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Iconic performers, films, bands top list of Sketchfest best bets
As usual, Sketchfest is serving up a mix of ringers, surprises and carefully considered comedic gatherings — along with podcast performances, movie screenings, musical programs, career retrospectives and everything under the pop culture umbrella. It’s a packed lineup, so we’re here to help. Here are our picks for some of the best the fest has to offer. All venues are in San Francisco. Note that some of the 200-plus shows, such as “Freestyle Love Supreme,” are sold out. Tickets and more information are at www.sfsketchfest.com. “MEDICAL POLICE” >> They’re cops. And doctors. At the same time! What could go wrong? Get a jump on this new Netflix streaming series from the team behind “Childrens Hospital.” Cast and crew members Rob Huebel, Erinn Hayes, Fred Melamed, David Wain, Jonathan Stern and Krister Johnson are joined by moderator Beth Lisick. Details: 7:30 p.m. today; Marines’ Memorial Theatre; $35-$45. THE BUNNY EARS PODCAST + “UNCLE BUCK” 30TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING >> Macaulay Culkin, who was all of 9 when he starred opposite John Candy in the John Hughes movie, will be joined onstage with Thomas Lennon (MTV’s “The State”) to talk comand edy, acting what’s up with the bunny ears. Details: 3 p.m. Sunday; Castro Theatre; $20-$40. TRIBUTETOTHEMONKEES:ACONVERSATION WITH MICHAEL NESMITH & MICKY DOLENZ >> There’s no guarantee that the surviving members of the band that was inspired by the Beatles film “A Hard Day’s Night” will address the debunked rumor that Charles Manson once audithe tioned for band, that Stephen Stills didn’t make the group because of his crooked teeth or what it was like having Jimi Hendrix as an opener — but rest aswill sured there be plenty of great anecgroup dotes about a that exceeded everyexpectations. one’s artistic Moderated by Paul Myers. Details: 4 p.m. Sunday; MaMemorial rines’ Theatre; $40-$50. TRIBUTE TO BRIAN REGAN >> Regan is a cocomedian, median’s a stand-up giant who truly follows his own comic path. He doesn’t moonlight as a character acmaterial tor. His is clean. And his craft is something that colleagues lovingly analyze and hold up as nothing less than brilliant. He’ll be in conversation with actor-comeBarry. dian Todd Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday; Marines’ Memorial Theatre; $35-$45. RED ROOM ORCHESTRA PLAYS THE MUSIC OF “WILD AT HEART” AND “TWIN PEAKS” >> Sketchfest keeps its David Lynch fixation alive with the third straight year of the ensemble led by Marc Capelle re-creathaunting ing the music of one of cinema’s great iconoclasts. With special guests inMargaret cluding Cho, Dave Hill, Beth LisStoltz ick, Kelley and “Twin Peaks” cast members Sherilyn Fenn (who played Auand drey Horne) Ray Wise (Leland Palmer), who just might break out his killer ver“Mairzy sion of Doats.” For good measure, the orchestra is also performing the soundtrack to Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Boogie Nights” in a separate show. Details: Night One (“Boogie Nights”), 9 p.m. Jan. 17; Night Two (“Wild at Heart,” “Twin Peaks”), 9 p.m. Jan. 18; The Chapel; $40. “THE JOURNEY OF NATTY GANN” 35TH ANNIVERSARY >> Rediscovered by a new generation of viewers thanks to the launch of Disney Plus, the beloved Depression-era drama features Meredith Salenger as a youngster trekking with her devoted wolf pal through the West to reunite with her father, played by Ray Wise. Both will participate in a post-screening Q&A, hosted by Salenger’s husband, comedian and longtime Sketchfest regular Patton Oswalt. Details: 1 p.m. Jan. 18; Castro Theatre; $25. ERNIE KOVACS CENTENNIAL WITH WAYNE FEDERMAN, DAVE FOLEY, DANA GOULD AND JOSH MILLS >> Kovacs was a pioneer of bizarro comedy, an innovator whose experimental ways verged on performance art. Something of a precursor to everyone from David Letterman to the “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” he is perhaps best known for his Nairobi Trio sketch and his series of sight gags backed by “Mack the Knife” for a soundtrack. Comedian and comedy historian Federman moderates. Details: 1 p.m. Jan. 19, Swedish American Hall; $30. “AIRPLANE!” 40TH ANNIVERSARY >> Ever seen a gladiator movie? Actress Julie Hagerty, who plays Elaine Dickinson, will perhaps answer the question, as she was recently added to the panel on the comedy classic, which already included actor Robert Hays and the writing and directing team of Jim Abrahams and David and Jerry Zucker. Kevin Murphy of “Mystery Science Theater 3000” fame moderates. Details: 3 p.m. Jan. 19; Castro Theatre; $25-$45. TRIBUTE TO SANDRA BERNHARD, SCREENING OF “THE KING OF COMEDY” >> Bernhard’s memorable performance in the oftenoverlooked Martin Scorsese movie was wisely reevaluated with the recent release of “Joker,” which cribbed more than a bit from the film. Sketchfest serves up the film and a look at Bernhard’s career, from comedian to cabaret performer to host of her radio show “Sandyland” on SiriusXM. Moderated by Peaches Christ. Details: 8 p.m. Jan. 19; Castro Theatre; 25-$45. FRED ARMISEN — COMEDY FOR GUITAR PLAYERS >> Former “Saturday Night Live” and “Portlandia” cast member Armisen, a punk rock drummer in a previous life, shows off his musical mettle in three collaborative shows. Unfortunately, the evenings with country artist Brad Paisley and jazz innovator Bill Frisell are sold out, but a third night, with a to-be-determined guest, is still on the docket. Details: 10 p.m. Jan. 26; The Chapel; $40.