Back on stage – Raue Center to reopen doors with comedian Kevin Bozeman

Crystal Lake's Raue Center for the Arts is set to reopen its doors on Saturday, July 11, with its longest-running program, "Lucy's Comedy."

According to a news release, the show will feature "one of the country’s most sought after comedians," Kevin Bozeman, and comedian Tyler Fowler at 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday.

Raue Center Executive Director Richard Kuranda said they are taking many precautions, with a thorough disinfection process and alternative seatings.

“The limited capacity of 50 seats within the entire 800 seat hall will provide ample room to relax and enjoy great comics like Kevin Bozeman and Tyler Fowler," Kuranda said in a statement. "I’m also excited about the livestreaming for the show."

Bozeman, according to a news release, is from Chicago and is known for a "smooth and clever style, great smile and contagious laugh.

"A former Division III college basketball player, Bozeman began his career in stand-up comedy in 1999, inspired by nights on the couch watching “Def Comedy Jam” and challenging his roommate to try performing at an open-mic night," according to the release. "Nearly two decades later, Bozeman is still onstage, entertaining audiences in clubs and colleges across the country."

Bozeman won the Midwest region of HBO's "Comedy Competition" and went on to compete as a finalist in 2000. After performing on Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” in 2003, he then finished second in the Boston Comedy Competition in 2005.

Bozeman also has appeared as a semi-finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2010, and co-starred in the indie film, “Flat Chested,” with Alicia Witt and Luke Perry.

Bozeman's current special, "Clean & Unfiltered," is on the Dry Bar YouTube channel.

“Kevin Bozeman is hysterical with his musings of raising his family in these crazy times. He’s been really making a name for himself as one of the nation's top comics. It is sure to be a fun evening,” Kuranda said.

The other comedian who is set to perform on Saturday is Fowler, a favorite around Chicago and across the nation, according to the release.

Fowler regularly appears at Zanies Comedy Club, and recently was named among the "Best Of The Fest" at the 2018 Cleveland Comedy Festival.

Tyler’s debut album, “Friends with 401(k) Benefits,” premiered at number 1 on iTunes and in the Top 10 on the Billboard Comedy Charts.

Virtual tickets also are available with the Raue's new system, which gives viewers a four-camera experience.

Virtual tickets start at $10 per household, and regular tickets start at $35. Tickets can be bought online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815-356-9212 or 26 N. Williams St. in downtown Crystal Lake.

For information, visit rauecenter.org.