By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | January 11, 2023 | People, Parties, Feature, News and Features, City Life, Culture, Politics, Music, Celebrity, Art, Trends, Events, Women of Influence Latest, Television, Movies, Entertainment, Community, Local, Apple News, Guide, List - Entertainment,
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Comedy lovers unite! The overwhelmingly-anticipated SF Sketchfest is officially kicking off on Friday, January 20, running for a jam-packed two weeks filled with side-splittingly showstopping acts from the biggest names in comedy and entertainment.
With its humble beginnings right at our Shelton Theatre in 2002 as a way to platform six local Bay Area sketch groups, this extravagant event by founders David Owen, Cole Stratton and Janet Varney has since been a massive staple spectacle for San Francisco, inviting in hundreds of incredible talents and even more devoted audiences.
As its 20-year anniversary, 2023 is set to be even grander than ever, and we've highlighted a few of the most can't-miss events to see around the city.
See also: Best Fun Weekday Activities In SF
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One of the most notable names to grace Chinatown's Great Star Theatre is David Cross of "Mr. Show" and "Arrested Development" fame. He will be bringing new material inspired by the pandemic with friends Irene Tu, Kate Willett, and Mike Drucker.
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For all the unusual history lovers, Robert Evans's deep and engaging observations of the most bizarrely infamous and notorious figures throughout time is crucial to see. Catch his intriguing, yet amusing dissections of such fascinating criminals and esoteric antagonists at the Gateway Theatre.
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Femmes The Rules has a hilarious approach to gender and masculinity as female and non-binary comics interact with a male comic for witty banters, roasts, and critiques. Catch this modernly queer spectacle at Brava Cabaret, hosted by Mary Jane French, Sammy Mowrey, and Bailey Norton, with a wide array of radiant guests.
7:30pm
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Joel Kim Booster is no stranger to our city, and we aren't of his brilliant talent, either! His unbeatable prowess and adoring popularity has encouraged a second show to be added, which is guaranteed to be riveting with Atsuko Okatsuka, Guy Branum, Jes Tom, and Irene Tu accompanying him at Great Star Theatre.
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"Portlandia," "Saturday Night Live," "Documentary Now!," is there anything Fred Armisen can't do? Catch the acclaimed comedic luminary at the Great American Music Hall for a stunning three-night residency on January 27-29, where he'll be joined with a new guest bass player each night for this creative theme: "Comedy for Bass Players (But Everyone is Welcome)."
10:30pm
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What's more hilarious than analyzing bad Tinder profiles, especially with host Lane Moore and very special guest Janeane Garofalo? Laugh, cringe, and scrutinize some eclectic profiles with the two powerfully sharp women at Cobb’s Comedy Club.
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A captivating show about fertility, abortion, and all the awkward, absurd, and humanizing scenarios surrounding women's health, join the incomparable Ilana Glazer as she presents "Alison Leiby: Oh God, A Show About Abortion" at the Brava Theater Center.
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If a brutal and vicious roast of one of the biggest stars of campy comedy horror is more of what you're craving, then definitely do not miss out on the hilarious merciless roast of Bruce Campbell. He may have gallantly battled the Necronomicon, but can he withstand the heat of Peaches Christ, David Alan Grier, Ted Raimi, and more, especially Elvira, Mistress of the Dark herself, Cassandra Peterson?
This is set to be a highly entertaining night all to commemorate Bruce's illustrious career.
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Esteemed actor and comedian David Alan Grier of "In Living Color" prominence will be honored with an insightful and heartwarming discussion moderated by Baron Vaughn elucidating his lengthy and absolutely legendary career at Cobb's Comedy Club.
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Spirits and laughter will be high with this blazing tribute to the 50th anniversary of acclaimed comedy duo Cheech & Chong. Roll up to the Sydney Goldstein Theater and hear the two buds reverently reflect on their joint careers in a stimulating and reminiscent conversation with Ben Fong-Torres.
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Comedy isn't the only aspect to get excited for at this symphony of laughs, as the Red Room Orchestra will also be masterfully performing music from the hit surrealist David Lynch show "Twin Peaks" at the Great American Music Hall, co-presented by Noise Pop. Hear the soundtrack of this cult-favorite in elegant and bold vibrancy.
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From true crime to perfume and subtle behaviors, there's anything you ever wanted a thorough in-depth examination on, Josh Clark and Charles W. Chuck Bryant have got you covered. Their casual explanations and charmingly relaxed banter have garnered Stuff You Should Know immense award-winning acclaim, and you can catch what they delve into live at the Sydney Goldstein Theater.
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Asian AF is the trailblazing variety show that boasts talented and diverse Asian Americans at the comedic forefront. Look forward to witty improvisers, impeccable actors, brilliant musicians, storytellers, dancers, and more at the Great Star Theater with iconic names like Will Choi, Mic Nguyen, Miss Golightly, and others.
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Facial Recognition Comedy is fiercely led by all female-identifying performers of MENASA (Middle Eastern, North African, & South Asian) descent who precisely unpack and discuss such critical surrounding intersectional issues of microaggressions, tokenism, and more. Catch either of their two thought-provoking shows at Brava Cabaret.
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There is so much more that is happening this over-the-top year, and you can see the full breakdown of the schedule here. You can also tune into the livestreams here so you don't miss any of the action remotely at this monumental 17 days of comedic celebration.
Who are you excited to see?
See also: 10 Famous LGBTQ+ Icons To Know From San Francisco
Photography by: Courtesy of Michiel Ton/Pexels
