Don’s House of Comedy opening soon in Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A local woman is putting together a comedy club in honor of her late husband, a disabled veteran who loved to laugh.

One woman working to help bring people together with comedy bringing a comedy club right into the heart of Bowling Green.

The comedy business created and named in honor of her late husband.

The Vietnam veteran, Don Cleary, was injured while working as a civilian. His spine was injured for a second time just a few years ago and the damage led to his passing on the fourth of July in 2019.

During the last years of Don’s life, his wife, Janese Cleary, says he loved to joke and enjoyed comedy.

“I used to do comedy in Clarksville, Tennessee. I brought in comedians from different areas of the country and for that hour and a half, just watching him get away from the pain that he was going through and to watch that smile on his face and get to see him laugh, it’s just medicine in itself for everybody,” said Cleary.

As a businesswoman, she decided Bowling Green needed a comedy club and wanted to open it in honor of Don, thus naming it “Don’s House of Comedy”.

One of the comedians performing in the very first show, June Colson.

“And I just think it’s a beautiful thing. Comedy and laughter is healing, and I’m honored that she’s asked me to be a part of it,” said Colson.

“It’s not about making the money. It’s about bringing joy to people’s lives and to be able to help. And for every comedy show or event that I do, I’m going to give part of the proceeds back to a non-profit organization or someone in need,” said Cleary.

For now, the comedy club will meet in rented spaces, but Janese hopes to see the business grow and get a place of its own in order to serve of some laughs several days out of the month.

“I don’t really think there’s anything quite like what she’s trying to do here,” said Colson.

The first show will be January 6 at La Gala.