Canadian Music Week descends on Toronto this week with hundreds of musical acts. But if you’re feeling “TUNED” out (get it?) and still looking for some formidable entertainment look no further than the Canadian International Comedy Fest, which runs alongside CMW March 21st through 25th. Here are some choice acts to look forward to.
Scott Thompson hosts “Stand-Up With Bite” at Second City – Wed March 21st
Scott Thompson sketched his name into the pages of the comedy history books as a member of the legendary Kids In The Hall. After making a name for himself here in the back room at the Rivoli in the 80s, Thompson returns to Toronto to host a stand-up showcase at that other local comedy institution The Second City. Since re-uniting with KITH for the CBC mini-series Death Comes to Town, Thompson has been touring his stand-up act with fellow Kid Kevin MacDonald under the name Two Kids, One Hall. Check out this show that features “top comedians from across the country.” I’m not trying to be sarcastic, there just aren’t any other comedians listed.
Reggie Watts at The Danforth Music Hall — Thurs March 22nd
Reggie Watts is a unique performer. When he’s not pretending to have a British accent or sprinkling intoxicating gibberish over the crowd, he’s making music. Watts loops his voice through digital delay pedals to build melodious soundscapes and improvises hilariously beautiful songs about getting laid, stacking expletives on top of each other or nothing at all. Sometimes he simply makes funny sounds. He was selected by none other than Conan O’Brien as the opening act for his “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television” tour
Nick Thune at Glenn Gould Studio — Thurs March 22nd
Nick Thune is a rising star in the LA Comedy scene. At 32 he’s already appeared on The Tonight Show eight times and hosts Nick’s Big Talk Show at UCB Theatre in LA. Thune shot to comedy fame (that is to say, relatively famous) thanks to his memorable one-liners recited while softly strumming his guitar. You can catch him at Glenn Gould Studio with the affable Sean Cullen who is deranged is the best possible sense.
Nikki Glaser headlines Cool Chicks of Comedy at Yuk Yuk’s — Fri March 23 — Sat 24
Nikki Glaser is a club comic in every sense. Constantly on the road, she’s made a career out of her charming-mid-western-gal-with-a-wild-side persona and the clever misdirections within her jokes about boozing and date-rape. She was cast on Last Comic Standing only two years into her career and was invited to Just For Laughs in Montreal a short time later. Glaser is headlining the Cool Chicks of Comedy show at Yuk Yuk’s this weekend featuring the very funny Rebecca Kohler and Julia Hladkowicz.
Tracy Morgan at The Sony Centre — Fri March 23
The 30 Rock star and SNL alumnus hits the stage at the Sony Centre. If you know anything about Morgan, you know you can brace yourself for a pleasant night of gentle comedy, poking fun at neighbours and the silly things kids say. Sweaters provided. But be careful, when Tracy’s in town, you can never be sure whether or not you might “get pregnant.”
For complete schedule and ticket information go to CanadianComedyFest.com
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Michael Kolberg is a writer/comedian who writes for Toronto Standard. Follow him on Twitter at @mikeykolberg
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