Comedy

CAPITOL CITY COMEDY CLUB Mitch Hedberg is truly one of the hottest comics in the country, and you can see him right here in Austin. Mitch's first feature film just premiered at Sundance, and his three appearances on The Late Show have made him one of Letterman's faves. (See related "Arts" feature.) He'll be sharing the stage with Rudy Moreno and our own Megan Mooney. Through Sun. Monday is Comedy Gym Night; go on and get your two dollars' worth of laughs. Sure, it may take all night, but what else is there to do on Mondays? Thursday night also features "Late Night Lounge" show at 10:30, when Austin's finest make you laugh for free. Starting Tuesday it's Wacky Willie Barcena and friends. 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.

ESTHER'S FOLLIES Lovestruck Follies! Love is in the air, can you smell it? The Cupids and cuties down at the pool have a special early spring show lined up including the continuing Impeachment Follies with Judge Judy, a Tribute to Big Hair, a brand new Esther's News Medley 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).

THE SPOT Heard about the new spot for comedy in Austin? It's not just any spot, it's The Spot. Tuesday nights, see nationally touring headliners and Austin's own hottest comics in an intimate lounge setting where they can really bust loose. This week, headliner Billy D. Washington brings his keyboards and his clever comedy stylings to the stage at The Spot. Downtown comedy like it was meant to be. Tue, Feb 23, 9pm, The Spot, Fourth & Lavaca. $5. 481-9320.

VELVEETA ROOM Austin's favorite comic rants and raves this weekend; Kerry Awn takes the Cheese Palace stage, running back and forth between there and Esther's spreading mirth and merriment all over Sixth Street. Oops! Careful, don't step in that mirth. Don't miss open mike night on Thursdays,NOW STARTING ONE HOUR EARLIER! Thu, Feb 11, 9:30pm, Fri-Sat, Feb 12-13, 9pm & 11pm. 469-9116.

MONKS NIGHT OUT Austin's favorite improv/ sketch group is gearing up for BS4. Join in the fun by bringing your wacky suggestions and energy to the show. It's all about you, babe, the audience. You can catch Monks three nights a week at the fabulous Velveeta Room. Thu-Sat, Feb 11-13, 8pm; Fri-Sat, 10pm, at the Velveeta Room, Sixth & Red River. 258-MONK.