What’s so funny about the Salsa Parlor?

Duo behind the East Lansing comedy show explains its name and history

FRIDAY, Feb. 25 — The Salsa Parlor is not the name of a Mexican restaurant, and it has nothing to do with salsa.

The Salsa  Parlor is a comedy show in an  East Lansing house once a month on Saturday nights.

Zachary Burcar, who with Louis Michael created the Salsa Parlor, said the  inspiration for the show’s name and troupe came from the idea of being “nonsensical.”

“We wanted a name that didn’t mean anything or have any substance,” Burcar said. “What the hell is a Salsa Parlor? It’s hard to say, hard to remember. But the name’s stuck at this point. It’s a bad name, and we love it.” 

Michael and Burcar, after meeting at a Crunchy’s comedy night in 2016, began working together in September 2017. The duo started working under the Salsa Parlor name, which carried over when they moved into their current home with fellow comics.

Michael, Burcar and their roommates decided to host a monthly house show, continuing to use the Salsa Parlor name. The show gained momentum as more comics — like Trevor Tress — were booked to perform at the house. 

“Every month, a few new people would show up,” Michael said. “We book a lot of great comics, and the show is fun. Eventually, people kept an eye out for the show.”

Each month, Michael handmakes a poster and plasters it all over the Lansing area. He said word of mouth has been extremely helpful in spreading the word about their house show. Being within walking distance for Michigan State University students and city residents has been a plus as well. 

Burcar recalled the “slow burn” of popularizing the show early on and credited Michael’s “workhorse” attitude for making the show into the success that it is today.

The audience, after making a suggested $10 donation, sits on old couches and lawn chairs. Beer and pizza are provided, giving the show a college house party vibe. But that’s what makes shows at the Salsa Parlor special. 

The show typically runs for an hour and a half, depending on how many comedians are in the lineup. Usually, the show features 10 Michigan comedians on the last Saturday of the month.

The Salsa Parlor’s shows Saturday (Feb. 26), March 26 and April 30 will be the final three  at the house on Burcham Drive. From there,  details about the group’s future — and the show — are still in the works. 

“The show will continue on in some way, somewhere,” Michael said.