Community News
Q.E.D. Turns Five
Astoria’s Q.E.D. celebrates its fifth
anniversary as one of the borough’s top
destinations for fun
www.qns.com I LIC COURIER I NOVEMBER 2019 23
QBY TAMMY SCILEPPI .E.D. is turning five this month and
it’s hard to imagine what the bor-ough’s
creative scene would look
like without Astoria’s super-popular
comedy and storytelling spot.
We caught up with the venue’s
visionary founder — and talent booker — Kambri Crews
as she and her friends celebrate Q.E.D.’s five-year an-niversary.
The longtime Astoria resident shared with
readers what she felt this exciting milestone meant
to her and to the community she loves.
“We’ve become a defacto welcome wagon to new
Astoria residents. Transplants and NYC natives alike
can always find something to do,” Crews said. “Five
years means we’re legit and not just a flash in the
pan. And even if it all went belly up tomorrow, we’ve
created lasting memories for so many friends, families,
performers and their fans, and will always be part of
Astoria’s history.”
“There’s no secret handshake at Q.E.D. Everyone is
welcome and treated like a long-lost friend,” she added.
“The ability to see up-and-coming comedians before
they make it big, as well as seasoned professionals
right down the block, is a special treat.”
Crews has been a force in the New York comedy
scene both as a performer and a programmer for
more than 15 years, providing numerous writers and
comedians their first access to a New York stage
and becoming a powerful first contact for many in
the industry.
While juggling the struggles of a small business
owner, she has produced thousands of events, sold the
film rights to her New York Times bestselling memoir
“Burn Down the Ground” – and, over the past two years
– has overcome a serious battle with breast cancer.
Thanks to her efforts, Q.E.D. — located at 27-16
23rd Ave. — has become Queens’ destination for all
things fun.
Loyal patrons as well as Crew’s notable friends
in the comedy community – including her husband,
comedian Christian Finnegan, actor and stand-up
comic Jim Gaffigan, SNL head writer Bryan Tucker,
actor/writer Frank Conniff of Mystery Science Theater
3K, NPR personality Ophira Eisenberg of Ask Me
Another, Emmy-winning writer Eric Drysdale (The
Daily Show, Colbert Report), Josh Gondelman (Desus
and Mero), and Mike Drucker of Full Frontal – would
probably all agree that sans Q.E.D., the borough just
wouldn’t be the same.
“What I love most about Q.E.D. is how open it is. On
any given night you’ll find neighborhood locals mix-ing
with out-of-towners, standup comics performing
alongside storytellers and musicians, grizzled pros
hobnobbing with starry-eyed amateurs. All are welcome
and, more importantly, all feel welcome,” said Finnegan.
Since Q.E.D.’s doors opened in 2014, Crews’ dream
has been realized: To create a unique community space,
creative and versatile enough to feature boldface
names side-by-side with first-timers and enthusiasts.
And there’s never a shortage of happenings, with
multiple shows scheduled every evening; on any
single night, you can realistically engage in a drink-and-
draw, step up to your first open mic, see young
comics on the rise or catch a seasoned veteran testing
out new material.
Over the years, Q.E.D. has hosted hundreds of ma-jor
comedians and speakers, including Leslie Jones,
Kate McKinnon, Michelle Wolf, Janeane Garofalo,
Sasheer Zamata, Michelle Buteau and Alexandria
Ocasio-Cortez.
Part of the venue’s success can be attributed to its
diverse programming, which has remained inclusive
and accessible. Over the years, they’ve expanded their
small retail section to include more books by and for
creatives and built a recording studio that’s available
to rent by the hour, which is especially busy due to
the explosion of podcasting.
With more than 100 events a month, there’s literally
something for everyone.
Down the road, Crews said she’d love to see more
literary and film events with local authors and filmmak-ers
using QED as a backdrop for shooting locations,
screenings, readings, etc., both private and public.
For current and upcoming programming, visit: www.
qedastoria.com
Kambri Crews/Flickr
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