DeKalb | Chris May is known for his appearance on the reality TV show “Ink Master” or for his DeKalb business Proton Tattoo, but May displays a different kind of talent with his new role as the host of the House Cafe’s comedy open mic nights.

The comedy open mic night is 8 p.m. every other Wednesday starting today at The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway.

The Northern Star: How did you get involved in the comedy open mic event?

Chris May: I used to do these things [comedy open mic nights] before The House Cafe closed. And when they reopened, I knew that there was no where else to do this kind of thing, and I talked to Alex [Fausett, House Cafe co-owner] about doing it.

NS: What made this event so important for you to begin again after the House Cafe re-opening?

CM: It’s really fun. When we were doing it in the past, we had a lot of great comedians come out.

NS: Are you the sole host of the event or will it change every week?

CM: I alternate hosting duties with legendary Rockford comedian Scott Galvin.

NS: Have you and Galvin worked together before?

CM: I met Scott early on in my comedy career, and we have been friends ever since.

NS: Will you be performing comedy of your own at the event?

CM: [On the first night], I’ll be doing an eight-minute set and then at the beginning [of future shows] and throughout the night.

NS: How do comedians participate in the event?

CM: Signup starts at 8 p.m., and if they want to participate they can just find me and we can go from there. They usually get 5-10 minutes.

NS: In your opinion, what is the best part about this event?

CM: For me personally, I don’t usually go out in the area because there’s nothing that interests me. Comedy night is upbeat and fun, and I think this is really something that the DeKalb area needs.