On Saturday night, the Friends of the Carnegie Library of Homestead will host a comedy event to raise money for a good cause.
The third annual “Comedy at the Carnegie” fundraiser will feature Mark Eddie as the main act and Aaron Kleiber as the host, along with several local comedians.
Kleiber, a Steel Valley native, wanted to support the Carnegie Library of Homestead by participating in fundraising for its educational and community programs.
“The Carnegie Library of Homestead is where I grew up,” he said in a phone interview.
A few years ago, the Friends of the Carnegie Library of Homestead, a nonprofit that raises money for the library, asked him to organize a comedy fundraiser in the spring. The event has been successful for the past two years, and it’s back this Saturday for year three.
Donna Tomasic, president of the Friends of the Carnegie Library of Homestead, mentioned that the event raises about $10,000 a year for the library.
“Our main goal is to assist the library by raising funds and offering volunteer services,” she said. “The library provides us with a list of their needs.” The funds they raise go towards classes and educational programs, as well as equipment and material needs, even items as simple as chairs and iPad covers. They fund programs for people of all ages.
Mark Eddie, a Steubenville native, will be the main act this year. “He’s been doing comedy for 25 years. He describes himself as a rock comedian,” Kleiber said. “He brings a guitar onstage, and he makes fun of music anywhere from Buddy Holly to Rihanna.”
“He’s incredible,” he added.
Kleiber also ensures that local comedians are part of the lineup. Every year, fellow Steel Valley alumnus Brian Linsenbigler performs. This year, he and Eddie are joined by Tyler Ray Kendrick, who was named Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best Comedian in 2022 and 2023.
“I’ve won five times, he’s won twice, so he’s gaining on me,” Kleiber joked.
Chrissy Costa will also perform.
“People may know her, they’ve seen her all over the city … she’s super funny,” Kleiber said. He will be hosting the evening himself.“I’m just excited to bring an incredibly talented lineup every year.”
The benefit is advertised as “17 and over” but Kleiber assures it “won’t be wild.” It will feature a cash bar, basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle and “local tastings and baked goods.”
The general admission tickets cost $25 and proceeds go to the Friends of the Carnegie Library of Homestead. For those who can’t make it to Saturday’s show, “regrets donations” are also available.
There will be a 6 p.m. pre-show mixer and seating in the music hall will open at about 6:45 p.m. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Both Kleiber and Tomasic emphasized the significance of the Carnegie Library of Homestead to the area.
“The library itself is like the heartbeat of the community,” she added.
For more information, and to purchase tickets for Saturday’s event, visit librarymusichall.com.
