Star Bar's Rotknee Presents makes sleepy Monday nights hilarious

Every Monday night in Little Five Points , Rodney "Rotknee" Leete conjures up comedy magic at the Star Community Bar.

Why it matters: For more than 20 years, Leete has hosted Rotknee Presents, a free all-star evening of rising talents and surprise appearances by established stars who crack up crowds of comedy enthusiasts.

Yes, and: Sprinkled throughout the audience are the occasional first dates that didn't expect an evening of expletives.

• It's all good fun — and the city's longest-running comedy show, Leete tells Axios.

How it works: Every Thursday starting at 5pm, comedians interested in performing call Leete's phone to snag one of 10 slots on the evening's line-up.

• The first folks to show up on caller ID make the cut.

Who's who: Talents who have graced the stage include Atlanta stars like Lace Larrabee , Clayton English , Dulcé Sloan and Katherine Blanford .

• Kyle Kinane , Ron White , Tiffany Haddish , Hannibal Buress and Whitmer Thomas have also dropped by.
• Current regulars include Tamar Rubin , Vas Sanchez and Isaiah Pringle .

Catch up quick: In the early 2000s, the Northern California native was singing in a punk band called The Despised when the Star Bar asked him to take over their karaoke night.

• He later realized comedy fans had few options on Mondays, and Rotknee Presents was born.

Caveat: The Monday show isn't for newbies, Leete says; that's what open mics are for.

State of play: Earlier this year, Leete, who turned 55 in June, scuttled plans to step down from hosting the weekly shows.

• He says he'll stay on least a decade longer. "My goal is to help 100 great Atlanta comedians," Leete says. "I've been steady getting it done for almost 21 years. I'm honored that I get to do this for my city."

What they're saying: Rubin says the show has an "energy that's so eclectic" and "allows so many different types of people to go there and crush and try new things."

• "I love the location. I love who comes in. I love the ability to try new stuff. It's just my favorite place to perform without a f**king doubt."

Pro tip: Grab a front row seat if you're brave. And remember to tip your server.