Million-laugh March
March has been an extremely funny month for Sacramento, and it’s far from over. Touring comics such as Dana Carvey, Russell Peters and Finesse Mitchell have already performed in town this month. With a ton of comedy events in March still to choose from, here’s an SN&R guide to navigate the sea of touring acts stopping by.
Kevin James and Ray Romano
These two friends, who happen to be sitcom and movie stars, are hitting the west coast for a small series of co-headlining shows, and one of the stops is Sacramento. James will then continue on to a national solo tour, while Romano will presumably go back to doing rich people stuff, like starring in reality shows on The Golf Channel and playing in the World Series of Poker on ESPN.
Thursday, March 22, 8 p.m.; $40-$60. Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street; (916) 808-5181; www.sacramentoconventioncenter.com.
Anjelah Johnson
Former Oakland Raiders cheerleader turned YouTube star (her clip “Nail Salon” has 26 million views), stand-up comic and actress Anjelah Johnson is probably most famous for her character Bon Qui Qui on MadTV. Don’t miss her first performance at the Sacramento Community Center Theater.
Saturday, March 24, 8 p.m., $32.50. Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street; (916) 808-5181; www.anjelah.com.
Steve Wilson featuring Shea Suga
Steve Wilson is a popular comic from Buffalo, New York. He’s currently a correspondent on HLN’s Showbiz Tonight show, and has been featured on a number of stand-up shows on Comedy Central. Comedienne Shea Shuga opens this series of shows at Old Sacramento’s Laughs Unlimited.
Thursday, March 22, 8 p.m.; Friday, March 23, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 24, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 25, 7 p.m.; $10-$20. Laughs Unlimited, 1207 Front Street; (916) 446-8128; http://stevewilsoninfo.com.
Flips and Beaners Comedy Tour with Rodger Lizaola headlining
There are plenty of hilarious Filipino and Latino stand-up comics out there, and the Flips and Beaners Comedy Tour features a rotating cast highlighting some of the best. Headlining this night of comedy is Rodger Lizaola from Gilroy.
Thursday, March 29, 8 p.m.; $10. Laughs Unlimited, 1207 Front Street; (916) 446-8128; www.rodgerlizaola.com.
Manny Maldonado featuring Jimmy Earl
From Modesto Manny Maldonado has made a name for himself as a comic by blending oberservational and physical comedy with unique voice acting abilities. Recently, he was invited to talk about racism on a panel for the Dr. Phil show. He headlines three nights of comedy with Jimmy Earl opening.
Friday, March 30, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 31, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 1 at 7 p.m.; $10-$20. Laughs Unlimited, 1207 Front Street; (916) 446-8128; www.youtube.com/themannymaldonado.
Jimmie Walker
Best known for his catch phrase “Dy-no-mite!” from the sitcom Good Times, Walker was once named Time Magazine’s “Comedian of the Decade.” After success in film and television, he’s returned to his roots, enjoying a career in stand-up comedy. He’ll perform an all-ages series of shows at Tommy T’s.
Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Sunday March, 25 at 7 p.m.; $10-$25. Tommy T’s Comedy & Dinner Theatre, 12401 Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Cordova; (916) 357-5233; www.dynomitejj.com.
Johnny Sanchez
A comic best known for his time as a former MadTV cast member, Johnny Sanchez has toured with the Latin Kings of Comedy. In addition, he’s great at impressions as was a voice actor in the animated Happy Feet.
Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 1 at 7 p.m.; $15-$30. Tommy T’s Comedy & Dinner Theatre, 12401 Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Cordova; (916) 357-5233; www.tommyts.com.
Neil Hamburger featuring Keith Lowell Jensen
For those who don’t know, Neil Hamburger is actually the stand-up persona played by Gregg Turkington. The off-kilter character is notable for his awkwardness, a gigantic comb-over and unscripted banter with the audience, drawing comparisons to Andy Kaufman’s character Tony Clifton. Local comic Keith Lowell Jensen and Major Entertainer Mike open the show.
Friday, March 30 at 9 p.m.; $15. Sacramento Comedy Spot, 1050 20th Street; (916) 444-3137; www.sacramentocomedyspot.com.
Jo Koy
Known for his regular appearances on late-night talk show Chelsea Lately, Jo Koy is a touring stand-up comedian whose other television credits include the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Comedy Central Presents.
Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; Sunday, March 25 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; $30. Punch Line Comedy Club, 2100 Arden Way; (916) 925-8500; www.jokoy.com.
Shayla Rivera
Formerly a rocket scientist and motivational speaker, Shayla Rivera now tours the stand-up comedy circuit and tells jokes for a living. The Puerto Rican comic has been featured on numerous television shows and even starred in her own one-woman play called Rocket Science and Salsa.
Thursday, March 29 at 8 p.m.; Friday, March 30 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Sunday, April 1 at 7 p.m..; $13-$19. Punch Line Comedy Club, 2100 Arden Way; (916) 925-8500; www.funnyrocketscientist.com.