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Your next seven days should be filled with laughter. The following could help.
Friday, Dec. 16: Christian Finnegan at DC Improv
Christian Finnegan has been at this for a while. If you think you recognize him, you probably do. His appearances on Chapelle’s Show and Best Week Ever nearly a decade ago might place him as the somewhat snarky, slighly chubby guy with spiked hair. Now he’s the somewhat snarky, slim guy that’s on Are We There Yet? and Conan. His style is smart and extremely approachable, the kind of guy most people 18-to-death can enjoy. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., $17, 18-plus. Also Dec. 17-18.
Saturday, Dec. 17: Cool Dudes Hanging Out at Subterranean A
This is the type of show that could turn youngsters on to stand-up comedy similar to how people who saw the Velvet Underground later formed a band. Or it will just be fun. Either way, any chance to see James Adomian—-whom I interviewed on Arts Desk yesterday—-in a a nontraditional venue should be seized. He will end up on screens soon enough, and then you won’t have as many opportunities to catch him. He is Apple stock in 1984. Invest now. 7:30 p.m., $5, all ages.
Sunday, Dec. 18: Story League Stands Up at Busboys and Poets
Take your friends who think they might like live comedy to this event. Story League has earned its reputation as an arbiter of quality tales. This sort-of-comedy show will ease in the first-timer and please the club fan. Headliner Gabe Liedman knows how to keep a crowd’s attention, and producers SM Shrake and Hillary Buckholtz are experts at curating a well-rounded show. There’s no need to worry about rowdy drunks or inexperienced performers making crowds cringe for the not-right reasons. 8 p.m., $10, all ages.
Wednesday, Dec. 21: Erin Jackson at DC Improv
Root for Erin Jackson. The better she does, the better D.C. looks. This hometown pro has been a road warrior since appearances on Last Comic Standing and Ellen, and that’s a good thing. She’s a solidly funny performer, the kind of comic that can make the whole family laugh. These shows at the Improv should serve as a victory lap for this D.C. comic. 8 p.m., $15, 18-plus. Also Dec. 22-23.