Yesterday The Stranger Suggested: Cracked Up! at the Capitol Club

Kyle Regan—a masochistic Stranger reader—has vowed to do every single thing recommended by the Stranger Suggests (movies, galleries, bars, concerts) for the month of January. Look for his reports daily on Slog. —Eds.

Yesterday was not just the start of Strangercrombie’s week-long comedic bombardment. Slog Happy, the monthly booze-heavy gathering for The Stranger’s internet circlejerk was in full swing AND a scant two blocks from the night’s suggested show at Capitol Club. Not to kiss ass, but the people I met there were pretty damn cool. A chick named Donna shared her Nutella martini with me (fucking delicious). A few people did recognize me, though instead of saying “oh hey it’s Kyle Regan,” it was more along the lines of “Hey, aren’t you that masochist?” Beating myself up in these posts is officially over.

By the time my friend Nicoli and I left, I was slightly sloshed. One-dollar PBRs and free drinks from nice individuals left me feeling very pre-funked. When we got to the Capitol Club, happy hour was just ending, so I stocked up with a couple Manny’s for the show. Remember when we didn’t need alcohol to have a good time? Me neither.

I saw live stand-up comedy once at Sasquatch’s comedy tent. It left a lot to be desired and thus I didn’t have high hopes for this. I mean, I like watching stand-up comedy—God knows how many hours have been wasted watching clip after clip on Youtube—but I just didn’t think that local talent would have the skills. If Carlos Mencia is a barometer of television-worthy comedic skill, what can a local scene offer?

A lot it turns out. I was expecting maybe three or four acts. Ten fucking comedians performed. Granted, they weren’t equal in their performances. But for the most part, the performers were very good. They saved the best-known for last (Hari Kondabolu and Billy Wayne Davis), but the show wasn’t carried by them. Brett Hamil and Mike Cummings were amazing in the first half. I think my favorite comic was Ross Parsons. Something about his self-deprecating voice and jokes stood out for me. Nicoli and I were rolling for the majority of the show.

I think I may have a new favorite thing to hate: hecklers. There was only one and it only happened once, but I really really wanted to punch this asshole in the face. Maybe it was because it was a female comedian and I felt I had to defend her, or maybe it was the Manny’s, but that guy has no idea how close he came to death last night. I took karate in elementary school, sucka. Best watch yourself.