Los Angeles Spring Comedy Preview
The Comedy Store in Hollywood – The Belly Room
8433 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90060
(323) 650-6268
hollywood.thecomedystore.com
Established in 1972, the Comedy Store has been owned and operated by the Shore family for its entire history. The famous Sunset Strip venue served as the launching pad for the careers of such luminaries as David Letterman, Jay Leno and Robin Williams, among countless others. The club is 21 and over and has a two drink minimum for any show.
Jerome Cleary's Funny Friday's
Showtime: Fridays at 8 p.m., Now through May 11, 2012
Price: $5
"National Lampoon," "Howard Stern" and "Jimmy Kimmel Show" regular Jerome Cleary is a long-time favorite of the local stand-up scene. Known for his fresh and humorous take on a range of political, social and every-day topics, Jerome made a name for himself nationally as a featured newspaper columnist. The performer is a veteran of the top standup venues throughout the city and his "Funny Friday's" show has earned him three local comedy honors, including "Comedy Critics Choice."
The Ding Dong Show
Showtime: Mondays at 10 p.m.
Price: Free
Stand-up comedian Don Barris's weekly Monday show is the longest running show in the Club's history. First developed at the Store in 1992 under the name "Windy City Heat," which the star turned into a cult film, the currently-titled "Ding Dong Show" continues to make audiences laugh till it hurts. Barris is also the nightly audience warm-up act for the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" show.
Related: Top 5 Clubs on the Sunset Strip
8162 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 651-2583
www.improv.com
The stage of LA's Improv on Melrose Avenue has played host to some of the most well-known names in Comedy. A-List celebrities can be seen talking to fans and aspiring artists outside the club, in the audience and on the stage as surprise guests almost every night. Improv is an 18 and older comedy club with a two menu items minimum.
Adam Hunter
Showtime: Thursday, April 26 at 8 p.m.
Price: $14
Adam Hunter delivers an energetic, brash and, yes, poignant comedic style nearly every night of the week as he headlines clubs across the country. His accessible and intelligent delivery keeps audiences engaged and on the edge of their seats. The former "Last Comic Standing" finalist is now the host of "Man Up Stand Up" and can be seen regularly on Comedy Central countdown specials or as a guest panelist on "Chelsea Latley."
24 N. Mentor Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 577-1894
icehousecomedy.com
The Ice House in Pasadena is celebrating its 51st year of making Angeleno's laugh. Steve Martin, Bob Newhart and George Carlin all helped jump-start their careers on this stage. The comedy club is 18 and older with a two menu item minimum.
Bobby Collins
Showtime: Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.
Price: $22.50 - $29.50
Sometime in the 1980s New York born Bobby Collins left behind a lucrative career at Calvin Klein for life as a stand up. Today, he has shared the stage with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Cher and Dolly Parton. You might also recognize him as the host of VH-1's "Stand-Up Spotlight." With over 200 shows a year annually under his belt, Bobby has used his intelligent observational humor on everyday life and his many travels to keep audience's coming back for more.
DL Hughley
Showtime: Thursday, May 31 at 8 p.m.
Price: $25
DL Hughley has a non-stop creative arsenal that has been making audiences laugh for years. Since being catapulted into stardom with the mega-success of 1999s "The Original King's Of Comedy" tour and hit film wall alongside Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer, DL has never stopped making audiences laugh till they cry and shows no signs of slowing down. Since then he's hosted or starred on countless TV programs from talk and variety shows to sitcoms to network dramadey's. His ironic delivery and spot-on timing earned him a coveted HBO Comedy Special in 2006 and the hosting gig for the 2008 BET Awards.
Related: Best Comedy Clubs in Los Angeles
Kristen Lowman spends her days writing and her nights at concerts. She lives on the Miracle Mile in the City of Angels. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
