Your next seven days should be filled with laughter. The following could help.
Friday, July 29: Don’t Block the Box at Wonderland Ballroom
The good part about underground comedy shows is the variety of performers. Jimmy Meritt is a road warrior, super accessible, and a lovable nerd. Evan Valentine, also a nerd, is the writer and star of Thor: The Musical. The former thrives in comedy clubs, and the latter is meant for weird rooms. Both are funny. With additional performances by Andy Kline and Mike Larrick, this night of stand up is definitely worth the affordable cover. 7 p.m., $3, 21+.
Saturday, July 30: Outlaw Jam 2 with Motley Crüe at Frederick Fairgrounds
This is the closest Crüe stop to D.C. and that means it’s a mandatory stop for any true music fan. No, that’s a lie. A big, awful, dirty lie. It is an excuse to check out America’s best joke band. Read The Dirt and try to tell me Crüe or Crüe’s ghostwriters haven’t written the funniest book of all time. The band’s tour is sponsored by MAC cosmetics, which is awesome. Poison is also on the bill, which is awesome. Vince Neil killed a man and Mick Mars might die any day, and these are terrible things, but they should be laughed at or the entire schtick will get too real and sad. Noon, $43.75 – $237.75, all ages.
Sunday, July 31: Mitch Fatel at DC Improv
Fatel should be be better known. His style of comedy would have fit perfectly on Flight of the Conchords, he’s performed multiple times on Letterman and Conan, and he’s touring most of the year. Is it the lack of a podcast? Whatever the reason, he’s still very funny. His slow, deadpan stoner style of delivery is well-done and the awful things he says come off lovingly. Hopefully the newcomers to the comedy community—-who found the scene thanks to things like W.T.F. and Comedy Bang, Bang—-will also find Fatel. 8 p.m., $17, 21+. Also tonight and Saturday.
Tuesday, August 2: Watch Groundhog Day
Debt ceiling! Topical humor! Things are the same but suddenly more horrible! And Bill Murray is funny.
Thursday, August 4: John Mulaney at DC Improv
No other working comic has more dry, sardonic wit than John Mulaney, the SNL writer and former Best Week Ever guest. If Bob Newhart were beginning now, he would look up to John Mulaney. Incredibly smart, he appears too brilliant to be a stand up. The man could easily be a doctor (I’m basing this on television doctors). This four-night stand at the Improv is an excellent opportunity to see him before he’s as well-known as his sometimes sketch partner Nick Kroll. Also August 5-7, 8 p.m., $15, 21+.