Denver’s comedy scene had a banner year in 2014, with a number of area shows and performers garnering national attention on TV and at festivals, and some of the biggest in the industry (Sarah Silverman, Louis C.K., Dave Chappelle) coming to visit.
The stand-up scene is looking to keep that momentum going through the early months of 2015 with a number of worthy events.
2014 Sexpot Comedy Awards, Jan. 17,
As the growing sponsor of dozens of comedians, podcasts and artistic enterprises in Denver and beyond, Kayvan Khalatbari and Andy Juett’s Sexpot brand has brought light (and, in some cases, steady income) where formerly there existed only other comics watching from the back of a darkened bar. will crank up the spotlight on Colorado’s funniest performers, shows, writers, videos, venues and more. Does it seem a bit insular? Sure, but for an underappreciated art form like stand-up, it’s also a fun (and potentially annual) new event to celebrate. Vote now at sexpotcomedy.com/awards. (Full disclosure: I’ve been asked to present one of the awards.)
Free, 8 p.m. at 60 S. Broadway, 303-777-7352 or sexpotcomedy.com.
Demetri Martin, Jan. 17, Paramount Theatre
This one’s a tough choice, since it falls on the same night as the Denver Comedy Awards. But Martin’s recent stand-up is as clever and tightly constructed as anything he’s ever done — and, dare we say, a bit more approachable. We’re excited to see this Colorado favorite return, especially since his set at summer’s Oddball Comedy Fest at Red Rocks was one of the night’s finest.
$29.50-$35, 8 p.m. at 1621 Glenarm Place, 303-623-0106 or paramountdenver.com.
Aziz Ansari, Jan. 24, Bellco Theatre
It’s hard to believe that the scrawny, goofy face of MTV’s “Human Giant” has matured so effortlessly into a smooth comedy mega-star — thanks in no small part to his role on NBC’s critically acclaimed “Parks and Recreation.” Ansari’s stand-up doesn’t have quite as much bite as it used to, but you’ll have a hard time finding a more agreeable observational comic on stage.
$35-$55, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at 700 14th St., etix.com.
Chris Hardwick, Jan. 24, Paramount Theatre
A nerd through and through, Hardwick’s hosting duties on shows like Comedy Central’s “@midnight” and AMC’s “The Talking Dead” have endeared him to his flock over the years. His fast-paced, witty, turn-on-a-dime sets are a reflection of his hyperactive mind and its intimidating (but always entertaining) litany of pop-culture references.
$35, 8 p.m. at 1621 Glenarm Place, 303-623-0106 or paramountdenver.com.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642, jwenzel@denverpost.com or twitter.com/johnwenzel
