News

“Rolling Laughs” hits the road this weekend

“Rolling Laughs” hits the road this weekend

Cassandra Simpson joined the WTAX Morning Newswatch for an interview in February, 2026 Photo: Saga Communications/Will Stevenson


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The new “Venue on Wheels” hits the road this weekend. “Rolling Laughs” is the new mobile open mic venue! Debuting at the Enos Park Open House and Resource fair from 9:00 AM to 11:00 Am. Cassandra Simpson, the brainchild of this project told the WTAX Morning Newswatch, “This was just a fever dream,” combing her two favorite things, renovation and comedy.

A camper was bought and renovated by Simpson. Lights, a comfy couch, and a P.A. system was added alongside new flooring and a roof.

Cassandra Simpson continued on about her and what the project is about.

I’m a local comedian I’ve been doing comedy for about three years here in Springfield and I travel other places too. The venue for actual comedy shows with open mics are dwindling with businesses closing, and I like renovating things in my own house. It was a fever dream; I combined renovation with comedy. 
And I was like, what if I just make my own venue?”

 

 

Recent Headlines

12 hours ago in Business, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

County Board Chair says City Council is wasting time debating how much say they have on proposed BOS Center expansion

Van Meter says there have been too many negative commenters on the project, and not enough positive ones.

18 hours ago in Agriculture, Entertainment, Farm, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Music

Ziggy Marley to headline Illinois State Fair Grandstand August 18

Grammy-winning reggae artist brings decades of music, positivity, and humanitarian work to Springfield.

20 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Billie Jean King, 82, earns a college degree 65 years after starting at Cal State LA

Billie Jean King raised her right arm in triumph. Not for another victory on the tennis court. This time, she was celebrating earning a college degree 65 years after she first took classes.