10. 50 First Jokes
Saturday, January 2
The Bug Theater
The first annual Denver edition of 50 First Jokes was memorable for its overfull audience, for the hatchlings of new jokes from a large and lively gathering of Denver's funniest comedians, and for being ground zero of a super-flu that plagued the comedy scene for weeks afterward. Local hosts Timmi Lasley and Mara Wiles continue a tradition dating back to 2007, when a boozy throng of New York standups convened in a Lower East Side bar to debut their first joke of the new year. Under the stalwart guidance of original producer John F. O'Donnell, 50 First Jokes has expanded to dozens of other cities and while still drawing sell-out crowds every year. With the stipulation that every joke has to be written after the ball drops to herald the arrival of 2016, audiences are guaranteed fresh material from a cavalcade of Denver's finest and funniest, while the participating comics must rise to meet the challenge. Perhaps they'll walk away from the Bug stage with a great new bit. Known super-flu carriers are strongly discouraged from attending. (In the interest of full disclosure and wanton self-promotion, I'll be onstage with 49 other comics, telling jokes none of us has yet written).
The giggle gauntlet commences at 8 p.m. Admission costs $7; only 14 cents per comedian. Tickets are available at the door.
9. Jake Johannsen
January 7-9
Comedy Works South
A comedy works favorite, Jake Johannsen in a consummate entertainer who’s been headlining comedy clubs since the peak of the ‘80s comedy boom. He's one of a very few comedians who made over forty appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, a designation made all the more historic in the wake of the host’s retirement. His debut special, 1994’s This’ll Take About an Hour, was a widely celebrated classic of the form, yet Johannsen didn’t tape the follow-up, called simply, I Love You, until 2010. Sharper than ever, he has built his career on the fine line of broad appeal and sophisticated joke writing that many of his peers can only try to emulate.
Showtimes and admission prices vary. Go to Comedy Works' website for more information and to buy tickets.
8. Comedy Night at Chain Reaction
Friday, January 8
Chain Reaction Brewing Company
Westword awarded this feisty brewery show with the Best New Show of 2015 designation, and its been thriving ever since. In its one-year lifespan, Comedy Night at Chain Reaction, the perfectly Coloradan brew of local standup and craft beer has settled into a raucous but supportive rhythm, and witnessed a slew of great comics from near and far grace the woodcut state flag-adorned stage. Co-owners Zack Chad Christofferson teamed up with their childhood hockey buddy, local standup Steve Vanderploeg to collaborate on both the showcase and a signature Denver Comedy Pale Ale — though we humbly recommend the Peppercorn Saison as well. This month's lineup boasts the comedic talents of local crush-smiths Ben Bryant, Rachel Weeks, Matt Wayman and Tim Messenger with Mile High Sci-Fi creator Harrison Rains in the headlining spot, so it's a perfect beckoning call to venture into Athmar Park for some quaffs and laughs.
Showtime is at 8 p.m. but feel to show up and chug brews earlier. Admission is free.
Get More: Comedy Central,Funny Videos,Funny TV Shows
7. Janeane Garofalo
January 8-9
Comedy Works Downtown
Comedy Works Downtown welcomes the bespectacled Godmother of alternative comedy, Janeane Garofalo, who pioneered the woolier but more authentic joke-writing style that characterized standup for the following decade. Most recently seen in Wet Hot American Summer and its Netflix spin-off series First Day of Camp, Garofalo started out landing key roles in ‘90s TV talent crucibles like The Larry Sanders Show and Mr. Show with Bob and David before she went on to star in the Generation X-courting romantic comedies Reality Bites and The Truth About Cats and Dogs. Throughout the reactionary Bush years, Garofalo suffered more backlash for her political outspokenness than other liberal comics of her generation, yet admirably held her ground, maintaining her astute poise even in Fox News’ ambush-style interviews. Garofalo may be an icon for a bygone generation, but her standup is as fearless and vital as ever.
Tickets are still available for the late Saturday show at 9:45 p.m. Admission costs $25. Go to Comedy Works' website to buy tickets. Act quickly: all the other shows have sold out.
Get More: Comedy Central,Funny Videos,Funny TV Shows
6. Patton Oswalt
Saturday, January 9
The Paramount Theatre
While the majority of American consumers recognize Patton Oswalt from syndicated reruns of King of Queens, or remember the lilt of his snarky voice from Ratatouille, comedy nerds venerate him. On classic albums like Feelin’ Kinda Patton, Werewolves and Lollipops and My Weakness is Strong, Oswalt helped forge the politically disillusioned yet minutiae-obsessed identity of comedy nerdom. His hero's journey will reach its nexus when Oswalt joins the cast of a newly resurrected Mystery Science Theater 3000 later this year. Over the past few years, Oswalt has demonstrated remarkable range as an actor in film and television. On HBO’s Veep, Oswalt’s trademark jocularity was undercut with a latent menace while his roles in Young Adult and Big Fan revealed an unexpected melancholy beneath the performer’s perpetually cherubic visage. Despite critical accolades and televisual ubiquity, Oswalt has also penned two books, Zombie Spaceship Wasteland and Silver Screen Fiend. Throughout his varied and busy career, Oswalt has always remained a sharp and vital standup comedian. His last special Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time, premiered on Comedy Central after a troubled online rollout from EPIX last year, so Denver fans have an opportunity to see Oswalt in the process of building a new hour.
Showtime is at 8 p.m. Admission prices vary according to seating section. Tickets are available through Altitude Tickets.
5. Mick Foley
Wednesday, January 13
Comedy Works South
Retired professional wrestler Mick Foley, aka "The Hardcore Legend," has developed a fruitful second career as a nationally-touring comedian and raconteur. The creator of the classic characters Dude Love, Cactus Jack and Mankind, Foley was a madman in the ring. His insane commitment to the craft of pro wrestling endangered his life countless times, such as the infamous "Hell in a Cell" match that nearly claimed his life. Outside of the ring, Foley has devoted his efforts to becoming an accredited Santa, even appearing in the 2014 documentary I am Santa Claus. He also supports a number of philanthropic causes, visiting sick children for the Make-A_Wish Foundation or talking to survivors for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Seeing Mick Foley perform guarantees both a delightful evening of comedy and a fascinating glimpse into the underbelly of professional wrestling from one of its brightest, and most self-injurious stars. Foley's last headlining engagement at Comedy Works had to be cancelled for an emergency back surgery, so it's heartening to see back on his feet, entertaining audiences.
Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. Admission costs $25. Go to Comedy Works' website to buy tickets.
4. Gina Brillon
January 21-24
The Denver Improv
A veteran of the New York comedy scene she's called home since she started performing at the age of seventeen, Gina Brillon is a skilled comedian and the 2012 winner of NBC's Stand Up for Diversity Showcase. She's appeared on Live at Gotham, The View and Chelsea Lately, and also had a prominent role in Gabriel Igelsias' The Fluffy Movie. Unlike her boisterous co-star, however, Brillon tells jokes instead of making noises. Surprisingly sharp and observant for a comic with such mainstream credits, Brillon delivers relatable material without feeling broad or stale; her first one-hour special, "Pacifically Speaking," debuted last fall. Brillon defies easy categorization and keeps the laughs flowing.
Showtimes vary each night. Admission costs $17. Go to to the Denver Improv website to buy tickets.
3. Underground Comedy Showcase
Friday, January 22
The Soiled Dove Underground
The Underground Comedy Showcase at the Soiled Dove has emerged as one of Denver's finest local showcases with remarkably little fanfare. Co-hosts Stephen Agyei and Matt Monroe maintain tightly curated lineups featuring only the best and brightest in local and national standup comedy. Though the Lowry venue they call home typically hosts live jazz, folk and rock music shows, the Underground Comedy Showcase has managed to pack the house month after month. The lineup this month includes local rippers Sam Tallent, Christie Buchele, and headliner Louis Johnson, plus some special surprise guests.
Showtime is at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10 at the door. Check the Underground Facebook page for updates, including a forthcoming ticketfly link.
2. Bill Engvall
Saturday, January 30
The Paramount Theatre
Recently seen earning new fans and generating a wealth of hilarious photos on Dancing With The Stars, Bill Engvall is one of the top-selling national comedians working today. Best known for his eponymous TBS sitcom (which co-starred a young Jennifer Lawrence) and for performing on various incarnations of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Ron White, Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy, Engvall has always shot for mass appeal and generally hit the mark. While Engvall and his cohorts may not enjoy much esteem among comedy nerds, they appear all too happy to entertain the rest of America. Snobbery aside, Engvall's agreeable material is easy to digest and he seldom resorts to the gimmickry of standups at his level. With a strong contingent of local fans, there's little doubt Denverites will be clamoring to get Engvallved.
Showtime is at 8 p.m. Admission prices vary according to seating section. Tickets are available through Altitude Tickets.
1. Lucha Libre & Laughs: Fists of Fury
Sunday, January 31
The Oriental Theater
Westword has beat the war drum for Lucha Libre & Laughs loudly and proudly over the years, but we're hardly alone in our heraldry. While undoubtedly the brainchild of producer, promoter and bumbling referee Nick Gossert, Lucha Libre & Laughs encourages its participants to take a small piece of ownership over their role in the spectacle. Comics like Deacon Gray and Ian Douglas Terry so love the ringside action that they've developed manager characters just to get close to the wrestlers. Nary a show passes by without a comic seizing the opportunity to crawl into the ring. Denverites who've never attended are truly missing out on one of our city's most unique homegrown charms. So join Gossert, color commentators Sam Tallent and Nathan Lund, Lucha Libre & Laughs champion Royce Isaacs and headliner Chuck Roy this month because LLL doesn't return to the Oriental until March. After all, what better salve is there for a month of resolutions unmet than the sweet and sweaty combo of breathtaking combat and wall-to-wall jokes?
Doors open at 6 for the 7 p.m. showtime. Admission costs $10. Go to the Oriental Theater website to buy tickets.
