This Week in Austin - June 30th, 2009

A full plate this week for Austin. So let's skip the intro, and go straight into what's funny...

Capitol City Comedy Club Presents
Nick Thune (w/ John Ramsey)
Tue. June 31 - Sat. July 4
8:00 nightly (w/ 10:00 pm shows on Fri & Sat)

Nick Thune is one of those rare guys who does a little of everything. Making short films for iThunes, singing catchy little ditties, and of course, doing stand up. And all of it's funny. He's appeared on Jay Leno and Comedy Central, and now, Cap City brings him to you all this week for a modicum of money. Shy and just a little to left of reality, Thune's an all-star just waiting to happen. Tag in John Ramsey (as well as whoever else shows) and this is a show worth being at. Go watch him, that way you can say you knew him way back when, just like the hipster douchebag you are.

Beerland TX presents
The Other Playground (featuring Chris Trew, Honest to God, etc.)
Tue. June 31
9:00 pm
FREE!!!

From the ashes left at Beerland by the Trainwreck's passing springs for a new life called "The Other Playground." The brainchild of Chris Trew, this will feature local comics, bands, and film-makers trying to do something that will make you remember them. And if you've ever seen anything Trew has done, I'm sure you will remember this as well. I have no idea what's going to go on with this, but whatever it is, it will definitely be worth your time and beer money. Did I mention it's FREE?!

Beerland TX presents
Tom Rhodes!!! (w/ Norman Wilkerson and Nick Mullen)
Thurs & Fri July 2nd & 3rd
8:00 pm
$10 at the door or BUY TICKETS ONLINE

Tom Rhodes is probably the most under-rated comedian working the world stage today. Star of the short-lived "Mr. Rhodes" on NBC and his own "Rhodes Scholar" videos on YouTube, Tom is a journeyman comic who has literally performed all over the world. And now, thanks to Norman Wilkerson and Tom himself, he heads back to Austin to bring you his wit and wisdom. If you're a fan of really good comedy, a new comic, or an old comic, this is a show you have GOT to be at. Add in the proprietor of this madness, Norman Wilkerson, and that alone is worth the price. AND you get the hilarious recent transplant (and roommate of your humble narrator) Nick Mullen. This is a great show, and a great way to show your love of independent, no two-drink minimum comedy. Don't miss this!

The Velveeta Room presents
Carey Moore (w/ Bob Khosravi & Shane Hebert)
Fri & Sat July 3 & 4
9:30 & 11:30 nightly
Always ALWAYS $5!

I fucking love Carey Moore's comedy. Few people can take a scalpel to all the things we hate about ourselves in such a funny way as Carey. She tosses off more funny in two or three lines than most comics do with whole paragraphs. And you get another great comic in Bob Khosravi. Bob's so laconic on stage, you almost don't notice how dark some of his material really is. And by the time you do, it's too late; you're already laughing. And of course, the lovable, svelte, and courteous Shane Hebert, who's never met a joke he didn't love. This is one of my favorite line-ups at the Velve that I've seen (then again, I'm biased). Since it's the Velveeta, you never know who may show up. Tack on to that, it's five bucks and you're already gonna be downtown getting drunk anyways for the holiday weekend. I'll be there on Friday, and I suggest you do the same.

Last Gas Comedy and Coldtowne Theater present
A Night of Champions: FPIA Part 2
Starring Eric Krug, Howard Beecher, and Mario DiGiorgio
Fri July 3
9:00 pm
$8
You know you can't have a Friday night without Punchline at Coldtowne Theater. And this month continues the "Night of Champions" with 3 more FPIA winners in Eric Krug, Howard Beecher & Mario DiGiorgio. Krug is one of the most fluid guys comics working the scene today. Sardonic without being snarky, well-written without sounding poet-ey, and douchey without being baggy. Krug's an original, and so is Howard Beecher, a local favorite here in Austin. Howard's just phenomenal onstage with his material, but it's his crowd-work I love the most. Go ahead; yell something out while Howard's on stage - I dare you. And of course, another favorite of mine and Austin's, Mario DiGiorgio. Mario's gifted in his delivery and writing style. A truly unique voice in a town full of them. And remember, at Coldtowne it's always BYOB!

Last Gas Comedy presents at Homer's
A Fourth of July Celebration Starring Jose Sarduy w/ Anton Shuford
Sat July 4
9:00 pm
NO COVER!

And finally, this Saturday at Homer's Bar & Grill, is a special Fourth of July celebration w/ Jose Sarduy and Anton Shuford. Anton is new to me, but I've looked him up and this should be awesome. Talkative, shy, and slightly acerbic, Anton's quick wit should split your sides in no time. And of course, Florida comic Jose Sarduy will bring the house down in a big way. Whether it's sea turtles having sex or his Cuban upbringing, Jose always delivers with a fluid style and seamless exposition. Oh, hell, he's just funny! Remember - show at 9 SHARP! AND it's free! And the beer's cheap! And I might be there, too...

To all the comics, do NOT forget: this week is the change to the open mic rules at the Velveeta Room. And of course, the other open mics (La Zona Rosa, Kick Butt, Conan's Pizza, Cap City, etc. & et al). If you can't find anything funny to do this weekend, it's not my fault.

See you on the flip flop, kids.

--Isaac Harigle

Comments

JakeFlores's picture
by JakeFlores - Jun 30 2009 - 10:38pm

Altercation is at Red Eyed Fly on the fourth followed by JT Habersaat opening for Henry Rollins. Also Joe Staats tragically died this week of a broken boner. the celebrity deaths just keep piling on. RIP