They're dressed in torn jeans, faded shirts and a cigarette is always on hand. You would probably think little of this motley crew on first sight, but you'd be wrong.

They're the Wino Theater comedians, a collection of the best comedians in East Tennessee who have come together for the simple purpose of bringing raw, edgy comedy to Knoxville.

They are part of the Wino Theater Comedy Show that is hosted every other Thursday at the Knoxville comedy club Side Splitters. The show started as the brainchild of Knoxville comedian Nick Edgman.

"I created Wino Theater in order to give local comedians more than just one chance every two weeks to perform. In order to get better in stand-up, one needs to be able to perform regularly," Edgman said.

The show started at a small bar known as The Speakeasy, but as the reputation grew so did audience, and a larger venue was needed for the show. That's when local comedy club Side Splitters picked up the show.

There is none of the separatism you get from some commercial clubs in bigger cities. These comics are out to get on stage and do what they love. That is what performing stand-up comedy should be like. Nick Edgman, ComedianThe show prides itself on the bold comedy its comedians produce because, as Edgman said, he had little desire to put restraints on his comedians.

Established promoter and comic Matt Ward sees the passion and honesty that the Wino Theater comedians bring to the stage.

"I love the Wino Theater guys," he said. "There is none of the separatism you get from some commercial clubs in bigger cities. These comics are out to get on stage and do what they love. That is what performing stand-up comedy should be like."

The most recent show featured a collection of eight comics who have honed their craft for years on the often difficult open microphone shows, which are notorious for tough crowds and tight limits placed upon performances.

One of the show's comedians, Sean Chidester, embraces the lax limitations that are placed upon the show.

"Wino is place where you can enjoy a lot of laughter a lot of alcohol and come away knowing you enjoyed your night. It's what comedy used to be." he said.  

The comedian's styles range from the more conventional to more experimental forms of comedy, such as that of performer William Montgomery, whose jokes often lack the traditional punch lines that comedy audiences have become accustomed.

Edgman believes the almost anarchic nature of the show provides the performers a chance to experiment with their sets or collection of jokes and provides them the best chance to succeed in the comedy world.

The show is just one part of the burgeoning comedy scene in Knoxville, since the show's inception.

"Knoxville's comedy scene has grown and become more organized and better networked due to Wino Theater," Ward said. "I branched out and started my own room called Old City Comedy, and I am sure a few more comic run rooms will come to life thanks to Nick and Wino."

Whether the Wino comedians continue to push forward into the world of comedy remains to be seen, but don't expect to see these guys quit on their passion for comedy.

Check the Side Splitter website for a complete schedule of upcoming comedic events.