SHUTTERS CAFE: Bar & Restaurant is located at 433 W. 34th St. between 9th & 10th Aves. in NYC, the original site of The Improv comedy showcase. The Improv was established in 1963 by the visionary Budd Friedman. After his initial success in NYC, Bud took his concept to the West Coast. By the 1980's he expanded his comedy empire to include franchises in San Francisco, San Diego, Brea, Irvine, Tempe, Washington D.C., Dallas, Addison, Cleveland, Miami, Las Vegas, Reno and across the Atlantic in London, England. Improv alumni include Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams, Jonathan Winters, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Drew Carey and David Spade.

While Shutters Cafe has no ties to Bud Freidman or his World Famous Improv Comedy Showcase, its current proprieter Bill Scalia continues to support young comedians by hosting comedy open mics and new talent showcases.

Bill Scalia, a former nightclub jazz singer, also supports the local jazz scene with a weekly jazz singer open mic currently hosted by pianist Ted Muzio. Jazz Singers & Musicians with a following are encouraged to contact Bill at 212.279.3446 to book the dining room for Friday and Saturday evening showcases. You can either book the dining room for a private party at very reasonable rates or if you can bring 20 or more diners you can perform in the space at no charge to you and charge your own cover.