The legendary Crocodile in Seattle has been home to some of the biggest acts in rock history over the years. Now the venerable club is starting a new tradition: hosting Seattle’s best young comedians.

Local comedy veteran Paul Merrill, who currently writes for the Emmy award-winning PBS show Biz Kid$, has been tapped to curate what he calls a “hybrid open mic”.

The new show, “What a Croc! The Crocodile Comedy Show”, will feature several of the city’s top stand-up comedians, sketch groups and improvisers every week along with open slots for beginners and even first-timers to try their hand at comedy in the cozy, newly remodeled Back Bar stage. Merrill said he will also be incorporating trivia, prizes and “any means necessary” to entice an audience that isn’t used to stand-up comedy.

“Seattle is lucky to have one of the best comedy scenes in the nation,” says Merrill. “Unfortunately most of the people living here don’t know it exists. I’m hoping that by hosting this show in a high-profile venue like The Crocodile, a lot of people that wouldn’t normally go to a comedy club will be exposed to the great comedy happening every night in this town.”

Starting in January, the show will be every Monday at 9pm, but they will be hosting two “preview” shows on December 12^th and 26^th. The show on the 12^th is being billed as “Christmas at The Croc!” with several special acts, including Mike Drucker (writer for SNL and The Onion) and Derek Sheen (Sasquatch Music Festival) doing holiday related material, along with special games and prizes for the audience.

WHAT A CROC! is a weekly showcase of Seattle’s top comedians. It takes place every Monday at The Crocodile in Seattle (2^nd & Blanchard). Showtime is 9pm (sign-ups are at 8pm—space is VERY limited!).  For more info, call (206) 441-4618 or go to www.thecrocodile.com.