Comedy

CAPITOL CITY COMEDY CLUB After two weeks running of squeaky clean headliners, finally we get back to some good old rockin' raw comedy with Mr. Ben Creed. The only thing squeaky clean about Creed is his shaved head. He's one of the comics' favorites on the circuit because he pulls no punches. Catch Creed's creed while you can; also appearing, Dan Lewis (described in my press release as "no slouch" -- who does your PR, Dan?) and the boisterous Chris Duel. Monday night is Comedy Gym; two bucks to see a workout. Starting Tuesday, juggler extraordinaire Chris Bliss brings his balls to town. Thursday night also features "Late Night Lounge" show at 10:30pm, where Austin's finest make you laugh for free. Shows are at 8pm all week long with late shows Fri & Sat at 10:30pm. 8120 Research. Reservations recommended. 467-2333.

Comedy Sportz Playhouse Twelve years of good clean fun can't be wrong! The Kidz at Comedy Sportz have been bringing the laughs for over a decade now. Watch two teams of performers compete for fabulous fun and prizes; who's the winner? You are! There is also a full service bar (beer and wine) and restaurant, so you'll have to stop guffawing long enough to choke down some pizza, pepperoni rolls, or stromboli. They've just added a new, slightly condensed version of the show for an early matinee on Saturdays. Thu, 7:30pm; Fri, 7:30pm & 10pm; Sat, 5pm, 7:30pm & 10pm. Reservations recommended. $6 matinee; $8 Thu; $10 Fri & Sat, at Northcross Mall, 2525 W. Anderson.
266-3397.

SOUTH PARK/DARK COMEDY HOUR Cartman and those other talking turds from South Park start the show on the big, big screen of the Ritz Lounge, upstairs from the historic Ritz Theater. Immediately following South Park, the humor takes a turn for the twisted with the Dark Comedy Hour, hosted by Austin's own Comedy Demon, Steven Kendrick, playing one of the last clubs that hasn't banned him for terrorizing sorority girls. It's a haven for twisted, disturbed, and/or talented local and touring comedians who give their most outrageous performances at the Ritz each week. Wed, 9pm, Ritz Lounge, 320 E.Sixth. No cover before 10pm. 474-9574.

THEATRE SPORTS For those who can't get enough improv (Daniel Frank, where are you when we need you?!?) there's a new troupe in town. Actually, it's a local franchise of the wildly popular nationwide group Theatre Sports. It's a rollicking evening of improv competition. Opening weekend includes improv stars Dan O'Conner and Brian Lohmann, both of whom have appeared on TV and in L.A.'s hottest clubs. Fri-Sat, Feb 5-6, 12-13, 11pm, at The Public Domain Theater, 807 Congress. $6 ($5, student, senior, ACOT). 327-LAFF.

Esther's Follies The Impeachment Follies are heating up at Esther's as comic minds race to keep up with the deluge of material issuing from our nation's capital -- more Bill's Boffo Buffoonery than you can shake a ... stick at. Don't miss the "Best of '98," the World Wrestling Year 2000 Deathmatch Showdown, and Sixth Street Wildlife. Thu, 8pm, Fri & Sat, 8 & 10pm, Esther's Pool, 525 E. Sixth. $14 Thu; $16 Fri & Sat ($2 discount for students w/ID).

VELVEETA ROOM Austin's home of avant-garde, alternative, and dangerously wacky comedy pulls them in off Sixth Street and sends them home laughing. This weekend, the Queen of the Velveetians, the lovely Nancy Reed, rules the roost with an iron mike in a velvet glove (or is that a Velveeta glove?). You can catch Nancy on KLBJ's morning show with Dudley and Bob until Debra has her baby. Please note: Friday night's comedy show is sold-out for a private party; catch Nancy on Saturday. There's also the Velv's notorious open mike night on Thursdays at 10:30pm, sign up by 9:30 to get on the list. Weekend shows: Fri-Sat, Jan 29-30, 11pm.
469-9116.

Monks Night Out Austin's premier improv troup lets it all hang out in their home club, the Velveeta Room. Gearing up for BS4, you can see the kids at their wacky, zany, nutty finest as they let you, the audience, run the show. Just don't run it into the ground, OK? Get your minds out of the gutter and give them funny suggestions! What's wrong with you people?!? Thu, Feb 4 & Sat, Feb 6, 9pm; Fri, Feb 5, 11:30pm, at the Velveeta Room, Sixth & Red River. 280-MONK.