Editor’s Note: As the summer wears on, and the earth continues to melt a little more each day, it’s becoming abundantly clear that the best place to be is indoors – like comedy clubs and theaters. The good news here is that comedy is still coursing through the veins of The Commonwealth even as the temperature rises and the humidity keeps things soupy, so you have plenty to do while also evading the heat. 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 18).
Fred Armisen at The Wilbur
Fred Armisen continues to deliver his comedy to the beat of a different drum, both figuratively and literally, as he returns to Boston with his musically-driven comedy show. Never one to subscribe to “common” avenues of comedy, the Saturday Night Live legend has carved out quite a niche approach to curating laughs, by both strutting his musical abilities and showcasing his creative agility in the most Armisen-way imaginable.
FRED ARMISEN :: Thursday, August 15 at The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St. in Boston, MA :: Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m., $35 to $45 :: Advance tickets
The Sort of Late Show: Hot Dog Edition at Off The Rails
In the midst of the city-wide Hot Dog Safari, Shaun Connolly camps out at Off The Rails to bring his own dose of glizzy gobblin’ goodness into the mix with a full lineup of top notch comedy including Danya Trommer, Jesse Burlingame, Peter Angelo and more. A little bit of mustard, maybe some relish, and a whole lotta laughs are sure to make this Wormtown institution a true sha boing boing banger.
THE SORT OF LATE SHOW: HOT DOG EDITION :: Friday, August 16 at Off The Rails, 90 Commercial St. in Worcester, MA :: 7 p.m., $10 to $30 :: Advance Tickets
Jay Martin at Nick’s Comedy Stop
With a homegrown attitude and a contagious relatability, Jay Martin continues to works his way through the ranks of the local scene, and does so with what looks like ease, but is surely a painstaking attention to the details in his observational and autobiographical comedy. At times, his stories feel all too familiar, while claiming the stage as his own territory with a unique and upfront approach that makes him a true gem in the scene.
JAY MARTIN :: Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17 at Nick’s Comedy Stop, 100 Warrenton St. in Boston, MA :: 7:15 p.m., $22 :: Advance Tickets