We had the good fortune of connecting with Katlin McFee from Boston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katlin, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Quality. Making sure every show I produce is as good as possible. This is why my events have so many returning attendees and a great reputation in local publications and by word of mouth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a comedian who also produces and books a comedy club called Hideout Comedy in downtown Boston. I also founded a comedy and music festival in my hometown comedy scene of Indianapolis called Yuck Fest.

Before beginning comedy, I was consistently attending music shows in the house show era of Indianapolis which ended up becoming prolific to the point of being covered by Pitchfork. I was in awe and very inspired by the music festival Cataracts that emerged from this music scene. The festival was put on by just a few musicians in the scene, but was an incredible experience.

When I started doing stand up I took a note from them and started my own monthly comedy variety show at a music venue called State Street Pub. I specifically tried to bring in acts that were unique and that I thought could be huge one day. We even had Sarah Sherman in 2017, and now she’s a star on SNL. Running this show snowballed into starting Yuck Fest.

Eventually I moved to Boston, where I continued my work as a producer with Hideout Comedy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting Boston and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I really roll out the red carpet when I have comics in town for Hideout who want to get to know the city. Most of my picks are food related though because I love to eat.

I always take anyone visiting to a Red Sox game. If it’s not the season, then the Celtics or Bruins. Even if someone isn’t a sports fan, the vibe and intensity of Boston sports is a great time and an experience you can’t have anywhere else.

Across the street from Fenway Stadium is one of my favorite spots, Citizen. Has incredible cocktails, food, the staff is amazing, and is actually open late which is rare in Boston.

A local artist named Nick Shea does these really cute drawings of people in the Commons for $1. He posts when he is going to be there on his instagram @realnickshea

For oysters and my personal favorite lobster roll I always take people to Eventide in Fenway. Their lobster roll is really unique. For good, old fashioned seafood I take everyone to Belle Isle Seafood, which is Anthony Bourdain approved.

In the back of a tiny alley in the North End (Little Italy) of Boston is an Italian sandwich spot called Bricco. The first time I went in, the old women working there could not care less that I was in their establishment about to spend money so I knew it would be fire. You can get a sandwich and also some fresh made pasta to take home and cook.

DRINK is a cocktail bar in Seaport with no menu. You just tell the bartender what things you like and they make something custom for you. I asked for something “as weird as possible” once and got a cocktail that tasted like thanksgiving dinner (in a good way).

If someone wants a serious Boston townie experience, I take them to BK’s Pub next to my house in Roslindale. I’m always the youngest in there by 15 years easily and the only one who pronounces my r’s. If you want a drink that’s anything besides a bud light or whiskey and coke this is not the spot for you.

Some other spots I also love: White Bull Tavern for late night week day food (specifically the buffalo chicken pizza), Gray’s Hall, Windsor Dim Sum in Chinatown, the ICA, the original Dunkin Donuts, Mike’s Pastries in the North End, Lolita’s, Select Oyster Bar, and Rochambeau.

A go-to after Hideout spot for me and my friends is Middlesex Lounge in Cambridge. It’s the only club in Boston I’ll go to. Has incredible DJs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My partner and coproducer at Hideout Comedy, Monica Carroll, has really helped me elevate the room to a new level since joining the team in the past year. I also owe thanks to Sam Ike, Anjan Biswas, and Dylan Krasinsksi who trusted me with a venue that had so much potential.

Most of the success of Yuck Fest I owe to the people of Indianapolis. The music and comedy scene gave me so much incredible support. The people of Indianapolis support local festivals, shows, etc in a way that is unprecedented. They love showing up for the cool things that are happening in their city.

 

Instagram: @katlin.mcfee

Image Credits
First photo by Jen Vest All others photos by Candice Conner

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