17

THURSDAY

Blaire Postman has always been offended by the seemingly universal notion that D.C. is a haven for the humorless. “I happen to know a lot of funny people here,” she says. “D.C. has a lot of talent.” It’s just that, Postman argues, despite being an “enormous media market,” the city lacks the knowing comedy culture of towns such as Chicago. To rectify this, Postman organized the DC Comedy Fest, three days of improv, sketch, and stand-up performances at several venues, featuring dozens of national and local funny folk. In addition to entertaining area residents, the fest, Postman hopes, will educate us on the various comic genres. The event should be appealing to comedy neophytes, Postman says, adding that “if you don’t know anything and think it might suck,” the sheer quantity means that “you’re bound to see [something] you like.” The fest runs through Saturday, March 19, at the District of Columbia Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW; the DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW; Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW; the Warehouse Next Door, 1017 7th St. NW; and the Warehouse Theater, 1021 7th St. NW (see City List for details). $10–25. Visit www.dccomedyfest.com for more information. (Dave Nuttycombe)