Comedian Hannibal Buress swaps stand-up mic for keys to Brooklyn's new performance hub, Isola

Record ID: 1984246

  • Title: Comedian Hannibal Buress swaps stand-up mic for keys to Brooklyn's new performance hub, Isola
  • Date: 12th March 2025
  • Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (MARCH 09, 2025) (REUTERS) BURESS ON STAGE BEHIND DJ EQUIPMENT WITH COMEDIAN MICHAEL CHE, AUDIENCE WATCHING SHOW NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (MARCH 11, 2025) (REUTERS) BURESS WALKING OUT OF PERFORMANCE SPACE (SOUNDBITE) (English) COMEDIAN HANNIBAL BURESS SAYING: “I used to perform right here, this is where we used to do the show. The
  • Embargoed:
  • Keywords: brooklyn club comedian comedy hannibal buress isola brooklyn performance space stand-up
  • Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK + LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
  • City: NEW YORK, NEW YORK + LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
  • Country: US
  • Topics: Celebrities,Arts/Culture/Entertainment,North America
  • Reuters ID: LVA002831112032025RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Hannibal Buress, the comedian known for his stand-up performances, has taken on a new role as the owner of Isola Brooklyn, formerly The Knitting Factory. Buress, who once hosted Sunday night shows at the venue, acquired the space in 2023 to realize his dream of owning a brick-and-mortar spot.
    Reflecting on the transformation of the site from a dusty construction zone to an active venue, Buress said, "I used to perform right here, this is where we used to do the show." The venue officially opened on March 9.
    Buress spoke candidly about his changing relationship with stand-up comedy.
    “I don't think I'm as good comedically as I am in other rooms here, for at least right now,” Buress admitted. “I think with music, either performing music or playing music is easier to immerse in the task.”
    Once his primary source of income and creative fulfillment, Buress now views stand-up as a means to fund his new venture. He believes his new space will allow him to explore his creativity in different ways, including a possible live news program showcasing the streets of Brooklyn.
    “Because of the club I focused more on, let me just do stand-up, stand-up, stand-up, knock these out and get this going. But then, now that the club is open, I'll slowly do more music and deejaying. Might still do stand-up in certain spots, but I'll focus on, I'll give more to the music and putting out stuff now because I have a spot where I can say, oh, we’re about to do a release party here. Or we can show the music video, it's just an easier place to activate.”
    However, Buress doesn't see himself completely turning his back on stand-up, but will now tour with great intention on where and why he performs.
    As for the so-called 'cancel culture' surrounding comedians, Buress dismisses the idea that it could end a career. But he wants to make sure his jokes don’t eclipse his new business venture.
    “I think that's all exaggerated. And yeah, my thing doesn’t stem from cancellation. It just stems from having something take on a life and overshadow what I'm, what I'm trying to do,” said Buress.
    Buress is excited about the March lineup and weekly Sunday night shows, envisioning Isola Brooklyn as a hub for nurturing new artists, producing shows, and hosting events and parties with a focus on hip-hop, R&B, and Afro-house music.
    (Production: Andrew Hofstetter, Alicia Powell)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2025. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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