The week in comedy
Upcoming comedy shows around Vancouver. Brought to you by Comedy Killers
By Amanda Punshon
[contributor]
Some friendly advice from us Comedy Killers: give your brain a break from all those end-of-term projects and exams and check out some awesome Vancouver comedy. 30 doctors agree: laughter makes you smarter.*
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably broke. Fee payment deadline is fast approaching, after all. That’s why our Tuesday gig this week is a freebie. Get down to the Fray on Fraser for the inaugural $100 Winner Takes All Variety Show. This week features the comedy stylings of Johnny Scoop, Art Factora, Greg Kettner, Chris James and Dan Willows, as well as the musical stylings of British ex-pat Rob Tarbuck, who is also a comic. Patrick Maliha (World Record Holder and TV Week correspondent) is hosting the event. And the winner gets $100, which is kind of a big deal.
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On Wednesday, you can see some of the biggest names in Vancouver comedy, and support a good cause, too. Graham Clark is hosting the fundraiser for Insite’s Onsite Detox Transitional addiction treatment service. Donovan Patrick Mahoney, Michelle Shaughnessy, Sean Emeny and Andrew Barber will be doing standup. Tickets are $20, but it includes a movie pass for the Rio Theatre, which is a nice perk.
We’ve got two picks for you Thursday, depending on whether you’re in the mood for some pro or some am. If pro is more your speed, catch Mike Vecchione at the Comedy MIX. He’s a New Yorker who has been on Live at Gotham and Russell Simmons Presents: Stand Up at the El Ray Theatre. He has been at the New York and Montreal comedy festivals and made it to the semi-finals of Last Comic Standing. Not a bad resume. The MIX hasn’t announced which hometown comics will be on the show, but rest assured that they will be some of Vancouver’s best. (thecomedymix.com) If you’re more into the amateur scene, it’s the last qualifying round of Maddog Studios’ Funniest Stand up Competition at Goldies Pizza. It’s a damn good lineup, and for only $5, a much cheaper option than the MIX.
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We’re very excited for this Friday. Catch Sam Easton, who is apparently a regular on the L Word, as well as being utterly hilarious, at the Ocean Beach Hotel in White Rock. Yeah, we know. Not exactly a happening spot. But the lineup is great – in addition to Easton, you get the very funny Steve McGowan, who is MCing and Kevin Foxx, who is featuring. AND It’s only $10 AND you don’t have to go all the way downtown. Apparently reservations are recommended.
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If you happen to be in New Westminster Saturday – why you would, we have no idea – catch Carter Hortie and friends at Lafflines. They haven’t announced who the “and friends” are yet, but the show will be worth it for Hortie alone. He’s an absolutely stellar MC and a solid all-around performer. Expect a great lineup, but don’t order the red wine.
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Unfortunately, there’s no Rookie League this Sunday (it’s on Christmas hiatus) but you can still catch the comedy stylings of Kevin Lee, Taz VanRassel, Craig Anderson, Aaron Read and That Dumb A&W Employee (Ryan Beil) at the Kozmik Zoo.They’re freaking hilarious. Go.
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It’s Christmas party season, so there is no open mic at the Kingston on Monday. But the Bobbers are still putting on some of the best improv in the city at the Oasis on Davie. If you haven’t yet, head down and check them out.
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* This is not a fact, but it is a Kids in the Hall reference.
