Kelli Dunham & Karen Marie

Join us for a heartwarming and funny evening with Kelli Dunham and Karen Marie.

Kelli Dunham

Accidental enemy of Mother Teresa. Two-time widow before age 40. Victim of an exploding knee replacement. Nonbinary comedian Kelli Dunham (the former Sister Mercy) is learning the limits of DIY-A (Do It Yourself Alone) approach to life just how you'd expect from an ex-nun: the hard way.

Part stand-up comedy, part sit-down tragedy with love and body fluids in the cracks in between. Kelli Dunham, RN BSN

As seen on BBC-4, BBC Scotland, the Sunday Times, The Moth Mainstage and the Edinburgh Fringe

Karen Marie

A natural improviser, Karen Marie has honed her comedic timing through improv and stand-up, using humor as both a bridge and a balm. They have performed as an ensemble member in Counterfeit Madison’s Aretha Franklin Tribute at the Lincoln Theatre and have graced stages with their signature blend of talent, wit, and wisdom. Whether delivering a poignant poem, crooning as their drag persona Special K, or riffing off the energy of a live audience, they bring an unmistakable presence to every performance. Her work exists at the intersection of storytelling and embodiment—where art becomes an act of liberation, and laughter holds space for healing.

Tickets are limited!

Admission: $15 + fees ($20 at the door IF there is space).

Cash (only) bar for water, soft drinks, and snacks.

Co-sponsors: Chris Cozad, Alison Holmes, Christy Fulton, Karen Marie

With Support From: Lesbians Benefitting the Arts, Women of the Revolution

Kelli Dunham is a nonbinary ex-nun nurse trauma-informed comedian storyteller living in New York City. Kelli has appeared on Showtime, PBS and the Moth Mainstage. Kelli is the author of seven hilarious nonfiction books about very not humorous subjects (including kids' guides to puberty) and helped set the Guinness World Record for longest comedy show/multiple performers. Then NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio once called Kelli a show-off. To Kelli's face.

The ex-nun nonbinary nurse storytelling comedian so common in modern Brooklyn. Hilarious person. Serious subjects

More about Kelli Dunham and Second Helping

Clips from a recent performance:

The Lucky Thing About Losing Two Partners In A Row

If You're From A Stoic Germanic Family...

Karen Marie is a multidisciplinary performance artist and writer whose work spans journalism, poetry, spoken word, music, and comedy. A dynamic storyteller, she seamlessly blends rhythm, lyricism, and humor to create experiences that are both thought-provoking and deeply resonant. As a published poet, their collections Grounded: A Collection of Healing Spoken Word Poetry (2019) and Fire: Poetic Memoirs of a Movement (2021) explore themes of identity, resilience, community, and transformation. Ze's artistry extends beyond the page onto the stage, where ze captivates audiences as a singer and spoken word performer, infusing each performance with soul, vulnerability, and audience connection.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mothers Brew Too, 136 West 5th Avenue, Columbus, United States