Williams brings comedy lineup to The Inn

Comedy Night at the Inn special host Alvin Williams is partial to the sort of venues that will let comedians play to their strengths.

Some managers aren't as lenient, and the acts try to elude that pressure by booking elsewhere.

"They can let their hair down here," Williams said of the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn. "It's not always that way at other places."

The four comics making the trek to the Lake City today and Saturday will take advantage of that accommodation.

Tonight, Portland native Augie Smith will be the headline act. Travis Nelson, a young up-and-coming talent from the Seattle area, will open. On Saturday night, Los Angeles' Kenny Smith headlines and Mallory Wallace of Fort Collins, Colo., another youngster, is the opener.

Both shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Augie Smith and Kenny Smith are seasoned comedians who have been featured on Comedy Central and are also regular guests on the nationally syndicated "Bob and Tom Show."

Kenny has shared the stage as such prominent comedians as Dave Chapelle, Pablo Fransico, D.L. Hughley, Bruce Brue, among others.

In 2010, Augie became the first comedian to win both Seattle and San Francisco Comedy competitions in the same year.

Williams, a touring host and comic based in L.A., is the son of North Idaho College Athletic Director Al Williams.

The younger Williams is excited about this weekend's lineup.

"I've worked with these comedians before. They're good," Williams said.