The great comic Pete Holmes bemoans the phenomenon of people who are “hard laughs” — and pride themselves on their relative stoicism. To easily experience “joy and silliness” is nothing to be ashamed of, Holmes concludes.
Especially in our moment, it’s worthwhile to let yourself laugh. Thankfully, Columbia venues have scheduled a slate of reliably funny people. Here’s a look at just four upcoming dates.
Feb. 15: Joe Gatto at Jesse Auditorium
Joe Gatto gets around — from TV shows like “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index” to podcasting and, now, a children’s book, Gatto keeps audiences entertained. On the heels of a successful new standup special, “Messing With People,” he’ll visit Columbia to do just that. Tickets start at $59. Visit https://concertseries.missouri.edu/ for more details.
Feb. 16: Dustin Nickerson at The Blue Note
The West Coast comic and late-night TV mainstay bends his Everyman sensibility for good and toward the punchline. Will O’Donnell and Emily Zell share the bill. Tickets are $25-$30. Visit https://thebluenote.com/event/dustin-nickerson/ to learn more.
March 20: Tom Green at The Blue Note
Somehow one of comedy’s mainstream and maverick figures, the Canadian absurdist has made his presence felt in each of the past four decades whether on stage, via his MTV show, in movies such as “Charlie’s Angels” and “Freddy Got Fingered” and through YouTube broadcasts. Tickets are $35-$45. Visit https://thebluenote.com/event/tom-green/ for more.
April 14: Stavros Halkias at The Blue Note
From wildly successful podcasts to specials that rack up millions of views on YouTube, Halkias’ wounded party animal persona allows him entry into a refreshing sort of perception. The Baltimore native’s popularity prompted a second show here in Columbia. Tickets are $39.50-$65. Visit https://thebluenote.com/event/stavros-halkias/ …