Desi Banks will perform at the Fox Theatre on September 13. (Photo courtesy of Brave Public Relations)
Each week, ArtsATL delivers a critic’s short list of the shows, exhibitions, concerts and events we recommend for the coming weeks within one area in the kaleidoscope of Atlanta arts and culture. This week, we offer a look at a few of the biggest comedy shows of the summer. Many of the venues below offer a large roster of comedy shows, including the Punchline, Helium Comedy Club, Atlanta Comedy Theater, City Winery, Dad’s Garage and even Symphony Hall.
::
August 16
In 2017, Russell Peters was named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Comics of All Time. The Canadian comedian’s observational comedy draws on cultural stereotypes, not only from his own Anglo-Indian background but across the spectrum. His performances have set attendance records at venues in London, Sydney and Toronto, while his YouTube channel, where he boasts 1.5 million subscribers, has amassed an impressive number of views. He’ll perform at Atlanta Symphony Hall on August 16.
August 21
Comedian actor and rapper Karlous Miller began his comedy career in Atlanta and is widely known for his successful podcast and comedy tour The 85 South Show. He’ll host the Invest Fest Comedy Show at Center Stage at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, August 21, with Navv Green, Clayton English and Moneybag Mafia.
August 21-23
John Heffron made a name for himself with his appearances on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, where he emerged as a fan favorite and winner. His comedy specials on Netflix and Comedy Central have further solidified his reputation as one of the top comedians in the country, with his takes on family life, the challenges of middle age and the absurdities of modern technology. He’ll be at the Punchline for six shows from August 21 through August 23.
Zarna Garg is a comedy trailblazing Indian immigrant mom from New York City. She infuses humor, wit and social commentary into her comedy special for Amazon Prime, One in a Billion, and her insightful podcast, The Zarna Garg Family Show, dissecting modern family dynamics. She’ll be at Helium Comedy Club in Alpharetta for five shows August 21 through August 23.
August 28-31
One of the original Kings of Comedy, DL Hughley, has also starred in and produced his namesake television show, The Hughleys, which ran for four seasons on ABC and UPN in the late ’90s and early 2000s. He’ll be at City Winery for a four-day run August 28 through August 31.
TK Kirkland is a businessman, comedian and podcast host who grew up in Compton, California. His first taste of stardom came touring with N.W.A (and he appeared in some of their videos). Since then, he’s been known as the “Gangsta of Comedy” and has shared the stage with musicians such as Eminem, Jay-Z, Keyshia Cole and Lil Wayne. He’ll be at the Atlanta Comedy Theatre for five shows from August 28 through August 31.
August 29-31
Michael Blaustein is an internationally touring headlining comedian and co-hosts the very popular podcast Stiff Socks with comedian Trevor Wallace. He can be seen on the Amazon Prime original series Inside Jokes and was a cast member of the last season of MTV’s Punk’d. He’ll perform five shows at Helium Comedy Club in Alpharetta from August 29 through August 31.
September 6
In addition to his work as a stand-up comedian, Jim Norton is a radio host, actor and a New York Times best-selling author. He hosts the podcast Jim Norton Can’t Save You, as well as Sword Fight, which he co-hosts with his wife Nikki. He’ll perform at Gas South Theater in Duluth at 7:30 p.m. September 6.
September 11-13
Jim Gaffigan has been crafting his observational humor for more than 30 years. The most recent of his many comedy specials, The Skinny, was Hulu’s first-ever original stand-up special. He’ll be at Atlanta Symphony Hall for four shows over three nights, September 11 through September 13.
September 13
Desi Banks returns with his all-new Elevation Tour, following the success of his 2024 Purpose Chaser Tour. With more than 19 million followers across social media and a loyal fan base that spans the country, Banks has built a reputation with his storytelling, viral sketches and dynamic live performances. He’ll perform at the Fox Theatre at 7 p.m. on September 13.
September 26-27
Josh Johnson was recently called “the funniest guy on the internet” by Wired magazine. The Emmy-nominated writer, stand-up comedian and actor is currently a rotating host and correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, where he was previously a writer for seven years. He’ll perform three shows over two nights at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on September 26 and September 27.
September 26-28
Natasha Leggero is an accomplished actress, writer and stand-up comedian. She hosts The Endless Honeymoon Podcast with her husband and fellow comedian Moshe Kasher and created, executive produced and starred in the Comedy Central show Another Period. Most recently, she had a role in the latest season on the Rian Johnson/Natasha Lyonne show Poker Face. She’ll do five shows at the Helium Comedy Club in Alpharetta September 26 through September 28.
October 3 and 4
Emmy-, Grammy- and Golden Globe-nominated Nikki Glaser has honed her no-holds-barred style over two decades. She’s one of the best in the business at celebrity comedy roasting. She’ll do two nights at the Fox Theatre this fall, at 7 p.m. October 3 and October 4.
October 17-18
The affable and charismatic Fortune Feimster is a stand-up comedian, writer and actor who uses her confessional comedy to bring people together. The North Carolina native made her TV debut on Last Comic Standing in 2010 and would go on to roles in a long list of sitcoms and movies. She’ll bring her Takin’ Care of Biscuits Tour to Atlanta Symphony Hall at 8 p.m. on October 17 and October 18.
