Pablo Francisco, like the DeLorean in “Back to the Future,” seemingly runs on nuclear energy. And like cohort Carlos Mencia, his manic stand-up act bounces from impression to impression, playing the racial humor card through vocal gymnastics and frequent gesticulations. Read our “Why So Serious?” Q&A with Francisco on , and check him out at the Denver Improv today- Sunday ($25, ). Also funny this weekend: “Daily Show” co-creator and Huffington Post columnist Lizz Winstead at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret tonight ($25, ).
K-OS references hip-hop’s past while barreling through a bewildering mash of genres, but the Toronto-reared MC is a songwriter at heart, as evidenced by his melody-driven 2006 tour de force “Atlantis: Hymns for Disco” and last year’s “Yes!” Monday at the Bluebird Theater with Shad and Astronautalis ($15, Ticketmaster). Also worthy at the Bluebird: Upstate New York duo Phantogram, whose trippy, danceable debut, “Eyelid Movies,” is one of 2010’s most inspired albums. Tuesday, with opener Josiah Wolf ($13-$15, Ticketmaster).
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
