http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqIpt1fFTs8

Your next seven days should be filled with laughter. The following could help.

Friday, Jan. 6: Anything Goes! at Red Palace
The Gilded Lily Burlesque troupe is bringing in Philadelphia and Baltimore’s finest sideshow acts and pretty ladies on the first Friday of the new year. After spending the last few weeks at home with the family and making plans for a night that can’t possibly live up to expectations, everyone needs to see nice-looking people disrobing or shoving nails in their face. The Red Palace does burlesque better than anyone else in D.C., and a surefire way to put a smile on your face after the holidays is on H Street NE. $10, 21-plus, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 7: Local Comic Auditions for Letterman at Arlington Drafthouse
There’s not a lot of information about this “audition.” The names of the “eight of the D.C. area’s best local comics” aren’t listed. I highly doubt that a good eight-minute set at the Drafthouse will lead to five minutes on the most influential late-night show for stand-ups. In reality, this show is probably a showcase to impress stand-up Eddie Brill, who has been doing audience warm-up for Letterman for the last 10 years and is at the Drafthouse tonight and tomorrow. For the audience, none of this should matter. Whatever eight comics go up will be performing their best material—-the stuff they’ve been massaging into surefire laughs for many years. Just the idea of the chance to be on the Late Show is good enough to guarantee a good show. $5, 21-plus, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 8: Kevin Nealon at DC Improv (all shows sold out)
I recommended this show in this week’s paper. I stand by that recommendation. Since then, all shows have sold out, but don’t be shocked if some seats open up for the second show on Sunday. After doing seven sets in four days, this last performance of the successful run will probably be the loosest, most cerebral of the series. Nealon has proved his worth for over 20 years, and any chance to see him should be heeded. $25, 21-plus, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 12: Erik Myers at Riot Act
Erik Myers was been named “Baltimore’s Funniest Comedian” a few years ago. Then he moved to Florida. He was recently named “Florida’s Funniest Comedian.” The road comic has a manic energy that will play well at Riot Act. His not-subtle musings and frantic pacing will be able to fill the cavernous space. For fans of Beavis and Butthead (not an insult), Greg Giraldo, and Bill Burr, Myers is an act that anyone off the street can enjoy. $17, 18-plus, 8:30 p.m.