local talent. In an era of rising costs and corporate-owned venues, the Blue Lagoonies have maintained a grassroots, inclusive spirit that has nurtured the careers of many comedians while giving Santa Cruz residents a reliable source of laughter and fun.

The details

The Blue Lagoonies show is held at the Blue Lagoon venue in Santa Cruz and has featured a variety of opening acts over the years, including jazz bands and vaudeville piano accompaniment. The current house band is bassist Lee DeFalco and drummer Sam Morelli. The show is known for its diverse, enthusiastic crowds that include students, locals, and tourists, making it a popular destination for comedians looking to try out new material. Many comedians, including those who have gone on to national success, credit the Blue Lagoonies as a formative part of their comedy education.

  • The Blue Lagoonies Comedy troupe celebrates its 20th anniversary on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
  • The show has been running weekly for the past 20 years, making it the longest-running free, weekly comedy show in California.

The players

Paulie Escobedo

The current host of the Blue Lagoonies show, who got his start performing at the venue and now provides opportunities for other up-and-coming comedians.

Fred Friedman

The owner of the Blue Lagoon venue, who has allowed the Blue Lagoonies comedy show to run for the past 20 years.

DNA

A comedy guru who was the Blue Lagoonies' longest-running host for over a decade, and credits the venue's owner and the community of comedians for the show's longevity.

B.J. Rankin

A longtime stand-up comedian who believes the Blue Lagoonies' diverse and enthusiastic crowds are a key strength of the show.

Ariel Waller

A new comedian who first attended the Blue Lagoonies as an audience member and was later invited to perform on the show's stage, appreciating the supportive community.

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What they’re saying

“To be here in 2026 credit has to be given to [Blue Lagoon owner] Fred [Friedman], because rarely do you have an owner of a venue who lets you do something for so long. And to all the other comedians who have helped prop it up over the years.”

— DNA, comedy guru

“That room consistently has the best crowds in Santa Cruz.”

— B.J. Rankin, longtime stand-up

“When I attended my first Blue Lagoon show, I knew one of the comedians and based on the camaraderie, you just felt like they were always supportive of one another. It's been really nice being a part of this community and the Blue Lagoonies who have welcomed me.”

— Ariel Waller

“I always told comedians, 'If you do well at the Blue Lagoon, you can do well anywhere.' The Blue was my finishing school for comedy. We didn't make any money, but it gave me my education.”

— DNA, comedy guru

“I got my start there, so I like to give comics in the area, who I see hitting open mics and putting in time, the opportunity to come and try the Blue Lagoon.”

— Paulie Escobedo, host

What’s next

The Blue Lagoonies will be hosting a special 20th anniversary show on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The longevity and success of the Blue Lagoonies comedy show in Santa Cruz demonstrates the enduring appeal of community-driven, grassroots entertainment that provides a platform for local talent. In an era of rising costs and corporate-owned venues, the Blue Lagoonies have maintained an inclusive, supportive spirit that has nurtured the careers of many comedians while giving Santa Cruz residents a reliable source of laughter and fun.