Items tagged with 'comedy'

A bunch of comedy shows coming up

comedian Joel McHale

Joel McHale will be at the Rivers Casino in December.

A series of people will be coming to the Capital Region over the next few months and they're hoping will you give them money. In return, you'll be hoping they make you laugh.

And here's a rundown of a bunch of those shows...

(there's more)

Here's that SNL skit that referenced Albany

A Saturday Night Live skit this past weekend referenced Albany (mostly visually). It's embedded above.

The skit is more a spoof of local TV news and cringe-inducing public marriage proposals. The fake local TV news program open and set background include a pic of the Albany skyline. That's about the extent of the reference.

Lewis Black at Troy Music Hall

Lewis Black angry photo

Comedian Lewis Black will be back in town for a stand-up show at the Troy Music Hall March 16. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, October 26 -- they're $38 and up.

The promo blurbage for Black's tour -- "The Jokes On US Tour" -- touts "a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience."

Black has performed here a bunch of times, often at The Palace. This might be the first time his rants will enjoy the famed acoustics of the hall.

Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

Steve Martin + Martin Short at Proctors

steve martin and martin short photo by anna webber

Humorous people Steve Martin and Martin Short will be at Proctors February 17 for a show together. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 19 -- they're $75.50 and up.

Show blurbage:

In Now You See Them, Soon You Won't, comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short present new material in a variety of musical sketches and conversations about their iconic careers, most memorable encounters, and, of course, their legendary lives in show business. Grammy Award®-winning bluegrass band The Steep Canyon Rangers will join the duo on stage. The tour also features renowned pianist and Jimmy Kimmel Live band member Jeff Babko.

Martin and Short also teamed up for a Netflix special earlier this year, and also performed at Tanglewood in September.

Presumably Steve Martin's banjo will also be making an appearance.

photo: Anna Webber

Jim Gaffigan at The Palace

comedian Jim Gaffigan

Comedian Jim Gaffigan is set for a stand-up show at The Palace March 2. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 5 -- they're $39.75 and up.

Gaffigan's comedy tends to be observational stuff about everyday things. He's appeared on pretty much every TV talk show, along with almost every other type of show. He's got a role in a dozen different shows or films this year and in the future, according to IMDB. And he released a new comedy special earlier this year.

Back in 2016 he played a show at TU Center, and a few years before that a sold-out show at Proctors. So it would be surprising if tickets for this Palace show sell out or come close.

Michelle Wolf at Albany Funny Bone

comedian Michelle Wolf

Comedian Michelle Wolf will be at the Albany Funny Bone for a two stand-up shows this Sunday, September 2. The shows are at 7 pm (sold out) and 9:45 pm -- tickets are $35.

Wolf got a lot of attention earlier this year for her performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in which she set pretty much everyone on blast, especially the Trump administration.

The former Daily Show contributor also hosted a show at Netflix this year. And she has an HBO comedy special premiering in December.

Aziz Ansari
Aziz Ansari is also playing a handful of shows at the Albany Funny Bone Tuesday and Wednesday -- but they're all sold out.

photo: Mindy Tucker

Amy Schumer at The Palace

comedian Amy Schumer 2018

Amy Schumer will be at The Palace November 8 for a stand-up show. Tickets go on sale this Monday, August 27 -- they're $32.

The Palace stop is part of a fall tour that, according to the press materials, will include all new material.

Of course, Schumer made a pop-up appearance at MopCo in Schenectady earlier this summer where she worked some material. Maybe some of that will end up in the new tour.

Schumer has sold out shows here before, so if you'd like to go to this show and have your pick of seats, getting tickets sooner rather than later isn't a bad idea.

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show: Chris Lamberth

comedian Chris Lamberth

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series is bringing Chris Lamberth back to Proctors August 25. Tickets are $15 ahead / $20 at the door and available now.

Lamberth was a previously a headliner for the series back in 2016. Bio blurbage:

[Lamberth] has toured nationally with Chris Hardwick and shared the stage with notable comedians Maria Bamford, Bill Burr, D.L. Hughley, Marc Maron, Trevor Noah and Craig Robinson. He has been featured on AXS TV's Gotham Comedy Live, the webseries Co-Operation, MTV's prank show Bugging Out and the critically acclaimed podcast 2 Dope Queens. ...
His other television and film credits include High Maintenance (HBO), Jessica Jones (Netflix), The Last O.G. (TBS), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) and the upcoming film Can You Ever Forgive Me? (Fox Searchlight) starring Melissa McCarthy. He also serves as host of The Mundane Festival--a weekly podcast...

The show's at 8 pm. And with all Pretty Much shows, there will be a host and opener.

Four years of Pretty Much The Best Comedy Show
The show this August will mark the fourth-year anniversary of the Pretty Much The Best Comedy Show series, which has consistently brought interesting, rising comics through town, among them Aparna Nancherla and Josh Gondelman.

Follow up: The Mop & Bucket Improv Theater

MopCo_AmySchumer.jpg

Amy Schumer dropped in at MopCo last week for a pop-up show

AOA is on summer break. So we'll have new follow-ups with people we've met and covered during the last year (or so).

Just over a year ago, The Mop & Bucket Company -- the Capital Region's longest running improv troupe -- took a leap of faith. Troupe founder Michael Burns and his wife and partner Kat Koppett purchased an abandoned firehouse on North Jay Street in Schenectady, renovated it, and created the MopCo Improv Theater.

They had hopes of creating not just a place for improv performance, but a community space for all sorts of performance, classes, and a hub for creativity. A year later they're creating new improv formats, playing to sold-out houses, expanding their repertoire of classes, and hosting a wide variety of performers from improv to storytellers to sketch comedy.

Oh, and last week, Amy Schumer paid them a visit for a sold out pop-up show.

Michael Burns, who's also MopCo's artistic director, talked with us about this last year of making things up.

(there's more)

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show: Abbi Crutchfield + Luke Thayer

comedians Abbi Crutchfield and Luke Thayer

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series will be back at Proctors this Saturday, July 28 with two headliners on the bill: Abbi Crutchfield and Luke Thayer.

Show blurbage:

Abbi Crutchfield - As seen on Comedy Central's "Broad City," NBC's "The Mysteries of Laura," and current co-host of TruTV's "You Can Do Better", Abbi Crutchfield is a comedian named one of the 18 Funny Women You Should Be Following on Twitter by Huffington Post Comedy. She is a UCB alum and is a longtime producer of the acclaimed live comedy show The Living Room Show.
Luke Thayer - luke was just names Sirius XM's "Comedian Of The Month"! Luke has appeared at comedy festivals, clubs, and colleges across the country and internationally. His TV appearances include Fox's "Laughs," "Brain Games" on Nat Geo, Tyra, Food Network, and "All Night with Joey Reynolds" on NBC. Luke's also been a guest in Funny Or Die Originals and College Humor videos and listed in the NY Post's Comics' Favorite Jokes.

And, as it happens, they're married. (To each other.)

Show's at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 ahead / $20 at the door.

photos: Abbi Crutchfield via her Twitter account | Luke Thayer via his Facebook

Tracy Morgan at Rivers Casino

tracy morgan 2015

Comedian Tracy Morgan is set play a stand-up show at the Rivers Casino event center in Schenectady November 9. Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 15 -- they're $55.

Of course, Morgan is famous for his role on 30 Rock and time on Saturday Night Live. He has a new show, The Last O.G..

Morgan's made a handful of stops here in recent years, including a string of warm-up shows at the Albany Funny Bone last summer.

photo: Paul Mobley

Miranda Sings at The Egg

comedian Miranda Sings Colleen Ballinger

The comedy act Miranda Sings will be at The Egg July 13. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $39.50 and up.

The title for the show is "Miranda Sings Live... No Offense with special guest Colleen Ballinger." Miranda Sings is the YouTube-famous act -- Colleen Ballinger is the comedian / actor who plays her. Blurbage:

The character Miranda was created in 2008 and became mainstream when Colleen received a personal call from Jerry Seinfeld to appear on his series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and subsequently The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. 'Miranda's' origins were intended as a parody of the young, self-absorbed singers with more far more confidence (and vibrato) than talent which Colleen saw uploading videos to YouTube. Miranda is known for her overdrawn red lips, questionable advice about singing and life, a deluded self-confidence, and over-the-top rants about her family and personal problems.

"Miranda" is also the basis for the Netflix series Haters Back Off!

More recently-announced comedy shows
+ March 31: Pretty Much The Best Comedy Show: Julie Kottakis at Proctors
+ April 7: Cuzin Maine at Troy Music Hall
+ May 18: Nick Swardson at The Egg

Andy Borowitz at Proctors

satirist Andy Borowitz

Writer/comedian Andy Borowitz will be at Proctors July 13. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 9.

Borowitz is most famous of late for his satirical pieces at The New Yorker. But back in the day he was chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool as one of the creators of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

The show is part of Borowitz's "Make America Less Embarrassing Again" tour. He'll be talking with WAMC's Joe Donahue on stage.

photo via Andy Borowitz Facebook

Kevin Hart at SPAC

comedian Kevin Hart

Comedian Kevin Hart is set for a stand-up show at SPAC May 25. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, January 31 -- they're $45 (lawn) and up.

Hart is one of the most famous and successful comedians in the game right now -- regularly ranking among the top-10 highest earning comedians -- based on his stand-up act and frequents appearances in movies and other media.

Hart's last two stops here have been at the TU Center, in 2015 and 2012. (We were just trying to think about the last stand-up act to play a show at SPAC... and drawing a blank. Maybe you know.)

photo via Kevin Hart Facebook

Kate Welshofer is leaving for a job in Buffalo

Kate Welshofer Buffalo

It's our understanding that Anchorcat Brian is excited about the moving boxes.

Updated Thursday at 3:20 pm.

Kate Welshofer announced on her Facebook page Thursday that she's leaving Spectrum News for a job in Buffalo with WGRZ. From her post (link added):

Plain and simple--my YouTube channel got me this job.
So, after 20 years in the business, I am being given the chance to be able do what I have always wanted to do on television on a consistent basis and that is: give people a reason to smile. ...
To anyone not sure if they should do something weird, do it. Not everybody's going to get it but, when you least expect it, somebody will....and it will change your life.

Her last night on Spectrum is Thursday.

Speaking of rolling the credits
Kate recently teamed up with Greg Aidala for a series of super short comedy bits, called Credits...

(there's more)

Liz Miele returns to the Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series

comedian Liz Miele

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series is returning to Capital Rep in Albany December 31 -- and it's bringing headliner Liz Miele back to town. Tickets are $15 ahead / $20 day of.

Miele as the headliner for a Pretty Much show at Proctors last year. A clip from a Paste profile:

Her ability to zero in on the feelings behind her feelings evokes Chris Gethard: even when the material is dark, it is affably so; when it is light, there is darkness woven into the fabric. (I'm fond of a bit in her recent set at the Paste Studio in which she considers pregnancy as a means of treating hormonal acne). "I really do think how reflective you have to be in comedy and how reflective you have to be in therapy really came together to give me a little more understanding of who I am as a person, which helped me have more of an understanding of who I am as a comic," she said. This was not an easy process--"There were like three years of finding out everything that sucks about me"--but it seems to have proven crucial to her work. "We all go into comedy as a defense mechanism," she speculated. "I think a lot of us feel ostracized by whatever community we grew up in, so then we start to build our own community. It's weird."

As with other Pretty Much shows, the night also includes an opener and a host. Show starts at 8 pm.

More New Year's Eve comedy
There are a bunch of comedy shows around the area that night...

+ The First Night of Funny series will be at multiple venues around the greater Capital Region.

+ Impression comic Frank Caliendo is at the Rivers Casino in Schenectady.

+ And there are shows at the clubs -- the Comedy Works in Saratoga and Funny Bone in Albany.

High Mud Comedy Festival 2018

mike birbiglia

The High Mud Comedy Festival is set to return to MASS MoCA March 16-17. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 15. (The museum's website doesn't list the price, but a two-day pass was $42 last year.)

This year's headliner is Mike Birbiglia, of My Girlfriend's Boyfriend, Sleepwalk With Me, Don't Think Twice, and This American Life fame. He's made multiple stops in the area in the past, many of which have sold out.

Also announced for the festival: singer/songwriter/comedian Nellie McKay. More acts will be announced later.

The festival is, according to the blurbage, "stacked with comedy-club kings and queens, funny film, uncommon workshops, half-brewed beer tastings, mocking museum tours (and whatever else we can think to poke fun at)."

photo: Brian Friedman

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show: Erik Bergstrom

comedian Erik Bergstrom

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series at Proctors brings Erik Bergstrom back for a stand-up show Saturday, October 28. Tickets are $15 ahead / $20 day of.

Show blurbage:

Bergstrom's hilariously dark comedy is a fitting match for Halloween weekend, as an illustrator and author, he published his first book, "Grimmer Tales" (Penguin Books) in 2009 and has had his illustrations repeatedly appear in the New Yorker and other publications. Last year, after finessing his set right here at Pretty Much The Best Comedy Show, Comedy Central picked Bergstrom to record and produce his first Half-Hour on their network, which aired in September of 2016.

Bergstrom also survived a bout with cancer during the last few years. As he told Splitsider: "Cancer is the best agent I've ever had. When I got this special I got emails from agents wanting to know if I wanted to sign with them, but I was like, 'If I want another TV spot I'll just have more cancer.'"

The show starts at 8 pm.

photo via Erik Bergstrom Facebook

Trevor Noah at The Palace

comedian Trevor Noah

Daily Show host Trevor Noah will be at The Palace December 9 for a stand-up show. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 15 -- they're $39.50 and up.

The Palace date is toward the end of a national tour for Noah this fall. Many of the shows have already sold out. So if you're interested in going, it's a good idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

More comedy at the Palace
+ October 6: Mike Epps
+ October 7: Ron White
+ November 3: Lewis Black

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show: Casey James Salengo

comedian casey james salengo

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series at Proctors has Casey James Salengo lined up for this Saturday. Tickets are $15 ahead / $20 day of.

Salengo was on Jimmy Kimmel earlier this month. And he has a half-hour Comedy Central special coming out this fall. And he's originally from Middleburgh. As he posted on Facebook this week: "My entire extended family and many childhood friends will be seeing me for the first time so come on out if you want to witness an actual nightmare I've had come to life."

The bill also includes Courtney Maginnis. Earlier this year she was on Studio 360 talking about balancing her stand-up comedy with her day job as a lingerie designer.

The show starts at 8 pm on Saturday, August 26 in the Proctors education center space.

Tracy Morgan will be back at the Funny Bone at Crossgates

tracy morgan

Comedian Tracy Morgan is set to play a handful of standup shows at the Funny Bone at Crossgates August 11 and 12. Tickets are $35 and up.

It looks like the shows might be a warm up before he heads out on tour. The Crossgates dates aren't listed on his website, and they're followed on his schedule by a string of club dates in NYC.

Noted from the Funny Bone event page: "NO cell phones are aloud in the showroom during the show. There will be a cell phone case provided at the show if you need to have your phone on you. If you need to use your phone during the show you will have to exit the showroom and use it in the bar area."

photo: Paul Mobley

Lewis Black at The Palace

Lewis Black angry promo photo

Comedian Lewis Black is set to return to The Palace for stand-up show November 3. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 19 -- they're $29.50 and up. (There's also a fan club pre-sale starting May 16.)

Black's new tour is the "Rant, White & Blue" tour. There are a probably a few recent events about which he's upset.

He's played a bunch of shows here in recent years, including a date at The Palace last year.

More comedy
+ Sinbad is at Troy Music Hall June 4.
+ Kevin James at The Egg June 23.
+ This year's comedy lineup for the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA June 23-25 includes: John Hodgman (of course), Michael Ian Black, Eugene Mirman, Phoebe Robinson*, Nick Offerman, and Jean Grae's The Show Show with DJ Quelle Chris. (It looks like Robinson has replaced Aparna Nancherla in the lineup.)
+ That John Mulaney show July 27 that was originally scheduled for The Egg, but moved to The Palace because of demand has added a second show that same night at 9:30 pm.
+ Demetri Martin is returning to The Egg October 6.

Kevin James at The Egg

comedian Kevin James

Comedian/actor Kevin James will be at The Egg June 23 for a stand-up show. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $55 and up.

James, of course, starred on The King of Queens for many years, as well as appearing in movies. And he now has a new sitcom.

He's made a couple of stops here in recent years at The Palace. This show at The Egg is in the 982-seat Hart Theatre.

More comedy
+ That John Mulaney show July 27 that was originally scheduled for The Egg, but moved to The Palace because of demand has added a second show that same night at 9:30 pm.
+ Demetri Martin is returning to The Egg October 6.
+ And this year's comedy lineup for the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA June 23-25 includes: John Hodgman (of course), Michael Ian Black, Eugene Mirman, Phoebe Robinson*, Nick Offerman, and Jean Grae's The Show Show with DJ Quelle Chris. (It looks like Robinson has replaced Aparna Nancherla in the lineup.)

photo via Kevin James Facebook.

Demetri Martin returning to The Egg

comedian Demetri Martin

Comedian/actor Demetri Martin is returning to The Egg October 6 for a stand-up show. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 21 -- they're $35 and up.

Martin's style is understated and observational, with a lot of one-liners (also: diagrams). From his Facebook page yesterday: "If they could read, I think wolves would be very offended by most fairy tales." He also has a film -- Dean, which he wrote and directed -- coming out in June.

He's made stops in this area a few times, the last at The Egg in 2015.

John Mulaney at The Egg -- now at The Palace

comedian john mulaney

Update: This show has been moved to The Palace.

Comedian John Mulaney is set for a stand-up show at The Egg July 27. Tickets went on sale today (March 22) -- they're $29 and up.

Blurbage:

He most recently starred in the Broadway hit, "Oh, Hello on Broadway" alongside Nick Kroll. In 2015 Mulaney released his 3rd hour stand up special a Netflix Original titled "THE COMEBACK KID" which the AV Club called "his best hour of his career." He began his career in New York's East Village and has since toured around the world. In 2008, he began writing at "Saturday Night Live" where he appeared as a "Weekend Update" correspondent and co-created characters such as "Stefon" with Bill Hader. He currently writes for IFC's "Documentary Now" and for Netflix's "Big Mouth" on which he voices the character of Andrew.

The show at The Egg is in the 982-seat Hart Theater.

A handful of other comedy shows coming up...

(there's more)

Solid Sound 2017 comedy lineup

John Hodgman 2017

John Hodgman

The music lineup for this year's Solid Sound Festival was out last month, and now the lineup for the comedy portion of the fest is out:

John Hodgman (of course)
Michael Ian Black
Eugene Mirman
Aparna Nancherla
Nick Offerman
Jean Grae's The Show Show with DJ Quelle Chris

Solid Sound is June 23-25 at MASS MoCA this summer. Weekend passes are currently $159, and a kids pass is $50.

High Mud Comedy Festival
A reminder: MASS MoCA's High Mud Comedy Festival is March 31-April 1. The headliner is Phoebe Robinson, co-host of the popular podcast 2 Dope Queens. (Aparna Nancherla is also part of the lineup.)

Chris Rock at The Palace

comedian Chris Rock

Comedian/actor/producer Chris Rock is set for a stand-up show at The Palace April 10. Tickets go on sale this Friday -- they're $49.50 and up.

The stop at the Palace is part of a Rock's current tour, which is being touted as his first in nine years.

The Palace holds a lot of people, but it still wouldn't be surprising if this show sold out. So getting tickets sooner rather than later isn't a bad idea if you're interested in going.

Mobile phone policy: Noted on Rock's tour page and the Palace's event page: "Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their phones throughout the night, and if needed, may access their phones at designated Yondr unlocking stations in the lobby."

ComFest 2017 features Aparna Nancherla

comedian aparna nancherla

The National College Comedy Festival at Skidmore -- ComFest -- is back this weekend with Aparna Nancherla as the headliner. Advance tickets are sold out, but a limited number of standby tickets will be available at the door -- they're $14 for the 7 pm shows and $20 for the 10 pm shows.

Maybe you caught Nancherla when she's been in town for the Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series or to open for John Oliver. She's very funny. Other ComFest headlining acts for this year: Troy Walker, the The Improvised Shakespeare Company, and Nick and Gabe.

But the overriding goal of ComFest is to showcase up-and-coming comedy writers, performers, and improv troupes from colleges around the country -- of which there will be many performing at the festival. Past performers have gone on to great success (example: the festival's founder, David Miner, worked on 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and The Good Place). Here's a good piece on the festival and its history over at Splitsider from a few years back, and a feature about an earlier festival in NYT.

The festival always sells out. We hear that if you want the best chance to snagging the remaining tickets, get there 45 minutes before the show.

photo: Mark Manning

Storytime Time at MopCo

storytime time logo 2017

The Storytime Time comedic storytelling series recently started up again, and it's next show is this Friday, January 13 at the MopCo theater space in Schenectady. Blurbage:

The event is a hybrid of a comedy show and storytelling event and the best way to understand it is to just come to it.
This month features true & funny stories from Kat Koppett, Jaye McBride, Peter Delocis, Thomas Attila Lewis, Ryan Shea and Storytime Time favorite Kevin Kaszubowski!

The organizer and host of Storytime Time is comedian Ethan Ullman.

Tickets are $10 / $6 for students and seniors, and available online.

MopCo advertises on AOA.

One-Man Star Wars Trilogy at Proctors

One Man Star Wars Charles Ross

The One-Man Star Wars Trilogy show is returning to Proctors January 28 for two performances. Tickets are $30 and currently on sale.

What is this show? Blurbage:

Created and brought to life on stage by Canadian actor Charles Ross, One-Man Star Wars Trilogy is just what it seems--a live solo performance of the original trilogy of Star Wars movies (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi)! The multi-talented Ross stuns audiences by singlehandedly playing all the characters, singing the music, flying the ships, fighting the battles and condensing the Star Wars plots into just over 60 minutes of live entertainment.

The show is in the GE Theater at Proctors. The performances are at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm.

Mike Birbiglia at Albany Funny Bone

mike birbiglia

Comedian/actor/filmmaker Mike Birbiglia is set to play a series of shows at the Funny Bone at Crossgates January 6-7. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $25.

The shows are part of Birbiglia's "Working It Out" tour. Blurbage from the initial tour announcement in November:

New hour of comedy to work out. I've never been more excited about standup in my whole career. I have this sense that anything is possible and that I'm a better writer than when I started. I've written about 40 or 50 pages of raw standup that MAY OR MAY NOT work. ...
These "Working It Out" shows will be raw, semi-improvised, unfinished. When I watch my favorite comics like Chris Rock or Dave Chappelle or Louis CK at the Comedy Cellar- THESE ARE THE SETS I LIKE TO SEE. I like seeing things in early stages. It might be what you're into. It might not. That said, I promise that my heart will be in it and sometimes my writing has to catch up to my heart.

There are four shows lined up at the Crossgates Funny Bone. We're guessing at least a few will sell out. So if you'd like to go, it's probably a good idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

photo: Brian Friedman

High Mud Comedy Festival 2017

comedian Phoebe Robinson

The High Mud Comedy Festival returns to MASS MoCA March 31-April 1. And tickets are on sale now -- they're $42 for a two-day pass ahead / $32 for students / $55 day of.

The headliner for the upcoming festival is comedian Phoebe Robinson, who's gotten a lot of attention this year for being the co-host of the popular 2 Dope Queens podcast with Jessica Williams. It's been near (and at) the top of the iTunes most popular podcast chart. Robinson has also appeared in a bunch of other media, and her book -- "You Can't Touch My Hair (And Other Things I Still Have to Explain)" -- was published this fall.

General festival blurbage:

High Mud laughs don't stop at stand-up: comedy films, funny museum tours with performers, a joke cam, workshops, and perhaps a comedian-led beer tasting and tour of Bright Ideas Brewery on the MASS MoCA campus will leave your sides aching. Post-mainstage, late-night gigs at local venues --including Desperados and the Freight Yard Pub -- will feature local talent.

The festival is hosted by "charmingly deadpan comic/writer/actor/guitar hero/man-about-town" Dave Hill.

photo via Phoebe Robinson Facebook page

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show: Andy Sandford

comedian andy sandford

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series will be at Capital Rep in Albany this Saturday, October 29, instead of its usual spot at Proctors.

The headliner this time around is Andy Sandford. He's appeared on Conan, and played himself on Aqua Teen Hunger Force. And he has one-hour TV special set for release this fall. (See also: His blog post from earlier this year about organizing a DIY comedy tour, which was interesting.)

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show shows typically include an opener and host. The show at Capital Rep starts Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 ahead / $20 day of.

photo: Mindy Tucker

Unelectable You at Proctors

A touring show from Second City an Slate (yep, the website) called Unelectable You will be at Proctors October 28. Tickets are $20 and up, and currently on sale.

Show blurbage:

Wouldn't you like to take this whole election process and rip it apart with your bare hands? Why not let Second City and Slate do it for you!
Yes, Second City and Slate present Unelectable You: The Second City's Completely Unbiased Political Revue, a fast-paced combination of sketch, improv, music and multi-media taking a hard-hitting look at our election process. We're stuck with two of the least popular candidates in election history, and many people will be using this election not to vote for someone, but against. From breaking down Hillary and Donald, to exploring the media circus, to looking at ourselves to see if we're the problem, this show will examine what it means to be electable - or not.

Given that the reality of this presidential election has already often played like a dark parody, spinning the thing for (good) laughs seems like it could be a challenge. But a few of the reviews were able to turn seemed to think the show pulls it off (though apparently the Slate segments have the mouthfeel of advertorial).

The show is Friday, October 28 at 8 pm on the Proctors main stage.

Louis C.K. at The Palace Albany

comedian Louis CK

The comedian Louis C.K. will be at The Palace October 19 for a stand up show. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $50 and only available via Ticketmaster.

Louis C.K. built up his own little empire of late with TV shows, comedy specials, and acting roles in movies.

The Palace sits a lot of people, but it doesn't seem like a stretch to think this show could sell out. So if you'd like to go, it's probably a good idea to get tickets sooner rather than later.

Liz Miele at Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show

comedian Liz Miele

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series is bringing Liz Miele to Proctors September 10. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $15 ahead, $20 day of.

Show blurbage: "Profiled in the New Yorker at the start of her career, Miele has become a focused observational comic with a unique voice and the ability to home in on the world's quirks."

Here are a couple of recent clips from her standup, about feminist sex positions and Tinder. (Yep, both of those are probably not OK to play with the sound up in a typical work setting.)

And here's a Paste profile of Miele from this summer, along with a Guardian article about how George Carlin became a mentor to her.

As with other Pretty Much shows, the night also includes an opener and a host. Show starts at 8 pm in the Proctors education center.

photo via Liz Miele website

John Cleese at Proctors for live Q&A following screening of Monty Python and The Holy Grail

The latest classic movie screening with live star Q&A set to make a stop here: John Cleese will be at Proctors January 19 for a conversation on stage following a screening of Monty Python and The Holy Grail. Tickets go on sale to the general public next Tuesday (August 9) -- they're $40 and up.

Event blurbage:

John will tell stories of his life and career and you just may finally find out the air-speed of an unladen swallow. Before John silly walks his way on to the stage, the excitement will build as the audience will get to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail in its entirety on the big screen.

Noted: "Absurd and/or ridiculous questions only, please."

These sorts of events have been popular lately -- Mel Brooks was at Proctors last fall for a Blazing Saddles screening, and Molly Ringwald was there this past winter for a screening of The Breakfast Club.

Noré Davis at Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show

comedian Nore Davis

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series is bringing Noré Davis to Proctors August 20. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $15 ahead / $20 day of.

Davis has appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, Inside Amy Schumer, Last Week Tonight, and Boardwalk Empire. He also appeared in an interesting short video for The New Yorker a few years back about scraping to work his way up the comedy career ladder. As he said in that video of the vulnerability of performing in front of people: "I could say something that really upsets you -- or really make you laugh. That risk, I love."

The show at the Proctors Underground is Saturday, August 20 at 8 pm. It will also include a host and a guest comedian opener.

Also on the Pretty Much upcoming slate: Shane Torres on July 30. Tickets for that show are also $15 ahead / $20 day of.

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series has turned out to be a good opportunity to catch comedians on the rise. A few of the comedians gone on to much wider success not too long after appearing there, including Aparna Nancherla and Josh Gondelman.

photo: Mindy Tucker

Marc Maron at Troy Music Hall

comedian marc maron

Comedian Marc Maron will be at the Troy Music Hall October 14 for a stand-up show. Tickets go on sale the general public this Friday (July 22) -- they're $29 and $34.

Maron's been around for a long time, doing standup and appearing in various shows and movies. But in recent years he's probably most famous for his podcast, WTF with Marc Maron.

He made a stop at The Egg back in 2013.

Hannibal Buress at Proctors

hannibal buress comedian

Comedian Hannibal Buress will be at Proctors July 29 for a stand-up show. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $20 and up.

Buress has been popping up all sorts of places in recent years: his own comedy specials on Netflix, TV shows such as Broad City, movies, a bunch of late night show appearances. (He's also gotten attention for his 2014 bit about Bill Cosby and how it prompted increased attention on the accusations against Cosby.)

Buress was last in town this past fall for show at Skidmore. And in February of 2015 he played a sold-out show at The Egg.

photo via Hannibal Buress website

Chris Hardwick at The Egg

chris hardwick

Comedian/host Chris Hardwick will be at The Egg this Thursday, June 9 for a comedy show. Tickets are $39.50.

Hardwick has a bunch of different jobs hosting various TV shows. But a lot of his fame traces back to his popular podcast, The Nerdist -- which has in turn, grown into all sorts of various offshoots.

He had an hour-long comedy special -- Funcomfortable -- on Comedy Central earlier this spring.

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally at The Palace

megan mullally and nick offerman

Comedians/actors Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are set for a show at The Palace August 25. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 6 -- they're $39.50 and up.

The comedy show for the married couple is titled "Summer of 69: No Apostrophe." Blurbage:

With this show, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are yanking the britches right off of their marriage, exposing the salacious details of their fiery union for all the world to enjoy, featuring songs, funny talking, heavy ribaldry, light petting and an astonishing final act of completion.

Mullally, of course, has appeared in a bunch of TV shows and movies, including Will and Grace. Offerman is most famous for playing Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, on which Mullally also appeared on his character's ex-wife.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Eric Schwabel

The Puppet Dead at Proctors

The Puppet Dead poster

This looks like... well, we're not really sure: A show called The Puppet Dead is set to be at Proctors October 26. It's a musical parody of The Walking Dead. With puppets. Blurbage:

Get ready to have your funny bone annihilated as your favorite apocalyptic show gets torn to shreds in this hilarious unauthorized parody ... None of your favorite Walking Dead characters are safe in this razor sharp comedy that delivers laughs and destruction--and did we mention puppets? ...
From the dark creative minds that brought you Kids in the Hall Live, Mythbusters Live, and from the producers of Archer Live! comes The Puppet Dead, a twisted, and hysterical take on the hit series. This new musical parody features survivors (some human, some felt-based life forms) packing some serious comedy ammunition as they slay the undead and lay on the laughter in this infectiously funny farce. Comedy has a new sheriff in town...Will you survive The Puppet Dead?

You know, if the puppetpocalypse ever does come, it might be better to just go gently.

Tickets for The Puppet Dead at Proctors go on sale this Friday, April 1 -- they're $25 and up.

Albany Improv Festival

Albany Improv Festival logoThe first Albany Improv Festival is scheduled for April 23 at the Madison Theater. The festival will feature short performances throughout the afternoon and evening by comedy troupes both from this area and around the country. The schedule of acts is after the jump.

Tickets are available online now -- they're $20 for an all-day pass / $17 for two blocks of performances / $11 for one block. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Damien Center.

Earlier that day the festival will also include a workshop with improv coach Christopher Simpson. Tickets for that are $20 and available online.

(there's more)

Amy Schumer at the TU Center

comedian Amy Schumer

Comedian Amy Schumer is set for a stand-up show at the TU Center May 5. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 18 -- they're $39 and up.

Schumer's star has been steadily rising. A few years back her stand-up act was getting a lot of press, then her Comedy Central show got strong reviews. And then last year she starred in the film Trainwreck, which she wrote (and Judd Apatow directed) -- it brought in almost $140 million at the box office.

Her appearances here in Albany have tracked that path: a sold-out show at The Egg in 2013, a show at The Palace in 2014, and now the TU Center.

photo via Amy Schumer FB page

Bill Maher at the Palace

bill maher

Comedian/TV host Bill Maher is set to play a stand-up show at The Palace November 6. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, February 26 -- they're $39.50 and up.

As you know, Maher is famous for his comedy and commentary on politics, religion, and current events. His show on HBO -- Real Time with Bill Maher -- has run for more than a decade.

Maher was last at The Palace in 2013.

Random media history bit: The Daily Show was created by Comedy Central in the 1990s to replace Politically Incorrect, which Maher had taken from the channel over to ABC.

Speaking of comedy at the Palace...
+ Jerry Seinfeld is there March 3
+ And Lewis Black will be there April 15

photo: Alberto Tolot

Weird Al at Proctors

weird al 2015

"Weird Al" Yankovic is set to play a show at Proctors September 17. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 26 -- they're $30 and up.

The Proctors show will be part of a continuation of Weird Al's tour supporting his Mandatory Fun album. Press release blurbage:

According to Al: "I've decided to do the Mandatory World Tour for one more year, after learning that some people didn't make it out to the show this last time around. Apparently, they don't know the meaning of the word 'mandatory'!!

So, you've been notified.

Weird Al's accordion-fueled rampage across the nation brought him to the Palace last summer.

photo via Weird Al's website

Jim Gaffigan at the TU Center

jim gaffigan 2016

Comedian Jim Gaffigan will be at the TU Center July 13 for a stand-up show. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 26 -- they're $36.75 and $46.75. (There are also various pre-sales this week.)

Gaffigan has appeared on something close to every TV show, both scripted and talk, either as a star, recurring character, or guest. And movies. And commercials. And his own comedy specials. His comedy tends to be observational stuff about everyday life things, like Hot Pockets.

A few years back, Gaffigan played a show at Proctors and it sold out. So, this show will probably be popular.

photo via Jim Gaffigan FB page

Comedy Get Down at the TU Center Albany

Comedy Get Down tour promo photo

The Comedy Get Down tour will be at the TU Center April 9. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 12 -- they're $26.75 and up.

The lineup for the tour includes a bunch of comics who have been all over TV and movies: Cedric 'The Entertainer', Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, George Lopez, and Charlie Murphy.

Chris Gethard at MASS MoCA

comedian chris gethard

Comedian/TV host/writer Chris Gethard will be at MASS MoCA this Saturday (January 30) for a stand-up show. Tickets are $16 ahead / $22 day of / $10 students.

Gethard's done a little bit of everything: authored a Weird New York book, done improv with Upright Citizens Brigade, appeared on late night shows, and hosted a public access/internet talk show. He's recently been producing episodes of the show for Fusion, and will be back for another run this spring.

The MASS MoCA show will be hosted by Joseph Greene, and include an opening set from NYC-based comic Josh Carter. It starts Saturday at 8 pm in the museum's Club B-10.

Free Day
By the way: Saturday is the annual free day at MASS MoCA. It's what it sounds like -- admission to the museum is free from 11 am-7 pm. There will also be a series of events and tours that day.

photo via Chris Gethard Show FB

High Mud Comedy Fest with Tig Notaro at MASS MoCA

comedian Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro

MASS MoCA has a two-day comedy event -- The High Mud Comedy Fest -- lined up for March 11 and 12. The headliner is comedian Tig Notaro. Festival tickets are on sale now -- they're $42 ahead / $55 day of / $32 students.

Notaro is a standup comic and writer who's appeared a bunch of places, including Comedy Central and This American Life. In recent years, she's been recognized for a set in which she announced she had breast cancer -- Louis C.K. called it one of the "truly great, masterful standup sets." And she has a new semi-autobiographical TV series -- One Mississippi -- coming out on Amazon Prime later this year.

The festival lineup also includes Ophira Eisenberg as host (she's a comedian and host of NPR's Ask Me Another), Sean Patton, Dave Hill, Thomas Attila Lewis, Seth Brown, and Mark Jagiello. There will be stand-up comedy in the evenings, and screenings of comedy films and shorts in the afternoon.

photo via Tig Notaro FB

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show: Josh Gondelman

comedian_josh_gondelman.jpg

The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series at Proctors brings Josh Gondelman to town for a stand-up show January 23. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $15 ahead / $20 day of.

You might not recognize Gondelman's name, but you've probably seen his work. He's co-creator of the Modern Seinfeld Twitter feed. And he's also a writer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver -- he wrote the pumpkin spice latte bit for the show's web series.

Gondelman co-authored a book -- You Blew It!: An Awkward Look at the Many Ways in Which You've Already Ruined Your Life -- published last month. And he has a half-hour special set to run on Comedy Central later this year.

Here's a New York Observer profile of Gondelman from last fall.

The show at Proctors (in the Education Center) starts 8 pm on Saturday, January 23.

David Cross at Troy Music Hall

comedian actor david cross

Comedian/actor David Cross is set to make a stop at the Troy Music Hall March 20 for a stand-up show. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, January 8 -- they're $34 and $44.

Cross is famous for his role as Tobias Fünke on Arrested Development, and before that for his work on Mr. Show. He's also appeared in a bunch of other shows, movies, and music videos.

The tour bringing Cross to Troy as the "Making America Great Again!" tour.

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

David Sedaris at The Egg

david sedaris 2015

Author David Sedaris will be at The Egg April 9. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, November 20 -- they're $38.50 and $48.50.

It's been a few years since Sedaris last made a stop here -- 2013, we think. And his appearances are often very popular. So, if you'd like to go, getting tickets sooner rather than later is probably a good idea.

The most recent book from Sedaris is Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls.

If you've never seen Sedaris in in a live performance, (in our experience) it goes something like this: he reads a bit, he talks a bit, reads a little bit more, talks some more, people laugh -- sometimes not exactly sure of when they should. So it's kind of like you'd expect.

photo: Hugh Hamrick

Jerry Seinfeld at The Palace

jerry seinfeld standup

Jerry Seinfeld is set to return to The Palace for a stand-up show March 3. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 20 to the general public -- they're $48 and up.

Seinfeld has made a recent habit of playing the Palace in October every two years (he was last here in October 2013). So, a March visit? What's the deal with that?

Tracy Morgan at Funny Bone

tracy morgan 2015

Comedian Tracy Morgan is set to play a series of standup shows at the Funny Bone at Crossgates November 19-22. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $35 and up.

Of course, Morgan is famous for time on Saturday Night Live and his role on 30 Rock. He was in the news last year after a tractor trailer rear-ended the limo he was in on the New Jersey Turnpike. One of the other passengers in the limo died, and Morgan was seriously injured along with three others. (Morgan's tour at the time -- which had been scheduled to stop at the Egg -- was canceled.) Last month he made his first extended appearance on TV following the accident when he hosted SNL.

Morgan's website bills the shows here as part of a string of warm-up dates ahead of a national tour that starts next year.

photo: Paul Mobley

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show: Beth Stelling

comedian beth stelling

Comedian Beth Stelling will be at Proctors this Friday for a stand-up show as part of the Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series. Tickets are $15.

Stelling appeared on Comedy Central last month in a half-hour feature of her stand-up. And she's been on a bunch of the late night shows. And she has a new comedy album out, Simply The Beth. Here's a recent interview with Splitsider.

The show this Friday (November 6) at Proctors is on the Fenimore Gallery stage. And a guest comedian will open. Show starts at 8 pm.

Lewis Black returning to the Palace

Lewis Black angry promo photo

Comedian Lewis Black is scheduled for a return to the Palace April 15. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (November 6) -- they're $29.50 and up.

As you know, Black is famous for his many appearances on The Daily Show. This stand-tour is called "The Emperor's New Clothes: The Naked Truth" and is being promoted as "all new." (Spoilers: He's probably angry about a few things.)

Black has performed in Albany a bunch of times, mostly recently in October of 2014.

Hannibal Buress at Skidmore

hannibal buress comedian

Comedian Hannibal Buress is set for a stand-up show at Skidmore October 2. Tickets went on sale today -- they're $20 for the general public. (It looks like the method for the general public to buy tickets hasn't been announced, yet. So if you're interested in going, keep an eye on the event page.)

Buress has been showing up all over TV during the last few years. He's had his own special on Comedy Central, co-stars on The Eric André Show during Adult Swim, is part of the cast of Broad City, guested on Louie, Bob's Burgers, The Mindy Project, and also made appearances on the late night shows. (He's also gotten some notice for a bit about Bill Cosby that was part of the surge of attention to the rape allegations involving Cosby.)

He was last in town for a sold-out show at The Egg this past February.

The show at Skidmore is the Skidmore Student Entertainment Committee's annual Big Show. The opener is Kevin Barnett.

photo via Hannibal Buress website

Mel Brooks at Proctors

mel brooks

Mel Brooks is set to appear at Proctors October 16 as part of a screening of his film Blazing Saddles. Tickets go on sale this Thursday (August 20) -- they're $40 and up.

The event will include a screening of Blazing Saddles on the Proctors main stage screen, followed by "a live conversation and audience Q&A" with Brooks.

It's been four decades since Blazing Saddles was first released. It's #6 on the AFI's list of "100 funniest American films of all time." Last year Brooks talked with Entertainment Weekly about the film -- touching on the conflicts with the studio, the contributions of Richard Pryor, and whether the movie would be made today.

Dave Chappelle at The Palace

Dave Chappelle 2015

Comedian Dave Chappelle is set to play The Palace October 4. Tickets go on sale Monday (August 17) -- they're $58 (four-ticket limit).

Chappelle was riding a big wave of popularity back in the mid-2000s thanks in part to his Chappelle's Show on Comedy Central. And then, after two seasons, he famously quit, citing the effect the show was having on his life. (He moved his family to a small rural town outside of Dayton, Ohio.) The last few years he's been slowly making a comeback doing stand-up shows.

The Palace is big, but we're guessing this has a good chance of selling out. So, if you'd like to go, getting tickets sooner rather later is a good idea.

"Look, I've been president for eight years. I'm ready for some entertainment."

UAlbany alum Dion Flynn was back playing Barack Obama in a sketch with Jimmy Fallon this week. The Tonight Show skit was a phone call between Obama and Donald Trump, as played by Fallon, in which the President offers Trump debate advice. (The clip is embedded above.)

Flynn and Fallon first met in Albany in the mid-90s on the set of the short-lived TV show Metroland's Loose Camera. Flynn began playing Obama in Fallon's skits a few years back when Fallon was the host of Late Night.

Dion Flynn still comes back to the Capital Region to teach improv classes at MopCo. And later this month -- August 30 -- he'll be at Proctors for a production of his autobiographical one-man show The Only Brown Kid In The Trailer Park. Tickets are $15 and $25.

Craig Ferguson at Troy Music Hall

comedian Craig Ferguson 2015

Comedian Craig Ferguson is set to for a stand-up show at the Troy Music Hall September 27. Tickets are on sale now -- they're $37 and up.

In addition to being a comedian, Ferguson is also an actor and author -- but he's best known for his 10-year run as the host of The Late, Late Show on CBS, which ended this past December. Last year, in explaining his exit, he said he wanted to leave the show before he stopped enjoying it.

He's moved on to hosting a game show, an upcoming sitcom, and stand-up touring. Here's a Guardian review of one of his stand-up shows in New York City earlier this year.

The Troy Music Hall show is at 8 pm on Sunday, September 27.

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show: Giulia Rozzi

comedian giulia rozziThe Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series at Proctors is bringing Giuli Rozzi to town on Saturday for a standup show.

Rozzi has appeared on The Moth, a bunch of TV shows, and in print around the web. And he's had her own Upright Citizens Brigade show, "Bad Bride." Here's a clip from a recent Washington Post interview with her about her comedy:

Most of it is just really silly and stupid -- and probably some of it is self-serving. It's like: "Oh, I just want to tell this story about me." But I try to discuss issues that affect women -- in a funny way -- and issues about depression and anxiety and relationships. I think that just sharing a very open, self-aware style of comedy and storytelling, I think that . . . helps other people have permission to be more honest themselves.

The show at Proctors starts at 8 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $15.

Daniel Tosh at The Palace x2

comedian daniel tosh

Comedian Daniel Tosh is set for a stand-up show at The Palace June 17. Ticket went on sale today (Friday, February 20) -- they're $49.50 and up.

Apparently the tickets have sold well. The Palace announced Friday that it's added a second Tosh show on June 17. So the first show is at 7 pm, and the second show is at 9:30 pm.

Tosh is most famous for his Comedy Central show, Tosh.0, which is largely focused on internet videos (and making fun of them). It's been Comedy's Central most-watched show.

Cosby
The Palace also announced Friday that it's Bill Cosby stand-up show scheduled for April 24 has been postponed indefinitely (a date in Rochester that week was also canceled). That's not surprising -- Cosby shows around the country been canceled in recent months as the accusations of sexual assault against the comedian have accumulated.

Kevin Hart at the TU Center

kevin hart 2015

Comedian Kevin Hart is set a stand-up showat the TU Center August 27. Tickets are $49.50 and up -- they go on sale February 20.

Hart is easily among the most famous stand-up comedians working now, and he's appeared in a bunch of movies and TV shows. Along the way he's built an entertainment empire for himself.

This will be Hart's second appearance at the TU Center -- he was also there back in 2012.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo via Kevin Hart Twitter

Great shows from 2014

SLOC Caroline or Change The Moon Dashira Cortes

SLOC's production of Caroline or Change got multiple mentions.

With 2014 wrapping up, we thought it'd be fun to ask a bunch of people about some of their favorite/most interesting things from the past year.

Today we check in with a group of artists, performers and reviewers for their take on some of their favorite shows of 2014.

(there's more)

ComFest 2015 headlined by Tig Notaro

comedian Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro

The National College Comedy Festival -- ComFest -- is back at Skidmore February 13-14. And the headliner for this year's festival is Tig Notaro.

Notaro is a standup comic and writer who's appeared a bunch of places, including Comedy Central and This American Life. In recent years, she's been recognized for a set in which she announced she had breast cancer -- Louis C.K. called it one of the "truly great, masterful standup sets." And this past November, Notaro -- who had a double mastectomy and didn't get reconstructive surgery -- performed a set topless.

Other headlining acts for this year's ComFest: Chris Thayer, the sketch comedy troupe Gentlemen Party, and improvised musical Baby Wants Candy. And, of course, there will be many college groups.

ComFest annual festival is a showcase for up-and-coming comedy writers, performers, and improv troupes -- and many past performers have gone on to great success (example: the festival's founder, David Miner, worked on 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation). Here's a good piece on the festival and its history over at Splitsider from a few years back, and a feature about an earlier festival in NYT.

The festival always sells out. Tickets for the general public go on sale online February 10.

photo via Tig Notaro FB

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show: Aparna Nancherla

comedian aparna nancherla

Looking ahead to the weekend: The Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show series has Aparna Nancherla coming into town for a standup show Saturday.

Nancherla has been on TV a bunch of times, including appearances on Comedy Central and Conan. From her bio: "Aparna's comedic goggles are dry and observational, and her act is sprinkled with absurdist wit and a whimsical point-of-view." A clip of a Conan appearance is post jump.

The opener this month is the one and only Kevin Marshall.

The show starts at 8 pm Saturday in the Underground at Proctors. Tickets are $15. And we hear last month's show sold out, so getting tickets ahead of time isn't a bad idea.

photo: Mark Manning

(there's more)

Demetri Martin at The Egg

demetri martin publicity photo

Comedian Demetri Martin is returns for a stand-up show at The Egg January 29. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 14 -- they're $42.50.

Martin's been on Comedy Central a bunch -- both as part of his own show, and on The Daily Show. He's also appeared in a handful of movies, including (most recently) Contagion and In a World...

His style is understated and observational, with a lot of one-liners -- "Don't be so quick to judge others. Take your time and really get into it."

More upcoming comedy:
+ November 20: Hannibal Buress at The Egg
+ December 5: Gabriel Iglesias at The Palace
+ December 13: John Oliver at The Palace
+ March 7: Lily Tomlin at Troy Music Hall
+ April 18: Paula Poundstone at Troy Music Hall
+ April 24: Bill Cosby at The Palace
+ May 5: Brian Regan at The Palace

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

Storytime Time returns

storytime time funny stories illustrationThe comedic storytelling series Storytime Time returns this month with a new location: Cafe NOLA in Schenectady. Blurbage (may we direct your attention to the second sentence):

The show, hosted by Ethan Ullman (as heard on The Howard Stern Show and the popular RISK! storytelling podcast hosted by Kevin Allison) and introducing co-host Talia Cass, features both comedians and storytellers. Mary Darcy, of All Over Albany and Mopco Improv, will perform at the kick-off show along with a number of other great storytellers.
Ethan Ullman started Storytime Time in 2013 at More Bread & Jam in Cohoes until the restaurant closed. The storytelling show moved to Kokopelli's nightclub in Troy earlier this year. Past headliners include Annie Lederman (Comedy Central, Chelsea Lately), Yoshi Obayashi (Showtime) and Steve Barnes (Times Union)

The show is at 7 pm on Wednesday, November 12. Tickets are $5.

If you're interested in telling a funny (and true) story at a future Storytime Time, email a brief summary to storytimetimepitch@gmail.com.

Gabriel Iglesias, Brian Regan at The Palace

gabriel iglesias brian regan

Gabriel Iglesias (left) and Brian Regan

Two recently announced shows:

Gabriel Iglesias
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias is set to play a stand-up show at The Palace December 5. Tickets go on sale the general public this Friday (October 10) -- they're $33 and up.

The self-described "fluffy" comedian has been on Comedy Central a bunch (that's him on the right). And earlier this year he released a stand-up film, The Fluffy Movie. He was last in town at The Palace in 2012, and in 2011 played two shows in one night at The Egg.

Brian Regan
Comedian Brian Regan is set for a stand-up show at The Palace on May 5, 2015. (That's like... next year.) Tickets went on sale this past Friday (October 3) -- they're $35.75 and up.

Regan's been around for a long time, with numerous tours and TV appearances. He recently popped up on Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

More comedy:
+ October 16: Lewis Black at The Palace
+ October 25: Amy Schumer at The Palace
+ November 20: Hannibal Buress at The Egg
+ December 13: John Oliver at The Palace

Found Footage Festival at Proctors

found footage festival totally tulip

From the fabric painting instructional video "Totally Tulip."

Could be (cringe-inducing) fun: The Found Footage Festival tour, a film and live comedy show, will be at Proctors this Wednesday. Blurbage:

The Found Footage Festival is a one-of-a-kind event showcasing videos found at garage sales and thrift stores and in warehouses and dumpsters throughout North America. Curators Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher take audiences on a guided tour of their latest and greatest VHS finds, providing live commentary and where-are-they-now updates on the people in these videotaped obscurities. From the curiously-produced industrial training video to the forsaken home movie donated to Goodwill, the Found Footage Festival resurrects these forgotten treasures and serves them up in a lively celebration of all things found.

Among the videos they'll be screening: a 1997 instructional video called "How to Have Cybersex on the Internet."

The Proctors show starts at 8 pm Wednesday. Tickets are $9 / $6 for students.

Earlier on AOA: The First (and Probably Last) Annual Capital Region Feline Film and Video Festival for Humans at The Spectrum

photo: Eric Llung

Hannibal Buress at The Egg

hannibal buress comedian

Comedian Hannibal Buress is set for a standup show at The Egg November 20. Tickets go on sale this Friday (September 4) -- they're $28.

Buress has been showing up all over TV during the last few years. He's had his own special on Comedy Central, co-stars on The Eric André Show during Adult Swim, is part of the cast of Broad City, guested on Louie, Bob's Burgers, The Mindy Project, and also made appearances on the late night shows.

A few other notable comedy shows coming up:
+ September 27: Carly Aquilino at The Egg
+ October 16: Lewis Black at The Palace
+ October 25: Amy Schumer at The Palace
+ December 13: John Oliver at The Palace

photo via Hannibal Buress website

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show poster 2014-AugustA new monthly comedy series called "Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show" starts this Wednesday, August 27 at Proctors. The show's at 8 pm and tickets are $15.

The headliner for the first show is Ahmed Bharoocha, who has appeared on Comedy Central and starred in a popular YouTube sketch comedy series. His standup bit on same-sex marriage was upworthied* and shared millions of times.

The Pretty Much series is the creation of local humorous gentleman Ethan Ullman and fellow comic Thomas Attila Lewis. The series will return each month, though day of the month will shift around for the next handful of months. The second show is currently slated for October 2.

* This website's name was used as a verb and you'll totally guess what happened next.

John Oliver at The Palace

comedian john oliver

Comedian John Oliver is set for a standup show at The Palace December 13. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (August 15) -- they're $39.75.

Oliver is famous for his many years on The Daily Show, of course. But he recently left the show for his own show on HBO: Last Week Tonight. And it's already included some great segments -- you can watch many of them on YouTube.

He was last in town for a show at The Egg in January of 2013.

photo via John Oliver FB

Carly Aquilino at The Egg

comedian Carly Aquilino

Comedian Carly Aquilino, from MTV's Girl Code, will be at The Egg for a standup show September 27. Tickets go on sale this Friday (July 25) -- they're $25 ahead ($30 day of) and up.

Over its two season Girl Code, featuring Aquilino and other female comedians, actresses, and musicians riffing on all sorts of topics -- has become one of MTV's biggest hits.

Lewis Black at the Palace

Lewis Black angry promo photo

Comedian Lewis Black will be back in town for a show at The Palace October 16. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 2 -- they're $29.50/

Black has performed here a bunch of times over the last few years. He can't stay away! This place must make... him... very... happy? Is that possible? (Actually: His secret -- he's always angry. Wait, that's another guy...)

Earlier on AOA: Lewis Black on Albany

More comedy
+ Maria Bamford will be at The Egg May 9.
+ Eddie Izzard will be at The Palace May 12
+ Steven Wright will be at The Egg October 17. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 2.
+ The Amy Schumer show at The Palace has been rescheduled for October 25.

The Palace advertises on AOA.

Tracy Morgan at The Egg 2014

tracy morgan 2013Comedian Tracy Morgan will be back at The Egg June 22 for a stand-up show. Tickets go on sale this Friday (April 4) -- they're $35.50.

Morgan is, of course, famous for his long run on SNL and his role on 30 Rock in which he played comedian and movie star "Tracy Jordan." That role sometimes verged on art imitating life. (See also: Questlove's celebrity stories.) Morgan said as much on Fresh Air in 2009.

Morgan was last in town for a show at The Egg last June. That show sold out (or was very close to a sell out), so if you'd like to go this time around, it's probably a better idea to tickets sooner than later.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Tracy Morgan Facebook

Wait, Wait back at Tanglewood this summer

wait wait Kassel Sagal

Alas, Carl Kasell is retiring this spring, though apparently home voice mail accounts can still hold out hope that he'll grace their recording.

The NPR news quiz show Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me will be back at Tanglewood again this summer to record a show. Tickets for the August 28 show are $24 and up -- and currently on sale.

As we've said before, the idea of a funny NPR quiz show perhaps sounds unbearably public radio on paper. But it works. The host Peter Sagal is quick, the panelists are usually good, and the show has a way of turning up unexpectedly funny moments.

Speaking of being very public radio: A Prairie Home Companion will be at Tanglewood June 28, if you're so inclined.

photo: Tony Nagelmann / NPR

Drawing: Jim Belushi and The Board of Comedy at Proctors

jim belushi board of comedy

Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!

Jim Belushi's known for his many film and TV roles. But he got his start with the famous Chicago comedy group The Second City. And he's recently returned to his roots with a touring improv comedy show -- Jim Belushi and The Board of Comedy -- which will be at Proctors April 2. We have a pair of tickets for the show and we're giving them away -- maybe to you.

To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:

What's a word that you find funny?

Yep, pretty simple. Just a word that you find funny -- maybe because of the way it sounds, or the way it's spelled, or what it means. Whatever. A quick line about why you find it funny won't help your odds, but it will earn your comment secret non-redeemable gold stars.

The show includes Belushi (of course), along with a group of about four other comedians and a musician. Belushi from the show blurbage:

"We are not stand-up comedians. Our show is not a passive, sit-back-and-watch experience. Most of the fun we have on stage comes from our inclusion of the audience - we get suggestions from them to begin each scene we perform, and in certain instances, bring them on-stage with us to add to our performance. It's less a 'show' and more a party. At least it feels like one to me. This group of actors brings me right back to how I started out in comedy - maybe that's why we have so much fun doing it."

The show starts at 8 pm on Wednesday, April 2 on the Proctors main stage. Tickets are $20 and up.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by noon on Thursday, March 27 and must respond by noon on Friday, March 28.

Proctors advertises on AOA.

Drawing: Colin & Brad from Whose Line...

colin and brad mousetrap large

Drawing's closed! (But if you still want to share a joke, please do!)

In the depths of winter, sometimes you just need a good laugh. Two guys who can help with that are coming to Proctors next month -- Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood from Whose Line is it Anyway. Sherwood and Mochrie are bringing their Two Man Group improv show to Proctors on Saturday, February 8, and we've got a pair of tickets that could be yours.

To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:

What is your favorite joke?

Yep,tell us a joke. It's been a long cold week and we need a laugh. We'll start. Why did the dinosaur cross the road? Give up? Because the chicken hadn't evolved yet.

OK, your turn.

We'll draw one comment at random -- that person will win the tickets.

If you don't win, but you'd still like to go, tickets are available at Proctors box office. Tickets are $29.75 - $36.75.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, January 10, 2014 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by 2 pm on Monday, January 13 and must respond by noon on Tuesday, January 14.

Hey there, Ethan Ullman

ethan ullman jeff curro stern show green room

Jeff Curro and Ethan Ullman in the Stern show green room.

Local comedian Ethan Ullman got a surprise Wednesday: He ended up on the Howard Stern show. Well, you know, he wasn't surprised to be at the Howard Stern show -- he just never expected to actually be on the Howard Stern show.

Ullman was at the show accompanying Jeff "The Drunk" Curro, one of the show's recurring characters. They have a comedy show this Saturday at Bogie's in Albany.

We caught Ethan Wednesday afternoon to talk about being on the Stern show, the Capital Region's simmering comedy scene, the return of two popular local comedy and storytelling series, and the Machiavellian things that sometimes have to happen in order to rise to the top.

(there's more)

Amy Schumer at the Palace

comedian Amy Schumer 2013

Update: The show has been rescheduled for October 25 "due to television commitments."
____
Comedian Amy Schumer will be at The Palace for a standup show March 13. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, December 6 -- they're $37.50 and $45.

Here's how Schumer described her standup act to the St. Louis Post Dispatch last year:

[P]eople always say I look sweet but say some cutting stuff with a smile. I am sweet, but it's an adult show. ... I don't like the observational stuff. I like tackling the stuff nobody else talks about, like the darkest, most serious thing about yourself. I talk about life and sex and personal stories and stuff everybody can relate to, and some can't.

In addition to her standup, Schumer also has a show on Comedy Central, Inside Amy Schumer, which is set to return for a second season next spring with a bunch of notable guest stars (including Paul Giamatti, Parker Posey, Questlove, and Mike Birbiglia). And Judd Apatow is directing a movie that she wrote and will star in.

Schumer played The Egg this past spring and the show sold out. The Palace has a lot more seats, but even so, if you'd like to go, it's probably better to get tickets sooner rather than later.

Bonus bit: Amy Schumer is related to Chuck Schumer -- they're second cousins.

photo via Amy Schumer FB page

Mike Birbiglia at Troy Music Hall

mike birbiglia 2013

Comedian/storyteller/actor/writer/director Mike Birbiglia will be at the Troy Music Hall for a show March 21. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, December 6 at 5 pm online, and in person on December 9 -- they're $29 and $34 (students get a $3 discount).

Birbiglia is probably best known for his one-man show Sleep Walk with Me and his appearances on This American Life. He collaborated with TAL host Ira Glass to turn Sleep Walk with Me into a film of the same title that was released last year.

Birbiglia's new show is Thank God For Jokes. Tour blurbage:

With this show, award-winning filmmaker, author, and comedian Mike Birbiglia returns to the stage with more painfully awkward stories of telling jokes and how that can get you in trouble. Join Birbiglia as he visits Cats-a-chusetts, argues with someone about their nut allergy, hosts an awards show for angry celebrities, and learns that Fozzie Bear is a tough act to follow.

The Troy Music Hall show is at 8 pm on March 21 (a Friday).

The Troy Music Hall advertises on AOA.

photo: Brian Friedman

Jerry Seinfeld back at the Palace

jerry seinfeld standup

Jerry Seinfeld is set to perform a stand-up show at the Palace October 4. Tickets are $48 and up -- they go on sale August 9.

Seinfeld was last in town in October 2011 for a show at the Palace. And his previous visit to that was in October 2009. Obvious conclusion: Jerry Seinfeld loves Albany in October. (What is the deal with Albany in October...)

In addition to sleeping on what is surely an enormous bed of money from his sitcom, Seinfeld lately has been doing a fun online video series: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. The one with Alec Baldwin is a good place to start.

Storytime Time is back, featuring a special guest

annie ledermanThe Storytime Time series -- "not quite a comedy show, not quite not a comedy show" -- is back at More Bread and Jam in Cohoes tonight (Wednesday). And the lineup of storytellers includes a special guest: comedian Annie Lederman, who's been on Comedy Central and MTV, and is a regular on Chelsea Handler's show.

The full lineup for tonight's stories: Annie Lederman, Adrien Behn, Josh Davis, Thomas Attila Lewis, Lydia Nightingale and Gregor Wynnyczuk. And, of course, Ethan Ullman will be hosting.

The show starts at 6:30 pm and ends at the school-night friendly (wait, it's summer) 8 pm. It's $5 at the door.

Earlier on AOA: Ethan Ullman performing at RISK! at The Linda

Trailer Park Boys at the Palace

trailer park boys christmas 2013

Merry Christmas, eh.

The Trailer Park Boys are scheduled to bring a new live show to the Palace December 12. Tickets are $35 and up -- they go on sale this Friday, June 28. (There's also a pre-sale.)

The Trailer Park Boys are a Canadian mockumentary group that's created a TV series and movies around characters who live in a trailer park in Nova Scotia. From the blurbage for this live tour:

When Bubbles tries to spread the true meaning of Christmas to the world, his good-hearted plans are botched by Julian wanting to cash in on the Festive season and Ricky's relentless pursuit to meet the real Santa. And if that wasn't enough, all three of them have to deal with the very intoxicated Jim Lahey and his cheeseburger-eating sidekick, Randy.

The group played a show at The Egg last year -- and it sold out. So if you're interested in going to see them at the Palace, you might want to think about getting tickets sooner rather than later.

Bill Maher at the Palace

bill maher

Comedian Bill Maher is schedule for a stand up show at Palace November 10. Tickets go on sale this Friday (April 12) -- they start at $39.50.

As you know, Maher is famous for his comedy and commentary on politics, religion, and current events. His show on HBO -- Real Time with Bill Maher -- is now in its 10th year.

photo: Alberto Tolot

Wham City returning to Troy; Dan Deacon at MASS MoCA

wham city comedy 2013

Wham City

The Wham City comedy tour will be back in Troy April 17 at 51 3rd Street. Blurbage:

The Wham City Comedy Tour is a two-hour cross-genre variety show, showcasing the very best from Baltimore's award-winning artist collective and fabled party starters. Expect stand-up sets, videos, dramatic monologues, and ensemble sketches in a tightly-run, visionary performance.

Wham City is a Baltimore-based arts collective that includes Dan Deacon. Or, as it was described in a SPIN article a few years back, "a collective of hilarious weirdos that dig on the absurd." The group was last here in 2011.

Show starts at 8:30 pm. There's an $8 suggested donation.

Speaking of Dan Deacon...
He's playing a show at MASS MoCA April 20 at 8 pm. Tickets are $12 ahead / $16 day of / $10 students.

Deacon also now has a mobile app, which reacts during his shows. (He used it on Jimmy Kimmel in December.) From an interview with the Phoenix New Times last fall: "Culturally, phones are there. There's no way we're gonna remove them and people aren't gonna not use them so we might as well find a way to incorporate them into our work rather than pretend they don't exist."

Or, as the app's page at iTunes remarks: "For the first time, having your phone out at a concert is not a jerk move."

photo: Josh Sisk

Aziz Ansari at the Palace

aziz ansari

Comedian Aziz Ansari will be at the Palace May 14 for a standup show. Tickets are $27 and $32 -- they're on sale now.

Of course, Ansari stars on Parks and Recreation. But he's appeared in a bunch of other shows and movies, as well comedy specials. And during the last year, he's gone the Louis CK route and posted one of his standup specials for a $5 download.

Here's a recent Ansari interview The AV Club. And here's a gif of him making Michelle Dockery laugh.

photo via Aziz Ansari website

Kevin James at the Palace; and the parade of comedians

Kevin James tour publicity photoComedian Kevin James will be at the Palace June 2 for a stand up show. Tickets are $28 and up -- they go on sale this Friday (March 1).

James is, of course, the guy from the King of Queens sitcom. And now he's the guy from Movie That Will Get Bad Reviews But Still Make a Surprisingly Large Amount of Money.

Comedy, comedy, comedy
By the way: Albany apparently has become a popular stop on the comedy circuit. Among the comics making a stop here over the next few months: Mike Epps, Lewis Black, Demetri Martin, Ron White, Amy Schumer, Stephen Lynch, and Tracy Morgan. Not to mention a handful who've already made a stop in recent months: Kevin Hart, Marc Maron, Jeff Dunham, and Lisa Lampanelli. (And we're sure there are others.)

Tracy Morgan at The Egg

tracy morgan 2013

Comedian Tracy Morgan will be at The Egg June 28 for a stand-up show. Tickets are $35.50 -- they go on sale this Friday (January 22).

Morgan is, of course, famous for his long run on SNL and his role on 30 Rock in which he played comedian and movie star "Tracy Jordan." That role sometimes verged on art imitating life. (See also: Questlove's celebrity stories.) Morgan said as much on Fresh Air in 2009.

Here's a recent Grantland video interview with Morgan.

Morgan played the Palace back in 2010.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Tracy Morgan Facebook

National College Comedy Festival 2013 at Skidmore

templeton philharmonic comedyThe National College Comedy Festival is this weekend at Skidmore. The annual festival is a showcase for up-and-coming comedy writers, performers, and improv troupes -- and many past performers have gone on to great success (example: the festival's founder, David Miner, is a producer for 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation). Here's a good piece on the festival and its history over at Splitsider, and a feature about last year's festival in NYT.

There are performances Friday and Saturday night featuring college (7 pm) and professional (10 pm) groups. Tickets are currently sold out (the festival always sells out). But we checked with the organizers today, and they say there's a good chance people who show up early will be able get in (because of the weather). Weekend passes for the general public are $20, nightly tickets are $5 for college groups, and $10 for professional groups. They're $15 / $3 / $5 for students.

photo: The Templeton Philharmonic, one of the professional groups performing at this year's festival.

Demetri Martin at the The Egg

demetri martin publicity photo

Comedian Demetri Martin will be at The Egg March 16. Tickets are $39.75 -- they go on sale this Friday (January 25.)

Martin has appeared frequently on Comedy Central -- he's had his own show, and also a recurring spot on The Daily Show. He has an understated style, using one-liners and a sketchpad. He's also a palindromist. A few of the recent jokes he's posted on Facebook:

If I had to pick one artist to tile my bathroom I would go with MC Escher.
i_ (Letter i with shadow)
The lap of luxury is close to the crotch of luxury.
Oh oh, oh well. A suburb? A fat nasty baby T? Santa? Fab! Rub us all. Ew. Ho ho ho. <---- Holiday Palindrome

You might also recognize Martin from a few movies -- he played Elliot Tiber in Taking Woodstock and one of the microbiologists in Contagion.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

Marc Maron at The Egg

Marc Maron by Dmitri von Klein

Comedian Marc Maron will be at The Egg February 1. Tickets are $27.50 -- they go on sale to the general public this Friday (January 4).

Update: If you'd like to get in on the pre-sale, the code is "bazooka."

Maron has been in comedy for long time, and has made a bunch of appearances on TV. But the thing for which he's gotten the most recognition lately is his popular interview podcast WTF with Marc Maron.

More comedy, even sooner: John Oliver -- of Daily Show fame -- will be at The Egg January 11.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Dmitri von Klein

Lewis Black at the Palace

lewis black closeup

Comedian Lewis Black will be back in town March 22 for a stand-up show at the Palace. Tickets go on sale this Friday (November 16). They start at $29.50.

Most people know Black from his commentaries on the Daily Show. The most recent election season has probably left him one or two things to talk about. (By the way: Black is also a playwright -- really. His work has been performed at places such as the Williamstown Theatre Festival.)

Earlier on AOA: Lewis Black on Albany

Yep, Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: Flickr user Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Drawing: tickets for John Oliver at The Egg, and dinner at City Beer Hall

john oliver the daily show

John Oliver is pointing at you.

Drawing's closed!

Comedian John Oliver -- you know, from The Daily Show -- will be at The Egg January 11. We have two tickets for the show and we're giving them away. BUT. WAIT. There's more. We also have a $40 gift certificate for dinner at the City Beer Hall before the show. And, yes John, WE ARE ALSO giving that away.

To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:

John Oliver is British. So, what's you're favorite Britishism -- real or made up?

This could be anything: cheeky, crikey, loo, dodgy, nutter, flat, sixes and sevens. Or even one that you make up that sounds plausibly British. (It might help to watch a few episodes of Skins. But not the fourth season, because the end is completely bonkers.) We'll pick one winner at random.

John Oliver first got attention in the UK doing standup and a politics-themed comedy radio show. He joined the Daily Show in 2006. And he still co-hosts a satirical news podcast about US and UK events called The Bugle.

His show at The Egg starts at 8 pm on January 11. Tickets are on sale now. They're $32.50.

Important: All comments must be submitted by noon on Thursday, November 1, 2012 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by 5 pm on Thursday and must respond by 5 pm on Friday, October 2.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: The Daily Show / John Oliver website

John Oliver at The Egg

john oliver the daily show

Comedian John Oliver -- of Daily Show fame -- will be at The Egg January 11 (it doesn't appear the show has been posted there, yet). Tickets are $32.50. They go on sale this Friday (October 12).

As you probably know from the Daily Show, Oliver is British. He first got attention in the UK doing standup and a politics-themed comedy radio show. He joined the Daily Show in 2006. And he still co-hosts a satirical news podcast about US and UK events called The Bugle.

Jeff Dunham: Ventriloquist/comedian Jeff Dunham will be at the TU Center January 27. Tickets are $44.50. They go on sale this Friday.

Live Nation advertises on AOA.

photo: The Daily Show / John Oliver website

Kevin Hart at the TU Center

kevin hartComedian Kevin Hart will bring his stand up show the TU Center September 28. Tickets go on sale this Friday (June 15). They start at $45.50.

Hart is one of, if not the, biggest stand up comedians in the country right now. He sold more tickets than any other comedian on Ticketmaster last year, and released a successful film version of his stand up show. There was an interesting Slate article this year looking at why Hart isn't more famous.

In addition to his stand up, Hart's been in a bunch of TV shows and movies. If you don't recognize his name, you've almost certainly seen him in something.

photo: Adam Bielawski via Wikipedia

Bill Cosby at The Palace

bill cosbyBill Cosby will be at The Palace November 10. Tickets go on sale this Friday (June 8) -- they start at $48.

The show is being touted as "an evening with the comedic legend," so we're guessing Cosby will be doing stand up. He's 74 years old now. But a review of stand up show from a year and a half a go reported that "he can still bring it." Maybe it's all the pudding pops and sweaters. [AP/The Hollywood Reporter]

Darrell Hammond at the Palace

darrell hammondComedian Darrell Hammond will be at the Palace April 27 for "an evening of comedy" (we're assuming that means he'll be doing standup). Tickets go on sale this Friday (February 17). They start at $29.50.

As you well know, Hammond was on Saturday Night Live forever. His impression of Bill Clinton is better than Bill Clinton's Bill Clinton. Hammond left the show in 2011. He's been promoting a memoir about his career, as well as his abusive childhood, mental illness, and drug problems.

Also coming to the Palace: One Night of Queen, a Queen tribute show, on April 1.

photo via Palace press release

The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine