Editor’s Note: The vibes of football season, eating more apples off of trees than you actually pick, and what will inevitably be droves of I Think You Should Leave Halloween costumes (sexy pig with a Nixon mask, anyone?) are inching closer as we say goodbye to baseball season (at least when it comes our friendly neighborhood basement-dwelling Red Sox) and instead, usher in the early earmarks of the upcoming holidaze. However, live comedy is a four-season jamboree, and 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 (October 22).
Todd Barry at The Drake
The even-keeled demeanor and dangerously thought out approach of Todd Barry is not one to be missed or messed with. Splitting his latest show in half between jokes and cried work, the stand-up vet is sure to offer up a near-perfect night of comedy. Not to mention, one of Boston’s best, Ken Reid, is joining him for the ride of expertly-crafted laid back stand-up mayhem, so we’re getting spoiled with two comedy craftsmen on the same stage. What a time.
TODD BARRY + KEN REID :: Thursday, October 19 at The Drake, 44 N. Pleasant St. in Amherst, MA :: 8 p.m., $25 :: Advance Tickets
The State at Chevalier Theatre
Getting the likes of Michael Ian Black, Thomas Lennon, Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, and the rest of the star players who brought the MTV sketch series into “cult classic” territory on one stage together is a sure fire good time. Having them resurrect the sheer comedic power, edge and insanity that made the show so great in the first place is a whole new ballgame. Luckily, they’re in town, in the flesh for a night of doing just that, so buckle up.
‘THE STATE’: BREAKIN’ HEARTS & DIPPIN’ BALLS TOUR :: Thursday, October 19 at Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St. in Medford, MA :: 7 p.m., $49.50 to $99.50 :: Advance Tickets
Yuck Fest
It’s comedy, and it’s music, but most importantly, it’s community. Some of the best that the city’s arts scene has to offer kick off the inaugural east coast edition of Katlin McFee’s creative brainchild, and between local heroes like Bethany Van Delft and Michael Christmas, to fan favorites from beyond the confines of the commonwealth like Daniel Van Kirk, it’s safe to say this three-night throw down will bring a fresh new perspective to how comedy and culture is celebrated within the city.
YUCK FEST :: Thursday, October 19 to Saturday, October 21 at Various locations :: Event schedule and Advance Tickets
Dave Chappelle at TD Garden
The Garden is officially rocking on all fronts this season, but with back-to-back full houses planned, the champ is indeed here for a bit more thunderous fanfare. There is bound to be all kinds of feels flowing through the building as Dave Chappelle returns to town, and there’s really no telling where his ever-curious mind will wander. But one thing that is a near guarantee is that it will be quite an experience to reflect on.
DAVE CHAPPELLE :: Thursday, October 19 and Friday, October 20 at TD Garden, 100 Legends Way in Boston, MA, 7:30 p.m., $321 to $436 :: Advance Tickets
Ian Bagg at Laugh Boston
If you’re looking for an all-out clinic on how to handle a crowd, let Ian Bagg show you how it’s done. Keep your comments to yourself and you’ll be fine, but for anyone who feels the need to disrupt Bagg’s detailed and top-tier storytelling, be prepared for a comedic fury that holds nothing back.
IAN BAGG :: Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21 at Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St. in Boston, MA :: 6 and 9 p.m., $33 :: Advance Tickets