2017, huh? No rest for the wicked. Here’s a stripped-down post (sort of) to let you know that January has got a lot of great happenings… happening. This includes an insane (in a good way) first week of the year, a new festival happening on January 19th and 20th to help fight America’s insane (in a bad way) reality, and more that you should probably put on your calendar because I fully endorse every event you’re about to read.

[01/02 Columbus, OH]

First, I’m heading up to my comedy home away from home (Columbus) to be a part of Whiskey Bear Comedy’s 50 FIRST JOKES show on January 2nd. It’s at Mikey’s (downtown location) at 8pm, and $5. You get literally 50 comedians telling their first new joke of 2017, and big announcements about Whiskey Bear Comedy Festival (about which’s greatness I’ve documented here).

[01/03 Knoxville, TN]

Second, it’s Shane Rhyne’s birthday on January 3rd, and he’s hosting Casual Comedy for our good Huntsville friend Scott Eason. Go to the Hardin Valley Casual Pint at 7pm, bring Shane a gift and/or grab a drink and laugh at the jokes. No cover.

[01/05 Knoxville, TN]

Third, I’m excited to help my buddy Aaron Chasteen inaugurate a new monthly comedy night at Pretentious Beer Company, in Old City Knoxville, on Thursday, January 5th. The headliner is the always riotous Jenn Snyder (Columbia, SC) and Liz Brooks and Lance Adams are also on the show. 8pm showtime.

[01/06 Knoxville, TN]

Fourth, Shane, still in the throes of his birthday week excess I’m sure, will be hosting at Saw Works Brewing Company First Friday Comedy for Dave Losso (Chicago) and Ismael Loutfi (Atlanta). We’re very excited to have Dave back at Saw Works, and we’re glad we finally got Ismael on that stage! Show is at 7pm on Friday, January 6th. I will be there and appearing maybe.

[01/12 Powell, TN]

Fifth, I’ll be hosting the Pizza Ha’s show on Thursday the 12th, starring Andy Cummins (Greenville, SC), along with Jeff Blank and Victor Agreda, Jr. This will be at Pizza Hoss in Powell, at 8pm. No cover.

[01/19 – 01/20 Knoxville, TN]

Sixth, I’m very excited to take part in the (ideally only time this kind of thing will be necessary) WHAT A JOKE National Comedy Festival, Knoxville Chapter. This is happening across 5 venues on Thursday, January 19th, and Friday, January 20th, and tickets are available here. You can find me hosting the Pretentious Beer Co showcase at 7:45 on Thursday, and on Friday you can find me featuring at Ironwood Studios at 8:30pm and then hosting Modern Studio at 9:45pm. It’s going to be a great time and all proceeds go to help those more vulnerable than us.

[01/26 Knoxville, TN]
Seventh, on Thursday the 26th, I’ll be running my new 10ish at Sugar High at Sugar Mama’s on Gay St, opening for the illustrious Derek Zoo (Nashville). 8pm showtime, no cover.

[01/27 Huntsville, AL]
Eighth, on Friday the 27th, (and speaking of Scott Eason… see 01/03) I’m very, very excited to make my long-awaited return to Epic Comedy Hour in the Flying Monkey Theater in Huntsville, AL. I’m not sure who else is on the show yet, but here’s a spoiler: they’re all funny and great. Showtime is 8pm and tickets are $10, if you’re in the Northern Alabammer area.

Last, don’t forget that every Monday at the Pilot Light, Friendlytown goes down. 7:30pm. Tell a friend and three enemies. Zine Issue 2 coming soon.

Thanks for reading, and happy 2017, everyone.

Keep this close to you for reference, and listen to more power-pop.