Your next seven days should be filled with laughter. The following could help.
Friday, September 23: Dana Gould at Arlington Drafthouse
The former Simpsons writer, veteran stand-up, unique radio personality, and very nice man is spending Friday and Saturday at the Drafthouse. His most recent DVD, Let Me Put My Thoughts in You (a title so good I’m shocked it hadn’t already been used), is a huge leap from Gould’s early days. He has a well-rounded bit about why he chose to adopt rather than procreate. RiYL: Patton Oswalt and Adam Carolla. 9:55 p.m., $22, 18+, also Sept. 24
Saturday, September 24: Steve Byrne at DC Improv
I recommended this show last week. I’m recommending it again because of host Joe Kilgallon. (Why don’t clubs list the host and feature? Rory Scovel featured for Anthony Jeselnik last week at the Improv. I had no idea until after the first show took place.) The Chicago-based KKilgallon is a great fit for Byrne. Both appeal to a wide base, draw their material on personal grievances, and are able to get a laugh in any room. A great way to spend a Saturday night, especially if you’re on a date. Really. These guys don’t look like trolls and aren’t sexist. It’s a combination that’s quite hard to find in stand-up. 8 p.m., $15, 21+, also Sept. 23 and 25
Sunday, September 25: Paul Mooney at Riot Act
The legendary comic, probably best known to 21-to 35-year-olds for his appearances on Chapelle’s Show, has been a working comic for more than 40 years. Famous for writing for Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx, Mooney has continued their tradition of comedic commentaries on race. Mooney hasn’t lost his edge, and his continued late-night appearances are the proof. 8:30 p.m., $20, 18+, also Sept. 23 and 24
Tuesday, September 27: Hannah and Her Sisters at American City Diner
There’s something perfect about seeing a Woody Allen film in a diner. Neurosis thrives with coffee and pie. Self-absorbed, too-smart-for-their-own-good New Yorkers ranting about love and loss and love that might have been lost is what Allen does best. 8 p.m., free but you should probably get coffee and pie, all ages.
Wednesday, September 28: ZestFest at First Street Lawn
The good folks at Story League are working with the good folks at the Pink Line Project as part of ZestFest. Five storytellers will share 10-minute tales that will hopefully regale the lunchtime crowd. A good way to spend a lunch hour and a good way to get introduced to what’s becoming a big thing, using a microphone to talk about personal experiences while captivating others. What a thought! Noon, free, all ages