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 28).
Chris Redd at Laugh Boston
Through the many layers of his comedic approach, Chris Redd continues to show why he’s such an in-demand talent well after his SNL stint. With keen observational eye and no fear of calling it like he sees it, Redd delivers a refreshingly unfazed potency that ventured into a number of excited and noteworthy directions.
CHRIS REDD :: Thursday, January 25 to Saturday, January 27 at Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St. in Boston, MA :: Showtimes vary, $33 :: Advance tickets
Ashley Gavin at The Wilbur
Leave the heckling at the door, because Ashley Gavin will win the battle if challenged. Returning to The Wilbur with a brand new hour following the release of her most recent hour-long special, Live in Chicago, there’s no telling where Gavin will bring the show, but one thing we do know is that it will always be worth the ride she takes you on to get there.
ASHLEY GAVIN :: Friday, January 26 at The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St. in Boston, MA :: 6:30 and 9 p.m., $29 to $60 :: Advance tickets
Orlando Baxter & Jimmy Cash at Roar! Comedy Club
Double the funny, double the amount of stage time, double everything. When it comes to the comedy exports of the Massachusetts comedy scene, Orlando Baxter and Jimmy Cash are two of the undisputed best to do it. It’s a match made in comedy heaven, and the best part is that they’re doing two shows, so there’s more than enough of them to go around this weekend.
ORLANDO BAXTER & JIMMY CASH :: Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27 at Roar! Comedy Club, 1 MGM Way in Springfield, MA :: 8 p.m. both nights, $30 :: Advance tickets
Josh Gondelman at Off Cabot
The quintessential nice guy of the stand-up universe returns home for the weekend. Of course you’ll see some top quality footwear and a contagious smile, but you’ll also hear a dangerously sharp new slate of jokes and stories from Josh Gondelman that will make you wonder where he gets all that energy to bring us through his artistically rich comedic mind.
JOSH GONDELMAN :: Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27 at Off Cabot, 9 Wallis St. in Beverly, MA :: 5:30 and 8 p.m., $33 :: Advance tickets