Moontower, Funniest Person in Austin and more comedy in April
Not to get all “Goonies” on you but, as comedy fans, April is our time. Our time! Here’s just a taste of what’s happening in a packed month. But first, let’s mention the comedy elephant in the room.
Moontower Comedy Festival is happening April 18-21. While it grows in stature every year, it hasn’t lost the personal touch. This is a comedy festival for lovers of comedy and the comedians that make it. It’s curated so well that there truly is something for everyone. The lineup … is insane, but some highlights I’ll be checking out include Ryan Hamilton, Ali Siddiq, Yamaneika Saunders, Tiffany Haddish, Todd Barry, Jesus Trejo, Sam Jay, Chad Daniels, Matt Bearden, Tig Notaro, Weird Al (!), David Cross, Nikki Glaser, Judah Friedlander, the Goddamn Comedy Jam, and a bevy of local favorites at the Austin Towers show. Badge up and jump in!
Need more? Comedy in April has you covered.
Funniest Person in Austin Contest at Cap City Comedy Club. This golden time in Austin comedy is exemplified in the Funniest Person in Austin Contest, which kicks off April 1 and runs into May. The contest to crown Austin’s funniest began over 30 years ago with a handful of contestants and has grown into a 200-plus comic slugfest of some of Austin’s best. There are so many diverse and talented comics in this town that you’re in for a solid show regardless of what night you choose. For great insight into what goes on behind the scenes, check out the documentary “Funniest” by Katie Pengra and Dustin Svehlak.
“Sandbox” with Rob Gagnon at Fallout Theater. The New Movement Theater has rebranded under a new title and new owners. Even amid that change, you can count on Gagnon to be one of the most consistent performers in Austin. Despite his seemingly normal, earnestly affable shirt-and-tie exterior, he’ll slip in the most experimental comedy on us, his test subjects. This weekly show began in 2015 as has been running weekly ever since. Did I mention there are snacks? Jump in the “Sandbox” and prepare yourself for the unpreparable.
Trailer Park Boys at Bass Concert Hall. Robb Wells, John Paul Tremblay and Mike Smith (better known as Ricky, Julian and Bubbles) are the Trailer Park Boys. Their Canadian mockumentary series on Netflix is hilarious and subversive in a modern-day Three Stooges way. This is one of the shows I’ve always wanted to see live, so join me in seeing what trouble the boys get into in the setting of the gorgeous Bass Concert Hall.
Sugar Water Purple at ColdTowne Theater. Sugar Water Purple is Austin’s first and only all-black male improv troupe, born out of the training ground of ColdTowne Theatre, and it is made up of actors, improvisers, writers, musicians and stand-up comedians. They are hilarious and a much needed voice on the comedy scene.
“Waterbed” with Mac Blake at Spider House Ballroom. Blake is a versatile performer and a past Funniest Person in Austin winner. Lucky for us, he hasn’t confined his generous talents to any one category. His monthly show is a full feast, promising “stand up, sketch and the dark arts.” A favorite segment is a monthly mail call from “Postmaster” Aaron Brooks. April features guest host Kath Barbadoro, stand-up from Zac Brooks, Allison O’Conor and more.
Lewis Black at ACL Live. If there was ever a time when we needed the angry, belligerent comedy of Black, it’s now. I mean, the guy was literally the voice of Anger in Pixar’s “Inside Out.” I’ve been charting his rise since his early appearances on the “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” There’s plenty to be angry about, and I can’t wait to feel the fury and laugh through the pain.
Amy Miller at Velveeta Room. Miller is a fast-rising talent on the West Coast and national scene and was a breakout favorite in Season 9 of “Last Comic Standing.” Her debut album, “Solid Gold,” is available on the indie music label Kill Rock Stars and was named one of the top 10 comedy albums of 2016 by the Interrobang. You may have also heard her on NPR, “Doug Loves Movies,” or “Bennington Show.”