Laugh it up at these shows
There’s lots of comedy to be had in the Bay Area this weekend. Here’s a partial rundown. Martin Lawrence: The star comedian and actor is best known for the many hit movies and TV shows he’s been in, including the “Big Mama’s House” series and the “Bad Boys” flicks with Will Smith, and of course the “Martin” sitcom. He’s gone back to his stand-up roots with a tour (the name of which we can’t print in this newspaper) that lands at Oakland Arena on Saturday, with DeRay Davis, Rickey Smiley, Bruce Bruce and Benji Brown also in the lineup. Details: 7:30 p.m.; $35-$125 (subject to change); ticketmaster.com. Lockdown Comedy: Although many clubs and venues are back open for business, this virtual comedy series created by Lisa Geduldig as medicine for the pandemic has been such a blast that organizers are keeping it going. The next installment is tonight, featuring Cynthia Levin, Dauood Naimyar, Symply Courtney, Lisa Geduldig and of course Lisa’s 90-year-old mom, Arline. Details: 7 p.m.; $10-$20; www.cityboxoffice.com.
Bassem Youssef: The author, comedian, commentator, TV host and more has been dubbed the “Jon Stewart of the Middle East.” He was a heart surgeon in Egypt until he was inspired by watching “The Daily Show” to start a TV news satire show that became a runaway hit and landed him in jail. His is a fascinating story and Youssef is touring the world to tell it in a solo show that’s headed to the San Jose Improv. Details: 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday; $25-$85; improv.com/sanjose. Bill Bellamy: The stand-up comedian is one of the seemingly endless stream of stars to emerge from the “Def Comedy Jam” series, and further cemented his career on MTV as a VJ and host of several shows. He’ll be headlining at Tommy T’s in Pleasanton this weekend. Details: 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday; $35-$45; www.tommyts.com/pleasanton.
— Randy McMullen, Staff
Comedian and actor Martin Lawrence brings his standup tour to Oakland Arena on Saturday. ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES