Comic’s Weekly Roundup: A week of roasts and farewells
Comedian Olivia Cathcart picks out this week’s comedy events worth leaving your house for including Hot Mic featuring Dulce’ Sloan, the bittersweet roast of comedian John-Michael Bond and the just plain nasty roast of Donald Trump.
Spotlight on: Dead To Us: The Roast of John-Michael Bond
What will you miss the most about Atlanta?
John-Michael Bond: Outside of comedy, I’ll miss being able to go to Home Grown, The Albert, and Highland Tap whenever I want. I’m also going to miss the comedy community. David Perdue, Paige Bowman, Brian Emond, Samm Severin, Greg Behrens, Ismael Loutfi, Yohance’ Collins, Lace Larrabee, Kevin Saucier, Dayne Swerdling, and tons of others are writing great jokes that make me laugh so hard. They make being at comedy shows six or seven nights a week year round easy.
Who on the dais are you most worried about?
J.M.B.: I’m fearless in the face my enemies, but if I have to pick someone, it would be Justin Harris. He knows how to write roast jokes that make you feel loved and eviscerated at the same time. Paige Bowman is a close second. I fear the things she’ll say about my cats.
Can you give us a little preview and roast yourself?
J.M.B.: Traditionally someone is roasted at the height of their career, so it makes sense that my roast is this week.
Wed., Jan. 27
======Last fall, Eventide Brewing got in on the comedy game hosting shows in their tap room from time to time. As of this week, the Grant Park brewery has a regular show the last Wednesday of every month. WonderComedy’s Andrew Michael hosts a hand-picked line-up of great comics, plus audience members get six drink tickets with their admission. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show’s at 7 p.m. $20 ($15 in advance).
>> If you still haven’t binged on the haunting “Making a Murderer” or the badass “Jessica Jones,” you’re going to want to steal a buddy’s password ASAP so you can get caught up in time for Scene Missing Presents: NETFLIX AND CHILLANTA. Comics, writers, and more converge at the Highland Inn Ballroom to perform commentary on the original programs of Netflix. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show’s at 9 p.m. $10.
>> Over at the Drunken Unicorn is Surprise Crowd Work. Comedians Cherith Fuller and Andrew Markle host this stand-up showcase that challenges three comics on the bill to perform nothing but crowd work — and nobody knows who it’ll be till they hit the stage. This month’s victims include Dulce’ Sloan, Jeffrey Stephenson, Mike Kaiser and more. Doors open at 9 p.m.; show’s at 9:30 p.m. $5.
Thurs., Jan. 28
It’s an incredibly bittersweet week in Atlanta comedy as we say farewell to yet another comedian. The fierce Dulce’ Sloan will also be leaving us for Los Angeles next week. The local favorite’s last year in Atlanta was a milestone one. She was named a New Face of Comedy at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, finished second in at the Laughing Skull Festival, and won the 12th annual StandUp NBC comedy showcase. She’ll headline a very special edition of Hot Mic, a comedy open mic hosted by Ian Aber, this Thursday at The Hideaway. You won’t know when you’ll be able to see her again, so don’t miss it. Show’s at 9:30 p.m. Free.
Fri., Jan. 29
======One of the new shows last year that really struck a note with comics was Cabbage Patch Comedy at Milltown Arms. Each show since its debut in July has been met with giant, enthusiastic crowds for a killer Friday night. Let’s keep the streak alive in 2016. Joseph Highsmith hosts this free show, kicking off at 8:30 p.m.
The Weekend
====== It’s a week of roasts for sure as 1UP Comedy hosts another one this weekend, but this one won’t be out of love. Comics will perform in character as celebrities and the most important political figures in the country (according to your redneck uncle) at The Roast of Donald Trump. One of the most ridiculous figures in our country — and hopefully not a future president — will be put on blast Saturday night at the Highland Inn Ballroom. Let’s make comedy great again! Doors open at 8 p.m.; show’s at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door, $7 in advance.
>> It’s never a bad idea to end your Saturday at the 1AM Secret Show at Smith’s Olde Bar. This free comedy show hosts a secret line-up that includes the best of the city as well as special guests from around the country. This week’s show will be the last one helmed under John-Michael Bond before he passes the reigns over to David Perdue, Olive Lynch and Anthony Driver, so let’s make it a good one. Show starts at 1 a.m. (technically Sunday morning if you’re pedantic).
ALSO THIS WEEK
======Monday Night Comedy at Star Bar (Jan. 25, at 9:30 p.m.)
Last Wednesday at Mammal Gallery (Jan. 27, at 9 p.m.)
Ed Lover & Talent at The Punchline (Jan. 27-28)
Schlitz & Giggles at Highland Inn Ballroom (Jan. 28, at 8 p.m.)
Blind Pig Comedy Sessions at Blind Pig Parlour (Jan. 28, at 8 p.m.)
Drunk/Sober/High at 529 EAV (Jan. 28, at 9 p.m.)
Best of Atlanta at Laughing Skull Lounge (Jan. 28-31)
Felipe Esparza at The Punchline (Jan. 28-31)
Comedy Squared at Marietta’s Theatre in the Square (Jan. 29, at 8 p.m.)
Underwear Comedy Party at Village Theatre (Jan. 29, at 11 p.m.)
Barely Legal at Highland Inn Ballroom (Jan. 31, at 7 p.m.)