Upcoming Events

There’s little chance you haven’t cracked up at one of Shaun Majumder’s jokes on tour-de-force series This Hours Has 22 Minutes. But did you know Majumber has his own feature-length documentary on HBO? Or that he’s held series regular and starring roles on major American networks? Whether you’ve been living under a rock or you’re a longterm fan, you can enjoy exclusive concert series presentations of Majumder at The Laugh Shop from March 21 to 23. The Thursday show is $29.95 and both Friday and Saturday performances cost $39.95.

Comedians from both Calgary and around Alberta will hit the stage at the Laugh Shop’s developing talent showcase. The lineup remains a mystery until you arrive, where you’ll be treated to an affordable evening of comedians vetted by the Laugh Shop for star potential.

You may know TJ Miller from his film (Deadpool, Ready Player One, Cloverfield), TV (Silicon Valley, Crashing) or voice roles (How to Train Your Dragon, The Emoji Movie), but Miller’s first love has always been and always be live comedy. A stand-up for 15 years, Miller has released two major specials for Comedy Central and HBO. His sense of humour is a hybrid of observational wit and escapist absurdity.

VIP meet-and-greet packages are available for all shows at a cost of $54.95.

Comedian Robert Kelly got his start nearly 30 years ago when he discovered stand-up comedy through a conference held by Alcoholics Anonymous. Kelly is now a regular in clubs, festivals, theatres and on radio. Select career highlights include a stand-up special for Comedy Central (later acquired by Netflix) and acting roles in numerous FX series as well as movies like Trainwreck. His Thursday night performance costs $12.95 while shows on Friday and Saturday cost $19.95.

Musician Laura Hickli is having an unusual but delightful send-off before heading out on tour in the United States. She’ll headline an evening variety show held in the basement of Thrift Couture alongside comedians, poets, artists, drag queens and more. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m.

Pictured: Laura Hickli by Victoria Banner, who will perform stand-up comedy at the show.

Calgary’s premiere improv crew, The Kinkonauts, hosts another four-day festival of improvised comedy in Inglewood. There will be two shows per night at the Alexandra Centre (922 9 Ave. S.E.) April 17-18 and three per night at Festival Hall (1215 10 Ave. S.E.) April 19-20. Select highlights include Dank Scenes: Interweb Inspired Improv, Pirate Robot Ninja Party: An Epic Improv Mixer and  The 11 O’Clock Number: An Improvised Musical (pictured).

Jewish Family Service Calgary (JFSC) has tapped one of Canada’s most accomplished — and funniest — broadcasters for one of its two annual fundraisers. Rick Mercer will perform in support of his new book, Rick Mercer Final Report, and offer both a book signing and meet-and-greet to fans who opt for the VIP ticket option. Funds from the event will finance JFSC’s family wellness initiatives, including senior support, basic needs, education and more.

Tickets are on sale Friday, February 15 at 10 a.m.

Who better to perform at this fundraiser for the Fresh Start Recovery Centre than comedian Russell Brand? The actor, stand-up comedian, author and activist has lived with addiction and his work has long dealt with the subject. An early show will begin at 6 p.m. with a late show to follow at 9 p.m.

Photograph courtesy of Matt Crockett Photography