Parker’s Comedy & Jive hosts a hot line-up of local and international comics in March, as well as a series of special performances by The Bats, including a benefit concert for veteran comic, Eddie Eckstein.

Taking to the funniest stage in Africa this month are US comics Louis Ramey (4 to 6 and 11 to 13 March), a finalist on the series of Last Comic Standing currently being broadcast on M-Net Series; and Yoursie Thomas (18 to 20 and 25 to 27 March), along with M-Net’s Gary The Toothfairy; celebrity Survivor star, Darren Maule; quick-witted, Al Prodgers; and SA’s Got Talent host, Rob van Vuuren.

Atlanta born and raised, Louis Ramey (4 to 6 and 11 to 13 March) was bitten by the comedy bug at college. On a dare from his friends, he took the stage to tell a few jokes at a local jazz club and was hooked immediately to the adrenaline rush of live performance.
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Louis set out wanting to conquer stages worldwide, and has successfully done so, at theatres; concert halls; comedy clubs colleges; resorts; cruises; and casino showrooms from Atlanta to the West Indies to Australia and back. He has performed on television in the States; Canada; and Hong Kong including a successful stint on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and a spot on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Louis has also opened for musical legends including Ray Charles; Whitney Houston; Smokey Robinson; Isaac Hayes; The Temptations; and Donna Summer.

An industry veteran, Yoursie Thomas (18 to 20 and 25 to 27 March) has been on the comedy circuit for nearly two decades and entertained audiences in most parts of the world. He has performed with a veritable who's who list of comedians, including Dane Cook; Robin Williams; Andrew Dice Clay; and Russell Peters.

Yoursie is also a popular entertainer as part of the US Military MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) programme, having delighted the US troops with his humour in Iraq; Afghanistan; Kosovo; Bosnia; Amsterdam; Korea; and Japan and other countries in between. He counts the crazy Jim Carrey; the late master of comedic one-liners Rodney Dangerfield; the late bright and radiant, George Carlin; and the incomparable Richard Pryor - to whom he has been compared - among his comedic influences.

Dubbed South Africa's answer to The Beatles, The Bats (7; 14; 21; and 28 March) formed in October 1964 and consisted of members Eddie Eckstein (drums/vocals); Barry Jarman (guitar/trumpet/concertina); Jimmy Dunning (guitar); and Paul Ditchfield (keyboard/guitar/bass/vocals).

46 years later, they’ll take to the stage at Parker’s on 7 March for a special benefit show to honour founding member, Eddie Eckstein. The Bats will be joined on stage by Kurt Darren; Brian Alexander; and Cyril Green as they pay tribute to the veteran comedian.

The Bats’ début single 'All I Got' was released in 1964, soaring to number one in South Africa and drawing rave reviews giving the band the opportunity to accompany Dusty Springfield on her South African tour in December 1964. 'Shabby Little Hut' followed in 1965, peaking at number three on Springbok Radio's Top 20 hit parade, being held from the number one slot by Connie Francis' 'Forget Domani' and Elvis Presley's 'Do the Clam'. Great success and more albums followed, with The Bats performing at venues like Le Macabre (Butterworth Hotel, Durban); Scene 70 Club; Ciro's and The 505 (Johannesburg); Mac's Snacks; Bapsfontein; The Luxurama (Cape Town); The Skyline; Margate Casino, and even embarking on a tour to England.

In 1968, Jimmy Dunning returned to England and was replaced with Pete Clifford, who immediately joined the band in recording Groen en Goud ('Vat Hom Dawie'), a single to support the Springboks against the touring British Lions.

In 1971, 'Oh God It’s Beautiful' written by Ditchfield and performed by Eckstein reached the final round of the World Song Festival in Tokyo before being promptly banned by the SABC because they considered the use of the word 'God' blasphemous. 29 years on, The Bats are still performing across South Africa and guarantee a great time for audiences of all ages wherever they take to the stage.

The March line-up is:
4 to 6 March
Joe Parker; Gary The Toothfairy; Siya B; and Louis Ramey (USA).

7 March
The Bats Benefit Show for Eddie Eckstein
Featuring guest stars Kurt Darren; Bryan Alexander; and Cyril Green.
Show starts at 18:00, tickets are R120

11 March
Joe Parker; Al Prodgers; Vittorio; and Louis Ramey (USA).

12 and 13 March
Darren Maule; Al Prodgers; Vittorio; and Louis Ramey (USA).

14 March
Eddie Eckstein & The Bats: Loudly South African

18 March
Joe Parker; Rob van Vuuren; Cyber; and Yoursie Thomas (USA).

19 and 20 March
Darren Maule; Rob van Vuuren; Cyber; and Yoursie Thomas (USA).

21 March
Eddie Eckstein & The Bats: Loudly South African

25 to 27 March
Tony King; Martin Davis (UK); Mpho Pops; and Yoursie Thomas (USA).

28 March
Eddie Eckstein & The Bats: Loudly South African

Parker’s Comedy & Jive is situated near the cinemas at Montecasino at Shop 24, next to the Boogaloos Skate Park and across from Sweets from Heaven. Bookings are open via Computicket and admission fees vary between R90 and R100 for regular nights. For more information, visit www.parkerscomedy.com or call 011 511 0081. Line-ups subject to change at short notice.