'My Funny Valentines' Returns to Carlsbad

Instead of dinner and a movie, you can treat your hunny to something funny this Valentine’s Day.

For the fifth consecutive year, My Funny Valentines, a relationship-themed stand-up comedy show, will return to the Carlsbad Village Theatre on Valentine’s Day.

The show, which bills itself as having “three comedians with zero relationship expertise,” stars Lamont Ferguson, a former long-time San Diego resident and San Diego State alumnus. A stand-up comedy veteran of 30 years, Ferguson began his career at The Comedy Store in La Jolla when he was 17 years old and a senior at Granite Hills High School in El Cajon. 

“It gives a nice alternative as a choice to do something for Valentine’s Day,” said Ferguson, who now resides in Long Beach.

The annual My Funny Valentines show features different comedians alongside Ferguson each year. As in years prior, Ferguson will headline and close the show with about 45 minutes of stand-up and videos. This year, comedian Mark Fernandez, who also began his career in San Diego, will host the show, and comedian Ro DelleGrazie will open the show for about 30 minutes.

The show has always been held at the Carlsbad Village Theatre, which sits 300 people, because Ferguson has a 15-year history with the venue.

“It just works best at Carlsbad,” said Ferguson, who has appeared on Comedy Central, Comics Unleashed and the ABC Family Channel. “Because of the relationship with the theater and the folks around there, it’s a very supportive community.”

In addition to the My Funny Valentines show each year, Ferguson produces, writes and directs the West Coast Funnies show at Carlsbad Village Theatre. The show is in its 11th year and a new version of the show is offered once a month.

Ferguson said he originally created the show to bring comedy to North County.

“What I tried to do when I started doing the West Coast Funnies show was just bring quality comedy into the North County area to give the people the option of being able to go,” he said.

The show, which takes place again on Saturday, Feb. 16, combines sketch comedy with a current events newscast and also features stand-up comedy segments. The My Funny Valentines show is mostly stand-up. 

Ferguson encouraged anyone looking for a fun time to come out to his show on Thursday night.

“This gives you an opportunity to laugh and see some good, quality live entertainment,” Ferguson said. “It will be a fun night.”

The show will take place Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Carlsbad Village Theatre. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at sprocketent.com/drupal/node/221.