Editor’s Note: Even in the dead of winter, there is never a shortage of comedy shows to check out around Boston, as homegrown talent, national headliners, and open mics galore highlight the calendar. As live entertainment slowly makes its way back into our social lives — mask up! stay safe! — we always want to make sure you know about cool stuff going on in the world of comedy. 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 23).
Tig Notaro at Chevalier Theatre
Making your way out into the frosty New England winter may not be what you had in mind this weekend, but perhaps the longstanding creative and comedic precision of Tig Notaro is enough to entice you to brave the elements for a bit. While her latest special displayed her comedic genius in a fully animated format, catching Notaro in person is a truly unique opportunity powered by top-tier comedy chops that just get better by the year.
Friday, January 21 at 7 p.m. :: Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St. in Medford, MA :: Tickets are $35 to $60
Drew Lynch at The Wilbur Theatre
Following a year in which Drew Lynch released his debut stand-up special, Concussed, to the masses on YouTube, he’s making a real impression in Boston early in 2022. With observations a’plenty regarding the world around him, spanning from topical musings to interpersonal findings, Lynch has steadily worked to become one of the most well-rounded comics in the game, and if you find yourself at a nearly sold-out Wilbur to close out your week, you’ll see exactly how. As Lynch will tell you, don’t sleep on a concussion. Also, as we’ll tell you, don’t sleep on this show.
Friday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. :: The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St. in Boston :: Tickets are $30
Chad Daniels at Laugh Boston
With an ever-hustling tour schedule bringing him back to Boston, the return of Chad Daniels is sure to be a good one. No frills or pomp, just well-structured stories and jokes from one of the hardest grinding comedians on the move today. With a fresh batch of material, it’ll be a brand new mix of observations of fatherhood and self-deprecation, on top of who knows what else, delivered only the way Daniels can do it.
Friday, January 21 and Saturday, January 22 at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. (both nights) :: Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St. in Boston :: Tickets are $35
Mike Cannon at White Bull Tavern
The NYC-based comic is en route to recording his next special in February, and the road to it runs through Boston. Catch a characteristically great night of comedy at White Bull Tavern as the comedy vet and podcast host brings with him a whole new arsenal of stories and observations, seasoned with the same bite and skillfully crafted confidence that has brought Cannon through the ranks.
Friday, January 21 and Saturday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m. (both nights) :: White Bull Tavern, 1 Union St. in Boston :: Tickets are $20
Chris Redd at The Crystal Ballroom
Live from Somerville, it’s Sunday night! While Redd brings an invaluable comedic force to Studio 8H week after week, what he brings to the stand-up mustn’t be overlooked. Offering up the upbeat attitude that has made him a fan favorite on SNL, along with a brilliantly sharp tongue that sets his stand-up apart from his primary gig, Redd’s rare trip to the area is highly recommended.
Sunday, January 23 at 7 p.m. :: The Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square in Somerville :: Tickets are $27