Queens comedian takes his show outside to keep LIC laughing

2 Funny 2 Fail brings laughter to the open air with stand up comedians like Derek Gaines. Photo Courtesy of Beatriz Benares/2 Funny 2 Fail

By Rachel Vick

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine — or at least, a reprieve during an anxiety-inducing public health crisis.

One Long Island City comedian has embraced that mantra, moving his set outdoors and inviting stand-ups to join him for open air sets every Saturday.

Anthony Mendieta-Zamora began the show 2 Small 2 Fail to keep Queens laughing during scary times. He recently decided to add a Sunday show because of the exuberant response from neighbors.

The sets keep people engaged and raise Queens’ profile in the comedy world, he said.

“As a born and raised Queens resident, I saw when live comedy was slowly returning, Brooklyn had become the center for shows,” Mendieta-Zamora said. “Our borough deserves that same recognition.” 

Mendieta-Zamora started the outdoor program with nothing more than a microphone and a speaker, quickly attracting consistent crowds. 

Comedian Derek Gaines — who recently appeared in the film King of Staten Island  — took the mic last week as one of the featured comedians. 

This weekend’s featured performers include Usama Siddiquee, from America’s Got Talent, and Nore Davis from Comedy Central. 

Sam Morris from Comedy Central and Olga Namer from Governor's Club/Stand Up NY are performing in the new Sunday time slot. Each show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Mendieta-Zamora said he isn’t sure what the future holds, but will continue the sets as long as he can.

“It'll be tough continuing to have shows outdoors when the colder weather starts,” he said. “For now though, we're making our little corner in Queens laugh and hope to bring more.”