Getting comedians back on stage after the pandemic at The Loft on Bedford Avenue

There’s no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic affected many thousands of local people in dozens of professions — not just doctors, nurses and essential workers, but many others.

Including performers. The careers of actors, singers, comedians and more, who make a living by being on stage and entertaining others, were threatened by pandemic shutdowns.

One local business, CMIT Solutions of South Nassau, an information technology company, set out to help them. Its owner, Armando D’Accordo, of Wantagh, started sponsoring comedy shows as a way to get comedians back on stage, and to encourage people to get back out to their shows. The performances are made possible with the help of D’Accordo’s son, Vincent, and Vincent’s friend Paul Dagliolo.

CMIT Solutions was based in Merrick for many years, but recently moved to Massapequa. D’Accordo has long been involved with the Merrick Chamber of Commerce as well as other professional networking groups.

On Aug. 19, CMIT Solutions will host the third installment of its comedy shows, at The Loft in Bellmore. “We’re looking to do a series of them,” D’Accordo said. “It helps local venues. It helps comedians. We’re trying to do our best to help both sets.”

The Loft, a venue above the Bellmore Playhouse on Bedford Avenue, boasts a lot of space, including food service and a bar.

Dagliolo, the show’s host and Vincent D’Accordo’s childhood friend, works in comedy.

“During Covid, it was a struggle for everybody that was doing comedy,” Armando D’Accordo said. “They were doing, you know, videos and some Zoom comedy, but it’s very difficult. Most of the venues were not having people, so it was very tough.”

He and his son wanted to find a way to help comedians.

“Paul and I have been friends since kindergarten,” Vincent said. “We grew up together. We’ve always had affinity and respect for stand-up comedy. Paul kind of took that to the next level, by becoming a stand-up comedian himself. Ever since he did that, we’ve been wanting to do a show together.”

“After Covid started to lessen — I won’t say it’s gone — we came up with the idea of hosting or sponsoring some of these guys,” his father  added. “Paul loved it. My son loved it. So, they put together the arrangements, and they made up the flyers, and we’ve had some really nice events.”

Dagliolo brings in comedians that he’s met over the years. The comedians that will be featured are mostly from New York City, so it’ll be a different mix of stage personalities than what Long Island comedy fans are used to seeing.

A show at The Loft last December was well attended. The hope is for an even larger audience at this month’s event.

“The most important thing is the comedians are really good, Armando D’Accordo said. “It’s a fun night for everybody. It’s enjoyable — everybody who went to the venue (in December) was happy with it. Everybody wins.”

The show on Aug. 19 will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will be a full bar as well as food.

Tickets cost $20, and can be purchased ahead of time at EventBrite.com. For 20 percent off the price, use the promotional code “Herald.” The Loft is at 525 Bedford Ave. in Bellmore.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the comedians, who will be compensated for their work, and also cover event expenses, Vincent said.

A lot of work goes into planning the shows, and Dagliolo said he was excited to see everything come together.

“I’m looking forward to doing the show, and seeing the vision come to life,” he said. “And I get to continue to do comedy, which is something that is, you know, its own journey. But it’s fun to do that. It’s one thing to perform in front of friends and family, but it’s also even better to perform in front of strangers.”

“Each show has gotten better, in my opinion,” Vincent said. “I’m excited to see where we can take this, and what this show is going to look like. The more friends and family, and people that come from the community, it provides a setting for them to enjoy themselves, have a nice night out in a cool place with some cool people.”