Local comedians talk craft and the potential for Asheville’s comedy scene.
Smart bets: Brendan Gay
The Chicago-based comedian performs at The Southern Kitchen and Bar on Saturday, Dec. 23.
Smart Bets: Found Footage Festival
Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher guide viewers through oddball VHS offerings culled from thrift stores and garage sales on Dec. 15 at The Grey Eagle.
‘Ho-Ho-Holiday Rewind’ variety show brings seasonal cheer
On Saturday, Dec. 9, Christine Garvin, her dance students and her professional dance troupe will be bringing back a much-loved seasonal tradition, Ho-Ho-Holiday Rewind — a hilariously entertaining holiday-themed variety show that’s had Asheville audiences giggling since 2012.
Smart Bets: The Crooner and the Clown
Country/folk musician Austin Lucas and comedian Ryan Singer stop by The Odditorium on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m.
Smart Bets: Fortune Feimster
The Charlotte native and ‘Mindy Project’ cast member visits The Grey Eagle for 7 and 9:30 p.m. shows on Friday, Sept. 22, and Saturday, Sept. 23.
Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features the first album by local band Hustle Souls, a new location for Urban Dharma, and Poetry Cabaret’s reflections on performing at Capital Fringe Festival.
Laugh Your Asheville Off draws performers from across the country
Each night of the festival features a completely different showcase of comics, most of whom are making their first appearance in Asheville. “We keep a very wide revolving door with fresh talent coming in,” says executive producer Charlie Gerencer.
Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features ultra conscious refrigerator magnets, a new album by David Wilcox and a writer’s bike journey to inspire her new book.
Theater review: ‘The Dixie Swim Club’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
Since the play is set in our home state, it helps bring a sense of realism to this production. This is a show to see with friends. It’s an absolute laugh riot, and the hysterical cast is truly outstanding.
Theatre review: ‘Significant Other’ at Hendersonville Community Theatre
If you like traditional rom-coms, this is the play for you. Significant Other, written by local playwright and Xpress contributor Jeff Messer is showing on HCT’s second stage through Sunday, July 9.
Smart bets: Talk About Funny
The audience can pose questions to the comedians at the second dinner theater show at Up Country Brewing on Wednesday, June 28.
Smart bets: Nice Guys Comedy
This month’s lineup includes Peter Smith-McDowell, Hilliary Begley and headliner Macon Clark on Sunday, June 11.
Smart bets: Jarrod Harris and Lace Larrabee
The comedians will perform on Saturday, May 13, at The Grey Eagle.
Carolina Beer Guy: Asheville Brewing mixes new beers, vintage comedies
Asheville Brewing Co. celebrates National Humor Month with screenings of comedy classics and new beers made in honor of the films. The new brews were named through a customer contest.
Comedy ‘The Nerd’ comes to Asheville
When Attic Salt founders Marci Bernstein and Jeff Catanese moved their company to Asheville from New York, officially relaunched in 2013, The Nerd was hot on their radar. “We tried to get the rights and got turned down,” Bernstein says.
Smart bets: The Blackpack
The Blackpack will host “How to Turn the News into Great Comedy,” a free preperformance discussion for ticketholders, at the BLOCK Off Biltmore on Friday, March 31, at 5 p.m. “All Laughs Matter” follows at Diana Wortham Theatre at 8 p.m.
Smart bets: Best of Asheville Comedy Showcase
This year’s showcase takes place at The Grey Eagle on Saturday, March 25, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Asheville Symphony’s Amadeus festival returns
Asheville Amadeus — held Friday, March 10-Sunday, March 19 — is about music, of course, but it also includes art, wine, comedy, sing-alongs, theatrical productions and a symphony-meets-hip-hop EP.
Stand-up comedian Hari Kondabolu makes challenging power an art form
Hopefully stand-up comedian Hari Kondabolu’s in-the-works joke about the Statue of Liberty being deported will be ready in time for his show at Diana Wortham Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 18. If not, he’s got plenty more fresh work prepared.
Smart bets: The 1491s
They’ll perform at Lipinsky Auditorium on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. $15/$10 alumni. A master class with The 1491’s takes place on Thursday, Feb. 23, at noon in the Mountain View Room of the Sherrill Center.