Charleston Gets Its Chance: The Roast of Mark Mahoney

Charleston, he talks a big game — and now it's his turn to take a hit.

On Tuesday, April 7th, GRÜV on Capitol Street transforms into the city's unofficial court of comedy as Mark Mahoney — downtown advocate, Ward 9 City Council candidate, and self-described fighter for Charleston's future — sits down in the hot seat for The Roast of Mark Mahoney.

Friends, coworkers, rivals, and a few people who probably owe him money will take the stage for a one-night-only roast. Expect sharp jokes, embarrassing stories, and absolutely zero mercy as a lineup of local personalities unloads years of material in front of a live audience. From bar stories and business ventures to Capitol Street nightlife — nothing is off limits.

The evening runs about 90 minutes and will feature rapid-fire roast sets, surprise appearances, and a closing response from the man himself.

---

Who Is Mark Mahoney?

Mark Mahoney is a longtime downtowner and community advocate who's running for Charleston City Council, Ward 9 — the heart of the city stretching along the Kanawha River and covering most of downtown and the East End.

If you've caught a concert at the Coliseum, a festival at Haddad, lunch on Capitol Street, or a show at the Clay Center, you've already been in Ward 9. It's where Charleston's biggest events, best music, and true city energy live.

Mahoney is running on a platform built around three core ideas:

• Making Charleston safer — investing in community safety and rebuilding trust in public spaces
• Supporting local businesses — fighting for the small shops, restaurants, and entrepreneurs that give the city its character
• Keeping young people here — giving the next generation real reasons to stay, build careers, and put down roots in West Virginia

Ward 9 is home to roughly 2,454 residents with a diverse mix of renters and homeowners across the East End and downtown neighborhoods. Mahoney believes the area has been underrepresented and underserved — and he wants to change that from the inside.

---

Event Details

What: The Roast of Mark Mahoney When: Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Where: GRÜV, 10 Capitol St, Charleston, WV 25301 Tickets: $20 General Admission (21+)

"No topic is off limits." — The roast's unofficial motto

Tickets are available now at mahoneyforcharleston.com. Grab yours before they're gone — this is the kind of Charleston night people will be talking about for a while.

---

Get Involved

Want to support Mark's campaign beyond the laughs? You can donate, grab some campaign merch, request a yard sign, or simply show up to a Charleston City Council meeting alongside him. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @mahoneyforcharleston or on X at @MahoneyWard9.

Learn more at mahoneyforcharleston.com.