nyc comedy – The Comedy Bureau

Pick of the Day: Date-A-Comic (in NYC) 2/14

January 31, 2024

brooklyn, dating, fiction bar cafe, nyc comedy, stand up comedy

For those that are looking with a sense of humor, you have a shot to really put your money where your mouth is and take a crack at dating a comedian (though, if you’re reading this, you might have done so already in LA or NYC).

Date-A-Comic, a stand-up comedy show where eligibly single comedians will perform and any and all interested audience members can leave them their number after the show. Not only are the stakes pretty high here, but the ante will be upped by the fact this edition of the show will be on Valentine’s Day (and the comics will be delightfully roasted by hosts McKenna Moore and Natalie Haytayan after their sets).

Tickets for this fun bout of stand-up, romance, and a bit of chaos is indeed set for Wed. Feb. 14th at 7PM at Brooklyn’s Fiction Bar/Cafe. Tickets are only $7.18 and you can (and should) get them here.

Pick of the Day: Golden Spiral (in NYC) 1/24

January 24, 2024

News

golden spiral, nyc comedy, stand up

Even in 2024, things from the reaches of 2019/2020 are still making a comeback.

One of NYC’s delightfully offbeat stand-up shows, Golden Spiral, is taking a stage once again. Not only is it the sort of indie stand-up show that sources the treasure trove of astounding up and coming NYC stand-ups, but plays off the name of the show in regards to the famous Fibonacci sequence (the mathematical and natural progression of a spiral) by giving sets that are 5, 8, 13, and 21 minutes long and audiences can pay what they can along the same numerical path. There’s a comedy show angle you don’t see ever, right?

The line-up for their first back will see hosts Mindy Raf and Katie Compa take the helm once more with NYC staples Josh Godelman, Kofi Thomas, and Julia Shiplett. Do not miss the grand return of Golden Spiral and get tix here and keep up to date on all things Golden Spiral @goldenspiralcomedy on IG.

Pick of the Day: NYLaughs.Org Presents Laughter at the Lodge (in NYC) in Jan.

January 17, 2024

News

ny laughs, nyc comedy, stand up comedy

Starting this evening, the do-gooders at NYLaughs.org, who tap the rich resources of the NYC comedy scene and bring it to public spaces for the good denizens of the five boroughs are doing their latest event starting tonight until the end of the month.

They’re shacking up at Bryant Park’s lovely Lodge in their Winter Village and putting on three stacked comedy shows featuring the likes of Jordan Carlos, Ophira Eisenberg, Marina Franklin, Caitlin Peluffo, Harrison Greenbaum, Damien Lemon, and way more.

Yes, it’s all free too. Just get to Midtown Manhattan to The Lodge at Bryant Park’s Winter Village by 8PM on Jan. 24th and 31st for two more grand free shows. Keep abreast of all things NY Laughs at @nylaughs on IG.

Pick of the Day: Jack Tucker: Comedy Standup Hour (in NYC) 2/29-3/30

January 12, 2024

News

jack tucker, nyc comedy, parody, soho playhouse, solo show, stand up comedy, zach zucker

If you’re a loyal reader of what’s written here at TCB, you’ve probably seen us badger you about watching Stamptown, the wildest transcontinental comedy variety show in existence. Led by Jack Tucker, the rambunctious stand-up-comedy-uncanny-valley alter-ego of Zach Zucker, Stamptown somehow always pushes its own boundaries, joyfully going off the rails with the best clown, sketch comedy, stand-up, dance, music, etc. etc.

Now, Zuck—we mean Tucker has his very own solo endeavor getting a nice big run at The Soho Playhouse where he’ll get truly run amok with beautiful comedic chaos (as well as what must be the most sound cues of any comedy show of all time). Jack Tucker: Comedy Standup Hour will be running from the very end of February on the 29th through Mar. 30th, Wed.-Sat. (except for the 3/6 & 3/9). Tickets are $46.50 and you best go get them here.

Pick of the Day: Tim Platt: Teeth Like Beak ALBUM RECORDING (in NYC) 2/29

January 8, 2024

News

absurdist, brooklyn, comedy taping, musical comedy, nyc comedy, tim platt, union hall

It has been true for awhile and it will very likely continue to be true for years to come: Tim Platt is one of the most original voices in NYC comedy. Oscillating between absurdist characters and jokes as Tim and the same for his sweetly personal songs, Tim has so many enthralling facets to his comedy and it feels like he has, perhaps, only scratched the surface.

With that in mind, you should go to his album taping for TEETH LIKE BEAK coming to Union Hall on what will be a very special Thurs. Feb. 29th at 7:30PM & 10PM. Tickets are only $11.55 and you best get tix here.

Pick of the Day: Joe Pera: Drifting Off Live (in NYC) 2/24

January 5, 2024

News

drifting off, joe pera, live podcast, murmrr theatre, nyc comedy

The peace that Joe Pera brings with his comedy, especially with his critically acclaimed podcast, Drifting Off, is almost a necessity in times like these. The unfettered, even burgeoning chaos of the world seems distant when Pera is on stage and on the mic and Drifting Off makes it feel even more serene. Oh, and, of course, Pera is just so damn funny being the most understated comedian, perhaps, of all time.

Now, for 2024, it would seem we’re all getting a gift of Pera doing his podcast live and if the one time we got a piece of pie, a coffee mug, and some great socks from watching a special screening of Joe Pera Talks With You, a live Drifting Off ought to be a true delight.

For New Yorkers, you can (and very much should) get tickets for Drifting Off Live coming to Sat. Feb. 24th at 8PM at the Murmrr Theatre. Tickets are going for $35-$45, but probably not for long to be honest.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 197: Sachi Ezura & Legend of 50 First Jokes

January 3, 2024

News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report

50 first jokes, nyc comedy, sachi ezura

Sachi Ezura has overseen, along with longtime host John F. O’Donnell, the comedy institution that is 50 First Jokes for well over a decade and is, for the first time ever, doubling up the show to feature 100 comics telling their first new jokes of the new year. Ezura joins us for the TCB Field Report to give us the rundown of the history of this show, now in its 17th year, and spread across more than a dozen cities, and how exactly they pull it all off.

Get tix for 50 First Jokes on Sat. Jan. 6th here and here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

Pick of the Day: Showgasm (in NYC) 1/11

December 26, 2023

News

ars nova, experimental comedy, julio torres, nyc comedy, variety

Ars Nova, one of the most groundbreaking places for performance and comedy in NYC, is kicking off 2024 on Thurs. Jan. 11th at 7:30PM with their wild party staple variety show, the appropriately named Showgasm. The one and only Julio Torres will be hosting the very first one of the year and will undoubtedly have something very special and precious and amazing to send off Showgasm into 2024.

Another lovely reason to go to this pulling-out-all-the-stops show is that it’s a name your price show (starting at $5) where 100% of the single ticket revenue goes to the artist on stage. The suggested ticket price is $20, but, after two strikes and a pandemic, people understandably could be short on cash.

In any case, all the things seem to be aligning here for Ars Nova to be one of your first comedy destinations in 2024. Go get your tix at your price here.

Pick of the Day: Jerrod Carmichael: Self Importance (in NYC) 1/9

December 20, 2023

News

bell house, jerrod carmichael, nyc comedy, stand up comedy

If you haven’t seen Jerrod Carmichael live, especially leading up to and since his landmark special Rothaniel, it might have something to do with the fact that tickets sell out really, REALLY, really quick. In fact, they sell out almost instantly (and with good cause). Carmichael, in so many ways, is pushing the art form of comedy at its edges further into daring and experimental territory and it’s something that should be witnessed.

Lucky for you in the NYC area, Jerrod has a date coming up at Bell House on Tues. Jan. 9th at 7PM/9PM that’s NOT sold out yet. Tickets are $22.59 and you can and should go get them here right now before they do actually sell out.

Pick of the Day: Festivus: Seinfeld Trivia Extravaganza & Airing of Grievances (in NYC) 12/23

December 19, 2023

News

festivus, nyc comedy, seinfeld, trivia

Festivus, the Seinfeld-ian holiday that’s inclusive of all the veritable Grinches during the holiday season, is on 12/23 (AKA the eve of Christmas Eve). It does strike us as strange that one of the most celebrated sitcoms of all time has its own holiday and that there are not more comedy shows that integrate it right around this time of year.

Thankfully, there’s, at the very least, a Seinfeld-themed trivia night that’s dedicated to Festivus. Head to Midtown Manhattan (a feat of strength unto itself?) to Slattery’s Midtown Pub at 5PM to not only test your Seinfeld depths of knowledge, but also enjoy a customary Airing of Grievances.

Reserve a spot (w/$20 item min.) for Festivus: Seinfeld Trivia Extravaganza & Airing of Grievances here.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 194: Joe Zimmerman & Baby Hitler Jokes & More

December 13, 2023

News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report

joe zimmerman, nyc comedy, stand up comedy

Truly, one of our favorite specials of the year is Joe Zimmerman’s Cult Classic, which is saying a lot considering the wide spectrum of truly enjoyable hours of stand up comedy that were released in 2023. So, we have Zimmerman on this week’s TCB Field Report to get into what went into such a fantastic hour of stand-up, specifically achieving a great baby Hitler bit (when there have been so many before Joe’s) as well as the landscape of NYC comedy from Joe’s POV.

Follow Joe Zimmerman on IG @joezimmerman and watch Cult Classic here. As of the recording of this podcast, Kenny DeForest sadly passed away. You can support his memorial fund in his memory here. Kyle Ayers’ GoFundMe for aid for treating his Trigeminal Neuralgia is here as well.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

Pick of the Day: Comedy Fundraiser for Gaza (in NYC) 1/28/24

December 12, 2023

News

bell house, fundraiser, gaza, medglobal, nyc comedy, stand up comedy

If you were wondering if and when there was going to be a humanitarian aid fundraiser comedy show for those in crisis in Gaza, wonder no longer. The Bell House is stepping up to host one such big fundraiser for MedGlobal’s Gaza Emergency Appeal that is wholly dedicated to addressing the dire lack of and diminishing hospital resources in the region due to the war.

Simply called a Comedy Fundraiser for Gaza, the evening will be summoning the comedy talents of Katie Boyle, Mohanad Elshieky, Maeve Higgins, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Phoebe Robinson, Sabeen Sadiq, Nataly Aukar, and Fareeha Khan for a damn fine evening of NYC comedy’s best and brightest.

Comedy Fundraiser for Gaza is set for Sun. Jan. 28th at 8PM. Tickets are $50.90 and you best go get them here.

Pick of the Day: Tommy McNamara: Christmas Boy (in NYC) 12/19

December 8, 2023

News

christmas, nyc comedy, union hall

Yep, Christmas is approaching fast and the deluge of holiday themed comedy shows are well under way. There are so many, kind of like the normal plethora of comedy shows, that you wonder which ones might be the ones to check out. Definitely, beloved Brooklyn/NYC comedy fave Tommy McNamara reprising his annual holiday comedy bash, Christmas Boy, with sharply wrought mirth and song will even warm the heart of the Grinchiest person in the audience.

Having a line-up of NYC’s very best of Josh Gondelman, Alex Kumin, Mike Hanford, Ashley Hamilton, Nick Naney (as Santa), Pay Byrne, Chris Donahue, and Kevin O’Brien will be a gift to any and all in attendance.

Christmas Boy is slated for Tues. Dec. 19th at 7:30PM @ Union Hall with tix going for $11.55. Go get ’em here.

Pick of the Day: Christmas Is Cumming with Alan Cumming & Guests (in NYC) 12/7

December 4, 2023

News

2 Perfect Gentelmen, alan cumming, Antwayn Hopper, Gayle Rankin, holiday fundraiser, nyc comedy, The Boy Band Project, variety show, Yves Matthieu

Alan Cumming is come back to his namesake venue Club Cumming for a pull-out-all-the-stops big holiday variety show fundraiser. Without even telling you anything else, it is currently sold out, but the line-up and cause are so good, it’s worth making plans for stand by.

Christmas Is Cumming with Alan Cumming will be raising money for Trinity’s Services and Food for the Homeless (SAFH) in NYC and feature the likes of, not only Alan, but the gorgeous piano playing of Henry Koperski and comedy/music/queer talents of Matt Rogers, Gayle Rankin, Antwayn Hopper, 2 Perfect Gentelmen, The Boy Band Project, Yves Matthieu, and more.

It’s quite the holiday show, absolutely one that you shouldn’t miss if you’re in NYC on Thurs. Dec. 7th at 10PM, and entirely worth squeezing in the back at Club Cumming. Take note that tix are $50 with all proceeds going to Trinity’s SAFH.

Pick of the Day: JANE LYNCH & KATE FLANNERY: A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS (in NYC) 12/1-12/3

November 30, 2023

News

jane lynch, kate flannery, nyc comedy, tim davis, tony guerrero quintet

With the start of December tomorrow, we’re into the heart of the holiday season and, as such, a plethora of holiday themed variety shows are coming ’round the corner. One of those that you should absolutely not miss is Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas featuring Kate Flannery & Tim Davis with The Tony Guerrero Quintet. It’ll be a rollicking good time of song, comedy, mirth, and the cheeky twists that would only come with Lynch, Flannery, and Davis all at the venerable Joe’s Pub.

A Swingin’ Little Christmas is actually on tour, but doing a run at Joe’s Pub this Fri. Dec. 1st-Sun. Dec. 3rd at $50 a pop (w/2 drink or 1 item min.). Go get yourself and/or your loved ones/dear friends a gift in the form of a ticket here.

Pick of the Day: That’s Messed Up (in NYC) 12/16

November 21, 2023

News

kara klenk, law and order, live podcast, liza treyger, nyc comedy, svu, that's messed up

Of the wide ranging podcast subgenre that is comedians rewatching episodes of institutional television shows, one of the best out there is Liza Treyger and Kara Klenk‘s That’s Messed Up. Not only is there plenty to please the most exacting true crime fan with deep dives into the real life stories behind episodes of Law & Order: SVU, but Liza and Kara’s whipsmart comedic instincts make for an enthralling listen. The duo really make it stand out from it being your typical rewatch podcast.

They’re such a power duo with That’s Messed Up they’re currently on tour and they’ll be coming through to NYC at City Winery on Sat. Dec. 16th at 6PM starting at $30 and you best get your tickets here quick. Dun dun.

Pick of the Day: Aaron & Josh Do Improv (Feat. Jeff Hiller) (in NYC) 12/21

November 20, 2023

News

aaron jackson, improv, josh sharp, nyc comedy

One of the statement movies of this Summer, Dicks: The Musical, (sure, Barbenheimer did it’s thing, but did it have The Sewer Boys), sprouted from the beautifully demented minds of co-stars and co-writers Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp. Nothing really comes close to the experience of A24’s first fledged musical, that also happens to be a very R-rated comedy, which is why the prospect of seeing Jackson and Sharp doing improv shouldn’t be missed whatsoever.

Jackson, Sharp, and Somebody Somewhere‘s Jeff Hiller are all doing improv together at Brooklyn’s Bell House, a brief return to humble beginnings after having bright shining moments throughout the last couple years. It should be some unforgettably hysterical chaos. This special evening is set for Thurs. Dec. 21st at 10PM and tickets are $12.94 and you best get them here before they sell out.

Pick of the Day: Poog (in NYC) 12/16

November 16, 2023

News

jacqueline novak, kate berlant, nyc comedy, podcast, poog

The holiday season is upon us, which is many a thing, but definitely a time for gift giving. So, why not turn to the gals of Poog, the best comedy wellness podcast around, to find out where you might need to look to get the very best gifts that will ensure you win the holidays (that’s the true holiday spirit, isn’t it?)

Lucky for New Yorkers, hosts and esteemed comedians of the moment Jacqueline Novak and Kate Berlant are hitting the road, but including 3 shows in NYC at the Murmrr Theatre. 7:30PM on 12/16 & 12/17 are already sold out, but tickets are still available for 12/16 @ 10PM at $45 a pop. In fact, a ticket to this live taping should count as a gift it’s such a hot ticket item.

Go get them here.

Pick of the Day: The Sky Is Falling (in NYC) 12/2

November 10, 2023

News

nyc comedy, stand up comedy, the sky is falling

It has been a minute or two (or actually, if we’re being literal about it, several months) since the last blockbuster, rooftop Sky Is Falling, brought to you by some of the same folks of the same hit LA house show, The Big One.

Finally, the wait for another, very special pop up NYC comedy show is set for a December date as a special holiday gift to the BK. Sky Is Falling is taking over one of NYC’s chillest places to golf, The Brooklyn Greens (the golf club where you DON’T need a membership), to bring you a very nice slice of comedy (line-up TBA very soon @skyisfallingcomedy) on the green.

Might as well make a whole day out of it by getting out your two iron and playing the back 9, then the show!

Tickets are only $17.85 and you can (and very much should) get them here.

Pick of the Day: Neil Hamburger (in NYC) 11/15

November 8, 2023

News

bell house, major entertainer, neil hamburger, nyc comedy

The one and only Neil Hamburger, the self-styled America’s Funnyman is back with as much hair gel and cocktails he can muster, but it’s not just in LA over this next month.

That’s right, Hamburger is hitting the road for a handful of dates that will very precisely amount to 3930 miles of road traveled. Hence, the name of the tour is The 3930 Mile Tour.

Hamburger will be zinging his dark one liners about musicians and the like along with his touring partner Major Entertainer, someone almost as mysterious and absurd as Neil himself from Ireland to the East Coast of the U.S. including a stop at Brooklyn’s Bell House on Wed. 11/15 at 7:30PM. In short, you’re not going to want to miss what will likely be somewhere around mile 3500 of the tour.

Tickets are up for grabs at $30.57 and you best go get ’em here.

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A post shared by ActualNeilHamburger (@actualneilhamburger)

Pick of the Day: MY DEAD WEDDING: A Funeral for my Wedding (in NYC) 10/28

October 23, 2023

News

chet siegel, nyc comedy, solo show, union hall

Long long ago, in a world before COVID and industry strikes, there was a thing called Above Average where came across the delightful, yet dark sketch comedy stylings of one Chet Siegel. Now, that we’re on the other side of those things (well, the SAG-AFTRA strike is still happening), Above Average isn’t around anymore and the entire world has been turned upside down, pulled inside out, and burned several times.

As such, Chet is continuing to develop her comedic solo show that is both a solo show and an “immersive nervous breakdown” centered on the concept of having a funeral for her wedding (Chet’s ex-fiance dumped her twice during the pandemic) and trying to get some semblance of how you get over anything. A funeral for a wedding sounds like the hysterically perfect name for this current chapter of history and has our interest more than peaked off of that concept alone.

Here’s Chet giving a bit of an explanation as she was developing this at Ars Nova.

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A post shared by Ars Nova (@arsnovanyc)

If your tastes are on the dark side (of comedy) as well as getting into the feels mixed in with hard laughter, we’d urge you to shell out $15.64 and find your way to Union Hall on Sat. 10/28 at 5PM (guessing the dress code would be “darkest black tie possible”?) for Chet’s My Dead Wedding.

Pick of the Day: Jon Glaser Album Release Party (in NYC) 11/2

October 13, 2023

News

album release, bell house, jon glaser, nyc comedy, pretty good friends

The coming of anything from Jon Glaser should be a moment for pause and planning to be present and ready for whatever that is. TV show, web series, podcast, IG livestream, etc. are all worth tuning into if Glaser is at the helm. Jon Glaser Loves Gear or Delocated should be proof enough alone for this sentiment.

So, the prospect of a forthcoming album from Glaser one of the most committed absurdist performers in comedy along with an accompanying album release show/party should cause a raise of an eyebrow and then buying of tickets.

Pretty Good Friends, the comedy record label co-founded by Eugene Mirman, is having an album release party for Glaser that’s also a “dog-centric evening of dog-themed humor” where there emphatic request to have no actual dogs in attendance. Also, Mirman, Jo Firestone, Tami Sagher, Steve Cirbus, and Ali Farahnakian will be joining in the fun. Suffice it to say that it’ll be another unforgettable night where Glaser engages in the sublimely ridiculous (and then you’ll have an album of his to listen to afterwards!).

This very special Jon Glaser album release party is set for Thurs. Nov. 2nd at 7:30PM at Brooklyn’s Bell House with tickets going for $25.42 a pop.

Pick of the Day: What’s The Worst That Could Happen? A Comedy Show (in NYC) 10/21

October 10, 2023

News

halloween, ilana rubin, nyc comedy, what's the world that could happen, will pupura

Halloween is approaching fast and, with it, a lovely swath of spooky comedy shows for the next few weeks. If you have a penchant to mix your laughs with getting goosebumps, you might want to keep an extra eye out for what might be the pumpkin spice of live comedy.

For instance, NYC’s Will Purpura and Ilana Rubin are doing a whole comedy show with an Ouija board and, as if to goad the spirits on, doing so on their show called What’s the Worst That Could Happen? Though the show isn’t happening at the “witching hour”, the peak time for doing Ouija, five comedians “having” messages spelled out for them by “forces beyond this world” ought to be a hoot.

Best of all, the show is FREE. Mark your calendars for Sat. Oct. 21st at 7PM to go to, if you dare, Young Ethel’s in Brooklyn and remember that Ouija boards are made by a toy company.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 184: Eitan Levine & Avoiding Eviction When Doing a Comedy Festival in Your Apartment

October 4, 2023

News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report

apartment fest, eitan levine, nyc comedy

Little did NYC comedy staple Eitan Levine know that essentially starting a comedy festival as a bit in getting rejected from an actual comedy festival would manifest into running a successful comedy festival out of his apartment. Returning post-panedmic, Apartment Fest is a weekend long comedy festival complete with beloved NYC headliners and sponsors with the main difference from every other festival being that it’s still run entirely out of Eitan’s apartment (despite getting evicted once from doing it).

This week’s TCB Field Report sits down with Eitan to find out how he pulled all of this off and what he envisions for the future of it and, most importantly, what to be mindful of when you make a submission tape.

Follow Eitan @eitanthegoalie across socials and get tickets for Apartment Fest 10/19-10/22 here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @photojuice

Pick of the Day: DAD (in NYC) 10/16

October 4, 2023

News

alex english, Devon Walker, gary richardson, nyc comedy, stand up comedy

Once upon a time, there used to be a special gathering of the comedic powers of Alex English, Devon Walker, and Gary Richardson at the Jane Hotel in the West Village about once a month or so. Called Dad, you’d never really want to miss it when it came around, no matter that there are so many amazing things in NYC comedy that are happening every night and that not all three hosts worked at SNL yet.

Now, English, Walker, and Richardson all write/perform at Saturday Night Live and are returning with Dad at their brand spankin’ new home of The Georgia Room on the other side of the city (specifically Kips Bay, which is specifically-specifically north of Gramercy Park in Manhattan). Celebrate Dad’s glorious return on Mon. Oct. 16th at 8PM. Tickets are $17.85 a pop and you better go get them here now as we’re pretty sure they will sell out.

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