Editor’s Note: We’re too far into August to turn back now, and that means we’re getting close, but not nearly close enough to finishing our fight against the dragging dog days of this bogus, humid summer. With all of the stress and frustration that continues to pile up with every rainstorm and inability to some sun, it seems only right to assume that the best remedy for that would be, at the very least, to laugh. Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered. With homegrown talent, national headliners, and open mics galore highlighting the calendar, the plethora of powerful comedy throughout the commonwealth continues to show up, night after night. Enter Mic’d Up, our ongoing weekly series that details the best live comedy shows to consider as you head out and about. Below find our rundown for this week, through Sunday (August 20).
Sam Morril at Academy of Music Theatre
Sam Morril’s ascent in comedy is just unbeatable, and as he’s been on his Class Act tour for what seems like forever, that sentiment has only grown stronger. Catch the all-star comic as he utilizes his strategic and slow-burning delivery to unleash a potent and ever-expanding hour of stories and jokes that are sure to have you equal parts gasping and cringing.
SAM MORRIL :: Friday, August 18 at Academy of Music Theatre, 247 Main St. in Northampton, MA :: 7 p.m., $35 :: Advance Tickets
Hot Dog! at George’s Coney Island
As weird as it may sound, Worcester just wouldn’t be the same without its history with hot dogs. And while he may not be the all-time glizzy king of Wormtown, Sean Connolly is kicking off the city’s annual Hot Dog Safari with his tried-and-true fixture of a show that blends elements of stand-up, surprise, storytelling, and of course, so many hot dogs.
HOT DOG! :: Friday, August 18 at George’s Coney Island, 158 Southbridge St. in Worcester, MA :: 8 p.m., free admission :: Event Info
Punkie Johnson at Laugh Boston
Live from the Seaport, it’s Friday and Saturday night with one of SNL’s most powerful players. No topic is off-limits as Punkie Johnson brings you a different kind of comedy than what you’re used to seeing her unleash on TV, while delivering her art in just as a unique of a way as the style and attitude that has brought her into the spotlight.
PUNKIE JOHNSON :: Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19 at Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St. in Boston, MA :: 6 and 9 p.m. both nights, $33 :: Advance Tickets
Andrew Della Volpe at Nick’s Comedy Stop
As one of the city’s brightest rising stars, Andrew Della Volpe readies to take the historic stage at Nick’s fully equipped with the boyish charm and playfully mischievous approach to delivering his fun brand of stand-up. Beyond that, doing so amongst a hometown crowd is sure to bring a top-tier performance, as well as a healthy dose of both hoots and hollers for a native son on the up-and-up.
ANDREW DELLA VOLPE :: Friday, August 18 & Saturday, August 19 at Nick’s Comedy Stop, 100 Warrenton St. in Boston, MA :: 8 p.m. both nights, $22 :: Advance Tickets