Editor’s Note: We’re officially beyond the halfway point of the calendar year, so it’s full steam ahead into the dog days of summer. Get out and enjoy some sun while you can, but if you’d rather set your coordinates for doing something fun indoors to beat the heat, comedy clubs are generally pretty good for air conditioning. It’s truly a win-win for everyone involved. 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 (July 28).
Brad Williams at Chevalier Theatre
Whatever you’re looking for in a stand-up comedian, Brad Williams has it. He can be dark and jovial, and he can balance quick-hit jokes with storytelling without making his hour on stage feel forced or sloppily put together. Consistently becoming a more powerful purveyor of the craft, Williams might not be for the whole family, per se, but he’s got a little bit of everything for everyone.
BRAD WILLIAMS :: Friday, July 26 at The Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St. in Medford, MA :: 6:30 p.m., $29 to $55 :: Advance tickets
Boston Comedy Blowout at Norwood Theatre
What do you get when you put four of the most powerful comedy talents in town together? You get one hell of a Friday night, that’s what. With Orlando Baxter, Dan Boulger, Christine Hurley and Andrew Della Volpe poised to rip up the spotlight, there will be no shortage of top-shelf hilarity to help you forget your weekday woes. It’s unfair, really, just how good this show is.
BOSTON COMEDY BLOWOUT :: Friday, July 26 at Norwood Theatre, 109 Central St. in Norwood, MA :: 7:30 p.m., $30 to $43 :: Advance tickets
Adam Ray at Laugh Boston
Whether he’s under disguise of Dr. Phil, or just his regular ol’ self with a microphone and a whole lot to say, Adam Ray is on one hell of a ride in his comedy journey. Although he’s been thrust further into the spotlight over the course of the last few years, the Seattle Native has always packed a punch. It just so happens that his current flurry of comedy gold has folks in a frenzy, and for good reason.
ADAM RAY :: Friday, July 26 to Saturday, July 27 at Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St. in Boston, MA :: 6 and 9 p.m. both nights, $33 :: Advance tickets