Comic’s Weekly Roundup: From Quincy Jones to Barry Rothbart

Comedian Olivia Cathcart narrows down the top comedy events in the ATL this week including Barry Rothbart, Schlitz & Giggles with Jenn Snyder, and Quincy Jones at the Highland Ballroom.

Spotlight on - Quincy Jones
This time two years ago, I performed at Star Bar’s Monday Night Comedy show. The show was stacked with visiting comics in town for the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival including the very funny Quincy Jones. Not to be confused with the musician, Los Angeles-based comedian Quincy Jones is hitting the road again for the last time. Diagnosed with incurable stage-four mesothelioma last summer, Jones’ doctors gave him one year to live and he’s going to make the most of it. For his final wish, Jones looks to leave his legacy on film and record an hour stand-up special. To help him achieve his dream, friends of Jones set up a Kickstarter campaign in February to raise the money for the production costs, asking for a mere $4,985. It took only a couple of hours to raise the money and by day two, friends and strangers had donated more than three times the pledged goal. Jones’ story became the talk of the internet and more than $40,000 has been raised including a generous donation of $10,000 by Ellen DeGeneres. Filming is set for April and will hopefully be available to the public soon, but until then you can see Jones live Tuesday night at the Highland Inn Ballroom. You won’t have another opportunity to see this fantastic comedian here again, so set the DVR, call a babysitter, and get your tickets now. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show’s at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Wed., Mar. 23
======Comedy and beer aficionados can wet their appetite for both this Wednesday at Comedy Night at Eventide Brewing. Held the fourth Wednesday of every both, Andrew Michael hosts a night of locally brewed stand-up at Grant Park’s best kept little secret. Admission comes with a souvenir pint, multiple beer tastings, and endless laughs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show’s at 7 p.m. making it the perfect show for early birds. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of.

>> Late Wednesday night, the Highland Inn Ballroom hosts a fantastical show fit for The Goblin King himself. Pop culture-inspired variety show Scene Missing is back this week with a night of comedy, writing, and more inspired by fantasy films of the ‘80’s. Whether you prefer to travel by unicorn or luckdragon, get your butt down to Scene Missing Presents: ATALABYRNTH. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show’s at 9 p.m. $10

Thur., Mar. 24
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In case you haven’t noticed, we’re rather fond of the Highland Inn Ballroom. They seem to love comedy, and who can blame them. This Thursday night, Schlitz & Giggles comedy showcase welcomes an out-of-town headliner: Jenn Snyder. Based out of South Carolina, Snyder has performed at the Cape Fear Comedy Festival and the Memphis Comedy Festival. On stage, Snyder hits a range of topics ranging from her days growing up as a lesbian in a “good ol’ boy” town, to dealing with the public on a daily basis. Local gems Will Copeland, Michael Rowland, and more round out the line-up. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show’s at 8:30 p.m. $10

Fri., Mar. 25
======Typically a hub for improv, the Village Theatre hosts classic stand-up the last Friday of every month. Underwear Comedy Party features a handful of Atlanta’s top comics performing their best material in their undies. Ok, so the attire isn’t “classic” but, other than that, it’s your standard comedy show. UPC rages on late into the night and you can get in on the fun for just $10 (or get in for free for attending in your undies). Show starts at 11 p.m.

The Weekend
======Over the weekend you can catch up-and-coming comedian Barry Rothbart at the Laughing Skull. Rothbart’s star is on the rise. He’s performed stand-up on “The Tonight Show,” “Conan,” Comedy Central’s “Adam Devine’s House Party,” and earned a role in the film The Wolf of Wall Street. In 2014, Rothbart released his debut stand-up album, “Streets of Fire”, via ASpecialThing Records which he recorded here at the Skull. He headlines six shows, Thursday through Sunday.

ALSO THIS WEEK
======Monday Night Comedy at Star Bar (Mar. 14, at 9:30 p.m.) 
Mark Pitta at The Punchline (Mar. 24-26)
Cabbage Patch Comedy at Milltown Arms (Mar. 25, at 8:30 p.m.)
1AM Secret Show at Smith’s Olde Bar (Mar. 19, at 1 a.m.)