Sure, comics are notorious navel-gazers, but the fun themes at these recurring shows encourage them to dig for more than just belly button lint.
The How I Learned Series
July 29, 8 pm at Union Hall: $6 advance, $10 at the door
The latest installment of this series, “You Don’t Have To Go Home But You Can’t Stay Here,” promises to be worth the price of admission. This show about getting kicked out of bars, being the last loser at a party, “the pursuit of fun,” and stupid decisions will feature Isaac Oliver, Ophira Eisenberg, Nancy Balbirer, Kate Greathead, Lynn Bixenspan and host Blaise Allysen Kearsley.
Hate Mail with Mehran Khaghani
July 29, 7 pm at Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 3): $5 at the door and $10 drink minimum
It’s the second installment of this monthly show in which Iranian-turned-New-Yorker Mehran Khaghani shoots down the current trend of “positivity” by focusing on the haters. He does this by bringing a critical (but humorous) view to all of those former high school bullies who now resort to the safety of the Internet to continue their assholery. Khaghani’s source material? Prior to the show, guest comedians send in the worst of the worst hate mail from angry lovers, former bosses, etc. A good reminder that even though we die, our online self is immortal.
Tinder Live! With Lane Moore (featuring Lane Moore)
Aug. 1, 8 pm at The Knitting Factory: $10 advance, $12 at the door
Moore, a stand-up comic and writer, works off her singlehood angst as she swipes right and left (turn off your phone if you don’t want to know your fate). She gives hilarious advice about when to swipe, texts and calls her matches during the show, and suggests the best ways to navigate those initial in-person encounters so you don’t drown in a sea of awkwardness.
I’m New Here — Can You Show Me Around?
Aug. 4, 8 pm at Union Hall: $10
Congrats: after three months in Bushwick, you’ve not only found your favorite neighbourhood pub, but you’ve learned that no one spells “neighbourhood” with a “u” here, nor do they call it a pub. So it’s time to sit back and laugh along with those who still don’t know better than to pronounce it HUE-ston Street. This series of interviews, readings and stand-up sets in which Irish comic Maeve Higgins and Welsh writer Jon Ronson explore the fresh-off-the-boat NYC experience will last until “Maeve or Jon get deported.” Guests this time around: Aparna Nancherla, Mara Altman, Sofija Stefanovic, Joel Kim Booster and Mo Amer.
Homeschooled: A Comedic Lecture Series
Aug. 11, 9:30 pm at UCB East Village: $5
At this UCB series, comedians present their research in a lecture format, but don’t expect to nod off like you did in college. The show is guaranteed to be “100% Factual. 100% Hilarious.” This installment features Jared Logan, Kara Klenk, and Jim Tews.