'Not Your Mother's Black Box' at Villagers Theatre

This is not your mother's black box -- again.

Villagers Theatre will have a  night of standup comedy and music at 8 p.m. Jan. 18. Performers include Jerrold Benford, Dan Bocchino, Sarah Goldbloom, and Shahryar. Be advised: This is not the standard family-friendly black box fare. Tickets cost $15 each.

The theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset. Tickets are available online.

About the performers:

Jerrold Benford is establishing himself as a fixture on the eastern comedy circuit.  Born and raised in Virginia, Benford began his career in New Jersey, where he quickly made a name for himself and performed at in the state and New York City's finest clubs, including: Rascals, Broadway Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, Stand Up N.Y., Gotham Comedy Club, and Caroline’s on Broadway.

Within two years of his standup debut, Jerrold has featured and headlined clubs, colleges, and private functions all over the tri-state area. His distinctive perspective on dating and marriage topics combines with a high-energy, friendly delivery to create wickedly clever content and a wildly funny act.

Dan Bocchino has been performing stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy in various forms for over 10 years. What began as a five-minute open mike spot in the back room of a small bar in Bloomfield, has blossomed into 10-minute spots in clubs just outside Bloomfield.

Bocchino has performed at clubs across New Jersey, New York City and Boston. In addition to his solo stand-up work, Dan was a founding member of the Boston sketch comedy troupe Slow Children at Play and a former member of the Montclair improv group Lunatic Fringe.

He is also an avid playwright, having written and produced one-act shows at festivals in both New York City and New Jersey. Dan lives in New Jersey with his wife, son and middle-age Shih Tzu.

Sarah Goldbloom is a local singer and songwriter who has been playing music and singing since her early childhood. Goldbloom loves music that tells a story, and loves to connect with her audience is what she sets out to do at each of her shows. She believes there is nothing better than bringing a group of people together from all different backgrounds and experiences and uniting them with one song.

Shahryar is a stand-up comedian from Washington, D.C. His topics include his work as a federal employee, his life at home, and everyday things he’s observed. He has been featured in the Washington Post and Voice of America. A regular at the DC Improv and other comedy venues, Shahryar was invited to perform at the 2013 Great American Comedy Festival.