Editor’s Note: The shot clock has been reset and we’re in the early innings of a brand new year. However, we all know just how grey and cold the winter months can feel once the holidays wrap up, so comedy is continuing to do the Lord’s work by giving us something to smile (or groan, wince, or gasp) at. 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 (January 21).
Adam Conover at City Winery
After a long-fought battle on the front lines of the writers’ strike, the former TV host and continuously curious stand-up comedian returns to the city to deliver some much needed laughs. Always a thoughtful observer, Adam Conover has consistently shown his ability to grow in the space of keeping things real, thoughtful and funny, so hearing about this past year through the lens of the king of questions is sure to be an eye-opener.
ADAM CONOVER :: Thursday, January 18 at City Winery, 80 Beverly St. in Boston, MA :: 5:30 p.m., $35 to $55 :: Advance tickets
Jay Pharoah at The Wilbur
Is that The Rock? Eddie Murphy? Kevin Hart? Nah, but it is Jay Pharoah, and he’s coming back to town with a brand new batch of hilarity for the masses. Whether it’s in the form of jokes and stories or his elite-level impression work, the SNL alum has continued to prove himself as a top-notch writer and performer of the craft, so this new show is bound to be filled to the gills with top-quality comedy goodness.
JAY PHAROAH :: Friday, January 19 at The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St. in Boston, MA :: 6:30 p.m., $30 :: Advance tickets
Judy Gold at Off Cabot
A veteran of the art form and a true friend and inspiration to droves of comics all over the map, Judy Gold continues to bring her unwavering and upfront comedy to the masses with unmatched passion and a keen eye for the world around her. A chance to see her in a setting like this will be a masterclass in its own right, not to mention a great night out.
JUDY GOLD :: Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20 at Off Cabot, 9 Wallis St. in Beverly, MA :: Times vary, $35 :: Advance tickets
Dumpster Fire at The Rockwell
Fresh off her Rising Star of the Year honor at the Boston Comedy Choice Awards, Brieana Woodward hosts the latest showcase to hit The Rockwell, alongside her life and creative partner Al Christakis. Joining them for the evening will be a smattering of the city’s grinding comedy talents in Cam Ohh, Logan O’Brien and Theo Konstantino, so you’re pretty much getting one of the best shows you can find on the calendar
DUMPSTER FIRE :: Saturday, January 20 at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St. in Somerville, MA :: 9 p.m., 21-plus, $15 advance, $18 day of show :: Advance tickets