Comic’s Weekly Roundup: Greg Barris delves into the Heart of Darkness

Atlanta has one of the best comedy scenes in the country, and each week is filled with plenty of opportunities to see some of Atlanta’s best local comics and visiting national touring acts. He’s your best bets for getting into some funny business.

Mon., May 18
======It’s Monday night, you got nothing better to do than go to Star Bar. Seriously, Monday Night Comedy at Star Bar is the best event on a Monday night. It’s arguably the best comedy show in town, and I try to never miss a show. I suggest you do the same. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Always free.

Wed., May 20
======Along with hosting one of the best open mics in the city (Thursdays at 9 p.m.), the Hangar is a popular home for more unique shows. One of the newest shows to the DIY venue is Mike Kaiser “A Person’s History of the United States,” the first in a series. For this show, Kaiser will be comparing the history of the American South and Brazil, where he lived for the past few months. The show will also feature stand-up from Rob Haze, Cherith Fuller, and Caleb Synan. Show’s at 8 p.m., absolutely free.

Fri., 5/21
Friday night, the Hangar will bring you a show like you’ve never seen before. New York comedian Greg Barris brings his psychedelic showcase Heart of Darkness to Atlanta. It’s definitely not your typical variety show. This wild night brings together comedy, music, fringe scientists, and more. Barris just recently brought his show to the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, the country’s biggest alt comedy fest. Debuting in Atlanta on Friday, Barris will be joined by Jarrod Harris, John-Michael Bond and a few special surprise guests. It’s going to be crazy, wild, cool, delightfully weird, and one hell of a fun night. This is my no.1 pick of the week, don’t miss out (we’ll all make fun of you if you do). Show’s at 9 p.m., tickets are $8 in advance, $10 day of show.

The Weekend
======>> This weekend, Dan Levy will headline five shows at the Improvhttp://www.theimprovatlanta.com/comedy-calendar/. Levy has performed at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, and has made numerous appearances on shows such as, “Chelsea Lately,” “Premium Blend,” “The Late Late Show,” and “Comedy Central Presents: Dan Levy.” He also hosts the new stand-up show on “Coming to the Stage” from Comedy Dynamics.

>> Saturday night you can get some late-night laughs at the 1AM Secret Show at Smith’s Olde Bar. John-Michael Bond hosts the most unpredictable show in town. Special guests pop in all the time, but you never know who or when. You just got to find out for yourself. Show starts at 1 a.m., free as can be.
>> On Sunday, another touring comedian will be coming to the Hangar. Will Miles and Giulia Rozzi will be bringing their Pretty Chill Tour to Atlanta. Both from New York, Rozzi is regularly seen on VH1’s “The Greatest” and has appeared on “Chelsea Lately,” Comedy Central’s “This Is Not Happening,” MTV and more. Miles, originally from Chicago, opened for Hannibal Buress on the My Name Is Hannibal tour in 2011, and is one of the co-hosts of the very popular Brooklyn stand-up show, Comedy at the Knitting Factory. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $5

ALSO THIS WEEK
======Virgins of Comedy atthe Hangar (May 19, at 8 p.m.)
The Standup Hour at Midtown Tavern (May 19, at 9 pm)
Best of Atlanta Comedy at Laughing Skull Lounge (May 21-24)
Donnell Rawlings at Uptown Comedy Corner (May 21)
Jake “The Snake” Roberts at Village Theatre (May 23)
Fresh Comedy at Highwire Comedy Co. (May 24, at 8 p.m.)