WNY Comedy Shows

Repost of my article in the Springville Times:  Laughter is the Best Medicine: Comedy Shows and Clubs

Here in Western New York we’re almost past those cold, dark and dreary Dog Days of February. Spring is around the corner, right? That’s a thought to brighten your day! But it’s not quite time yet, so what to do to help lighten the mood? How about scheduling a little laughter in your life?

According to Psychology Today “Laughing activates the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, the same brain chemical affected by the most common types of antidepressants.” What better way to spread a little serotonin around and spend time with loved ones than a night out at a comedy club?

Believe it or not, there’s quite a list of comedy events coming up in Western New York in the upcoming months. Make sure to add one to your bucket list!

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” -Charlie Chaplin

The Weird Al Yankovic – Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour is coming to the University at Buffalo – Center for the Arts located at 103 Center For The Arts, Buffalo on Tuesday, March 13th at 7:30 p.m.  For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.ubcfa.org.

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” -Victor Hugo

Shea’s Performing Arts Center located at 646 Main St, Buffalo has two large comedy acts on their schedule this Spring: Platinum Comedy Tour featuring Mike Epps, DeRay Davis and Bruce Bruce! on Friday, March 16 at 7 p.m and Steve Martin, Martin Short & The Steep Canyon Rangers on Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.sheas.org.

“Laughter is an instant vacation.” -Milton Berle

Two other national acts are also coming to the KeyBank Center located at 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza, Buffalo. Jeff Dunhamon Wednesday, April 18 at 7 p.m. and Kevin Hart on Sunday, May 6 at 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.keybankcenter.com.

“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” -e. e. cummings

The Vic DiBitetto Live in Buffalo, NY – Make America Laugh Again Tour is coming to the Riviera Theatre and Performing Arts Center located at 67 Webster St, North Tonawanda on Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m. or more information and to purchase tickets visit www.rivieratheatre.org.

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” -William Shakespeare

Helium Comedy Club, located at 30 Mississippi St,. Buffalo is the place to check out the hottest comedians touring the country. Upcoming comedians include: Jen Kirkman (Feb 23rd – Feb 24th), Preacher Lawson (Mar 1st – Mar 3rd), Steve Rannazzisi (Mar 8th – Mar 10th), Bill Bellamy (Mar 16th-18th), Michael Ian Black (Mar 29th – Mar 31st), Dan Soder (Apr 5th – Apr 7th), Steve Hofstetter (Apr 18th) and Brian Posehn (Apr 20th – Apr 21st).

Local comedians are also featured at their Edge Comedy Nights, Comics Against Humanity Nights, Helium Comic Academy Graduation Showcase and FREE weekly open mic nights on Tuesdays. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.buffalo.heliumcomedy.com.

“The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” -Mark Twain

Western New York is filled to the brim wil local comedian performances as well. Check out one of the following venues to get in a few laughs (or even try some improv or standup of your own at an open mic night!)