The scene at LI comedy open mics
Photo credit: Barbara Alper | John Ziegler performs new material at Open Mic Night is held at The Brokerage in Bellmore. (Jan. 11, 2013)
Walking onstage armed with nothing but a microphone while the crowd in front of you waits to be entertained can be both terrifying and exhilarating. For decades, Long Islanders have taken this risk at open mic nights as a way to break into the world of stand-up comedy.
"Long Island comedy is coming back in a strong way," says Mike Keegan, 29, of East Meadow, who has been hitting the circuit...

