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They say laughter is the best medicine, and as we celebrate National Tell a Joke Day on Aug. 16, Richmonders have plenty of opportunities not only to hear some comedy, but to practice their own sets before a live audience.
Aug. 13 and 27
Local stand-up comic Steve Jones hosts the Camel Comedy Happy Hour Open Mic at The Camel every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Whether you’ve never stepped on a stage before or are a seasoned comedy veteran, this opportunity is open to all. Sign-ups begin at 5 p.m., and the event is free for participants and audience members.
Aug. 21
Fans may remember Pauly Shore from his ’90s films “Bio-Dome,” “Encino Man” or “Son in Law,” but he’s been touring just as long, bringing his brand of high-energy comedy to stages across the country. Catch the laughs at Richmond’s Funny Bone Comedy Club during shows at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Tickets are $42 to $47.
Aug. 27
Coalition Theater’s stand-up open mic night, Champions, is hosted every fourth Thursday at the nonprofit improv comedy house. Emceed by local comedians Sarah Ahmed and Jordan Boyd, no evening is ever the same with jokes and scenarios that are devised on the spot. At the end of each show, a champion is crowned. No experience is necessary, however participants must enter a lottery selection and fill out a form on the venue’s website to be considered. Those who are selected will receive a notification a week prior to the event. The laughs kick off at 7:30 p.m. It’s free to join in or just to come and watch.
Aug. 29
Presented by the nonprofit Virginia Business Expo Corporation, the Richmond Comedy and Music Festival brings not only the funny, but some great tunes to the Imani Center located along Hull Street in Manchester. This year’s event features the humorous stylings of RVA’s own Micah “Bam-Bamm” White, who has been taking stages both locally and abroad for decades. The experience runs 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets start at $23.
