Comedy Picks
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May 12 - June 30
Wynne Greenwood/Can’t Get There From Here
Scott Lawrimore’s revitalized gallery is hosting many exciting shows this spring. Last month, Susie J. Lee’s Contact was an interactive sculpture that sent texts to viewers via Morse code. Now, acclaimed multimedia artist Greenwood presents new soft sculpture, clay and music. Integrating three or more mediums at a time is nothing new for this visionary, whose shows are always surprising and thought-provoking. Starting May 17, a group exhibition features work from Hiroshi Sugimoto, Amanda Manitach, Richard Misrach, Serrah Russell, Isaac Layman and Britta Johnson. In a word: solid....
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June 1 - June 2
Bobby Slayton
Some comics have been doing it for so long, they are comedy. They’ve got the cadences and the mic technique burrowed so deep in their muscle memory that performance becomes an effortless extension of persona. When Japanese calligraphers attain this level of mastery they are given the title “National Living Treasure” and awarded a government stipend. Here, if you’re a Bobby Slayton, you get a regular gig in Las Vegas and instantly recognizable cameos in movies (Dreamgirls) and cartoons (Family Guy). This is a rare opportunity to see the gravel-throated “Pitbull of...
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June 4
Reggie Watts
If someone asks you to describe what Reggie Watts does onstage, politely decline. If they press, tell them that it’s funny and musical and improvisational and let that be the extent of your remarks, because attempting to describe Watts’ show in any further detail will rob this theoretical noob of that bewildering moment when he or she has no idea what the hell Watts is doing up there. He’s that unique. (You could also tell them to check out Watts as one-man-bandleader on IFC’s new series Comedy Bang! Bang!, premiering June 8.)
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June 10
The Grawlix
The Grawlix is a comedy mini-supergroup that has been selling out shows in their hometown of Denver for over a year and fostering some of the smartest comedy west (well, slightly east) of the Rockies. Comics Ben Roy, Adam Cayton-Holland, and Andrew Orvedahl also star in a scandalously under-acclaimed Funny Or Die web series of the same name. This show, their first in Seattle, will be a mix of sketch, stand-up and video. Part of the Noise For The Needy Festival.
››ReBar
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June 29
Aziz Ansari
As lovable striver Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation, Aziz Ansari is one of the funniest things about one of the funniest shows on television. Onstage, Ansari is equally winsome, and he has emerged as an unexpected comedy chronicler of mainstream hip-hop, a Kathy Griffin for the Cristal clique. This serves a vital purpose in culture: Without Ansari, we wouldn’t know that 50 Cent didn’t know the difference between grape and grapefruit.
Every Tuesday
Triumph and Tragedy Comedy Open Mic
Seattle’s newest weekly comedy show has taken up residence at the Crescent Lounge, Capitol Hill’s most popular karaoke bar. Triumph and Tragedy features everything from seasoned Seattle comics to newbies who are just trying comedy for the first time, and the open mic’s unlikely digs mean the audience is as unpredictable as the performers. You never know what you’re going to get at this show—and even if the comedy isn’t great, karaoke starts up again at 9 p.m.
Every Thursday
Level Up!
The new weekly comedy show on Capitol Hill that showcases some of Seattle’s best young comedy talent in a tiny, intimate venue is probably better than it has any right to be. Bonus: Thursdays at the Capitol Club are dollar taco nights.
Every Friday
Punchline Fridays
The producers of this weekly comedy show have turned the colorful back room of a Thai restaurant into one of Seattle’s best places to see stand-up comedy (for free!). The format alternates between open mic and showcase every other week, meaning the comedy on display is often a mixed bag, but stiff drinks and an intimate venue guarantee this is always a fun, rowdy show.
››Jai Thai
Every Friday
Punchline Fridays
A free weekly comedy show in the colorful back room of a Capitol Hill Thai restaurant, Punchline Fridays alternates from week to week between a showcase of some of Seattle’s hottest young comedy talent and an open mic featuring standup beginners as well as drop-ins from established local comedians. The drinks are stiff, the atmosphere is fantastic and the comedy is frequently above average.
››Jai Thai
