Hey Asheville. Editor Laura here. 👋 I don’t know about you all, but I would do close to anything for a good laugh. Here at AVLtoday, we gave April Fools Day some very sincere consideration. Should we hit them with some #fakenews? Report that Asheville is changing its name to Zebulon B. Vance? Or issue a statement that Mayor Manheimer is stepping down to become a professional wrestler? Ahhh, the possibilities.

After a ridiculous brainstorm session, we decided we best leave the tomfoolery in the hands of the experts — our local comedians. So today we are catching up with the stand-up comedy scene in Asheville + looking at how local comics and event producers are transitioning back into the world of performance now that COVID-19 restrictions are dialing back. Note: As of March 31, venues have been cleared for 50% capacity per Gov. Roy Cooper’s latest executive order. Read on below to learn more about local comedy acts to follow, as well as a few upcoming standup shows and recurring events.

Silent Rooftop Stand-up Comedy at Rabbit Rabbit (75 Coxe Ave.)

This imaginative, near-weekly series takes place Thursday evenings on the rooftop of the Rabbit Rabbit venue downtown.. The show, which is facilitated “silently” through bluetooth headphones, is the product of longtime local producers Slice of Life Comedy (run by Michele Scheve) and Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge. Hosted by comedian Cody Hughes, the act includes 8 comics who perform sets up to 10 minutes long. There’s also a short open-mic segment at the end of each show for anyone who wants to take the leap. Find more information about the upcoming April 8 show here. Fun fact: The Disclaimer Lounge, which was first launched in 2010 by Tom Scheve + Cary Goff at the bar inside the Asheville Airport, is one of the oldest comedy organizations in Asheville.

Brunch of Jokers at The Grey Eagle (185 Clingman Ave.)

Kicking off April 4, The Grey Eagle will host “Brunch of Jokers,” a monthly stand-up comedy/brunch special on its patio,.” Hosted by comedy veteran Jason Scholder of Marquee Comedy, it will take place on the first Sunday of every month from 12–2 p.m. Shows are 18+ and feature adult comics. Purchase tickets here.

Modelface Comedy (Various venues)

The Modelface team has stayed busy throughout the pandemic with a DIY-style “Front Porch” comedy series that took place in producer Melissa Hahn’s driveway. Now, Hahn — who previously hosted a regular stand-up series at LaZoom Room and Fleetwood’s + helps produce the Asheville Comedy festival —is just starting to piece together her comedic roster for the coming year. Already though, she has shared that the first show of the year will be April 10, 8 p.m. at Fleetwood’s and feature NYC-based comics Mara Wiles and Kevin O’Brien. Find more details here.

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