Who's the funniest comic in the mountains?

Contest to discover the next great act in standup Monticello — Are you funny? Do people tell you that you should go into show business? Do you have what it takes to become the next great standup comedian? Anyone who answered yes to these questions is invited to get out their video cameras and start shooting for the Catch A Rising Star contest, offered in association with its newest club at Monticello Gaming and Raceway. Contestants will be signing up throughout April. “We want to find the next great one — the next Jerry Seinfeld or Robin Williams,” said Craig Neier, the chief executive officer of Catch A Rising Star. Catch searches for the best new talent by holding regional contests like this one. “We know there is a lot of terrific talent out there,” said Neier. “We want to discover that talent and showcase them.” The rules are as follows: amateur comedians must submit a three- to five-minute VHS tape or DVD to Catch. Up to 20 people or comedy pairs will be selected to perform at the Catch club at Monticello at pre-selected times, with semi-finalists then vying again on May 20. The finals are scheduled for June 1. The winner will get a paid engagement at Catch A Rising Star, either at its Monticello club or one of its other clubs around the country. Contestants must be 21 or over and must either live or work in the Catskills or Hudson Valley region. Tapes must be sent by April 30 to: Catch A Rising Star, attention: Craig Neier, 1011 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell, N.J. 07006. Every Friday night throughout the spring, Catch A Rising Star is turning the Hype room at Monticello Gaming and Raceway into a comedy club. Each show features three comics, including a major headliner. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 each. Since 1972 Catch A Rising Star has hosted the likes of Jackie Mason, Robert Kline, Richard Lewis and has helped launched the careers of people like Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Rosie O’Donnell, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Maher, Richard Belzer, Ray Romano, Jon Lovitz, Chris Rock, Bob Saget and Robert Wuhl. Monticello Gaming and Raceway is located on Route 17B in Monticello. For ticket information about the comedy shows there, call 794-4100 ext. 494 or visit www.catcharisingstar.com.