Forget your run-of-the-mill bar trivia—Not Your Standard Trivia Nights at The Standard, East Village are anything but average.
Hosted by the hilarious Jenny Gorelick, two-time Emmy-nominated producer, actor, writer, and “crushworthy comedian” (per Time Out New York) behind The NYC Trivia Party, these themed pop-culture nights are equal parts comedy show, listening party, and battle of wits. Featured in Vulture, The New York Times, and on national TV, Jenny brings her signature girly flair, perfectly curated playlists, and cheeky banter to every round.
Her kickoff event, "Spring Has Sprung," set the tone for what’s to come: chaos, cocktails, and crowd-pleasing questions. Up next? “Single Ladies” on August 26, sponsored by Pure App. Winners walk away with sponsored prizes and Standard swag, while bites and bevs keep the good times flowing.
We sat down with Jenny to talk all things trivia, pop-culture obsession, the art of hosting, and being a woman who makes the whole room laugh, on purpose.
Let’s start from the top—how did The NYC Trivia Party come to be?
I've been hosting trivia since pre-pandemic (vintage!) at various bars and hotels domestic (Manhattan & Brooklyn) and abroad (one time in Queens) and for corporate clients. I've hosted trivia for Grindr...a career highlight. So when No Bar approached me to do trivia at the Standard East Village, it felt like a match made in literal heaven!
What makes Not Your Standard Trivia Nights different from a typical trivia experience?
Most trivia is boring. Geography (yuck), History (ew), and State Capitals (boo, hiss). Also, it's dominated by one company that hosts the same recycled questions at every pub. They can come for me--I'm not afraid.
I write bespoke pop culture trivia questions each game about subjects that matter...television, movies, celebrity, and the time Katy Perry went to space. There is always a picture round, music round, and my signature "guess the theme round"--the special sauce.
I promise: we're having way more fun!
Pop culture plays a huge role in your events—what’s your favorite niche topic right now?
I live for celebrity break-ups. Unless someday I am one in which case, please respect my and my family's privacy at this time.
You kicked things off with “Spring Has Sprung.” How do you land on your themes, and what can guests expect from “Single Ladies” on August 26?
Themes are usually inspired by whatever’s happening in the world—or in my life. Last month’s theme was weddings, because I was going to three of them. It’s not rocket science (unless you’re Katy Perry). The upcoming Single Ladies edition will almost certainly feature a little Beyoncé and a lot of dating in TV and movies.
What’s it like being a woman in the NYC comedy scene right now? Have you seen things shift in recent years?
I think the biggest shift in recent years has been the algorithm’s impact on our livelihoods. That’s why it feels genuinely special when people show up in person for comedy—it’s becoming rarer and rarer.
And being a funny girl, well, I can't help it. It's all I've ever known.
What advice would you give to someone looking to break into comedy or live event hosting?
Stand-up is hard. And that thing they say about it taking 10+ years to really get good? Unfortunately, it’s true. So if you want to start, just start—and buckle up.
