Comedy show in Columbiana to benefit people with disabilities

COLUMBIANA, Ohio – A local stand-up comedian will be part of a comedy show fundraiser to benefit the disability community.

Matt O’Nesti, of Boardman, and three other comedians will be at “Don’t Call It Standup: A Night of Comedy Benefitting Disability Rights Ohio” on Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Risers Tavern on the Links in Columbiana.

O’Nesti has spinal muscular atrophy type II and has been wheelchair-bound since he was two years old.

O’Nesti shared the challenges he has had as a comedian. He said some venues would not accommodate him and some would not even book him because his ramp to the stage would cost the promoter available seating. He said traveling is also difficult for him.

O’Nesti said that local venues like Risers and local promoters like Dave Robich of The Funny Farm Comedy Club have been wonderful to him.

“The venues around here have been amazing, especially when I’m working through The Funny Farm. Dave [Robich] is one of the very few company club owners who is very receptive to accessibility and setting up ramps,” Matt said.

O’Nesti gave words of advice to other people with disabilities who want to follow the same path as him and get into stand-up comedy. He said comics have to be willing to accept rejection to be able to succeed.

“Try not to take rejection personally and know with 100% certainty if this is exactly what you want to do or not,” he said.

O’Nesti went on to prove his doubters wrong.

In 2021 , WKBN interviewed O’Nesti when he was appointed as a board member of Disability Rights Ohio. According to its website , Disability Rights Ohio is a non-profit organization with a mission to advocate for people with disabilities in Ohio. Disability Rights Ohio assists with policies, advocacy and community support for people with disabilities.

O’Nesti explained why this event is important in raising awareness for Disability Rights Ohio.

“Maybe if they do have a problem down the line, or they have questions or need help with something, you know, maybe they’ll remember us,” he said.

O’Nesti thanked Disability Rights Ohio, Rob Fellman’s Boardman Subaru, The Funny Farm Comedy Club and Risers for helping put the event on.

“Without them, there’s no show happening. We would just be doing this in my backyard,” he said.

O’Nesti is excited to work with his friends and fellow comedians Harrison Poole, Chevy Terril and GW Nell.

“These are comedian comedians who happen to be disabled and who happen to have a connection to disability,” he said.

O’Nesti said 100% of the ticket sales proceeds will go to Disability Rights Ohio.

More information about the event can be found on the Disability Rights Ohio website. Tickets for the show can be purchased online .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.