Editor’s Note: The vibes of football season, eating more apples off of trees than you actually pick, and what will inevitably be droves of I Think You Should Leave Halloween costumes (sexy pig with a Nixon mask, anyone?) are feeling more within reach by the day now as we say goodbye to summer and usher in summer (September’s version). However, live comedy is an four-season jamboree, and lucky for you, we’ve got you covered. 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 (September 3).
Bryan & Shaun’s Great Idea Comedy Contest at Ralph’s Rock Diner
The only thing better than free comedy on a Tuesday night is free comedy on a Tuesday night where you, the audience, can judge the talent on stage. Presented by Bryan O’Donnell and Shaun Connolly, the fate of three cash prizes are in your hands as you help to narrow down the field to three of the best comedians that the night has to offer.
BRYAN & SHAUN’S GREAT IDEA COMEDY CONTEST :: Tuesday, August 29 at Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St. in Worcester :: 8 p.m., free
Whale City Comedy Festival
Aside from the glory of a BYOB festival, the maiden voyage of the latest comedy festival to crop up in Massachusetts is touting a small but mighty lineup of stand-up star power as Ray Harrington, Anthony DeVito, Neko White and Sean Donnelly and more make their way to the South Coast for a weekend jam packed with hilarity at the highest level.
WHALE CITY COMEDY FESTIVAL :: Thursday, August 31 to Sunday, September 3 at Gallery X, 169 William St. in New Bedford, MA :: 7 and 9 p.m. each night, $30 :: Advance Tickets
Sam Buck at Nick’s Comedy Stop
You want unfiltered? Sam Buck has it. You want a vibe of both punk rock and hip hop? That’s what Buck is all about. As the showrunner of a hit podcast in Bucked Up, we already know he’s not afraid to ask questions or get into the gritty deets of cultural topics, and his presence as a stand-up comedian is no different. Truly one of the most consistently booming comics around the area, and a double dose to boot over the weekend.
SAM BUCK :: Friday, September 1 and Saturday, September 2 at Nick’s Comedy Stop, 100 Warrenton St. in Boston, MA :: 8 p.m. both nights, $22 :: Advance Tickets
Kurt Braunohler & Eugene Mirman at Ralph’s Rock Diner
You don’t often get one-two punches like this. Between the sheer creative force coming from either head of this double-domed dragon and the level of creativity and thought that goes into each joke that passes through the mic, this may be one of those shows you just don’t want to miss. Of course, Kurt Braunohler is a top-notch performer, but any time a show has the seal of approval of Eugene Mirman, the unofficial not-so-elder statesman of the Massachusetts comedy scene, there’s virtually zero chance it’ll be a waste of time.
KURT BRAUNOHLER & EUGENE MIRMAN :: Friday, September 1 at Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St. in Worcester :: 8 p.m., $20 :: Advance Tickets