Some big-time stand-up comedy is headed for Andreas this week.

Comedy Central's Julian McCullough will be headlining a show this Friday night, Oct. 9.The show, which will run from 8-11 p.m., will be held at the Andreas Sporting Club, Quarry Road, with proceeds from the event benefiting the club.The promoter of the show has area ties.Jason Brown, a 1992 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, has assembled the event through his own production company, Mic Stand Productions."I got the idea to promote comedy shows because I feel there is a market for them," said Brown, who currently resides in Bethlehem after living in Philadelphia at one time. "It seemed like all that the clubs have are bands and DJs. Nobody was doing comedy, and I want to change that."Brown has also worked in front of a microphone, and that experience has led him to want to assist others in their careers in stand-up comedy.Brown said his stand-up career was precipitated by a massive weight loss. He has performed in comedy clubs Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Philadelphia, and New York."I have only made the leap out in front of the spotlight since I recently lost 245 pounds," Brown related. "I am starting my own open mic night to help others get out and be creative in Bethlehem at a bar called The Tally-Ho Tavern."I started my own production company, calling it Mic Stand Productions, so that I could book myself as an act. Other comedians have since asked me to help book them, so I started producing entire shows to help keep comedy growing."Brown is also scheduled to appear on-screen in an upcoming independent comedy due out this month."It is called Nacho Mountain and I play a competitive eater named Entrée the Giant," related Brown.The Andreas show, featuring Julian McCullough, is being hosted by Melissa Molinari and also includes Anthony Acquaviva, Ed Pudup, Dave Fontaine and Megan Ward on what promises to be a laugh-filled evening.Brown hopes this will be the first of many similar comedy shows that he will be able to promote."Comedy is on the verge of exploding in the Lehigh Valley," he said. "I have a meeting scheduled in November with the entertainment director at the new Sands Casino to supply them with talent after the November expansion."Brown hopes the Andreas show is a step in the right direction for future stand-up shows in the area.Tickets for the show at the Andreas Sporting Club featuring Comedy Central's Julian McCullough are $10 in advance, $12 at the door and $15 with a hot turkey dinner.