History isn’t boring, but far too often, the person telling it is. Forget dense books about politicians that all but ensure a midday nap. Turn off the History Channel’s neverending World War II coverage. In fact, get up off the couch and walk out the front door, because The Whole... More >>

Comedy shows in bars can be an odd mix, especially when a birthday or bachelorette party means lots of stiff drinks and dildos strapped to the heads of the women tearing it up in their final hours before marriage. These giggling “dickheads” can be a comedian’s worst nightmare, as... More >>

Recognizing that the noble pursuits of geekery and nerd culture are alive and well in San Francisco, The Avengers of Comedy have arrived to celebrate and skewer the culture of flamboyant intelligence that thrives in this region. Tonight’s installment is the sequel to an idea local... More >>

For lovers of laughter, the next few weeks (Jan. 24-Feb. 10) will be an orgy of hilarity filling every crevice of this city, from prestigious museums to dingy video store basements. Inventive and inspired, the 12th annual Sketchfest offers everything from competitive erotic fan fiction to... More >>

This city's theater scene is chock-full of improv. Whether you're new to it or a grizzled veteran, you won't have to hunt too long to find a venue. Each Friday and Saturday night, the Shelton Theatre hosts its own brand of "secret" improv theater. The stage at the Shelton has given such... More >>

Four comedians anchor the weekly stand-up show The Business, and they’re all extremely smart and funny. Alex Koll has dramatic hair on his face and head, Sean Keane is bringin’ self-deprecation back, and Chris Garcia is mean and angry, yet somehow also gentle. But we bet they all hate... More >>

Stand-up comedy is an all-or-nothing game, economically speaking. All comics -- including some of the best we know -- basically have to do it for free unless and until they get "discovered," which roughly translates to "move to L.A. or New York in order to make a living." Which brings us to our... More >>

Paco Romane had a big vision for The Romane Event when he launched it in 2005. He pictured a monthly showcase of a broad range of entertainers, including stand-up comedians, poets, rockers, and those with extraordinary talents. The premiere event put the spotlight on a local yo-yo champion. As... More >>

Comedians are “always depressed,” we hear. After we’re done fervently hoping it isn’t true, we wonder how “funny” and “depressing” ever came to be separate categories, especially post-Mitch Hedberg. At Previously Secret Information, they aren’t, sort... More >>

Mondays get a bad rap. It's a day often associated with depression, anxiety, and melancholy in pop culture. Think of "Monday, Monday" by the Mamas & the Papas, "Manic Monday" by the Bangles, and of course the memetastic "Sounds like somebody's got a case of the Mondays" phrase popularized by... More >>

Didn’t your momma ever tell you it was rude to talk during the movie? Unless, that is, the following conditions exist: The movie is godawful, you’re parked on a couch with someone who shares your bad attitude, and you’re a world-class wit. That last prerequisite is usually the... More >>