08.25.2023

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57º | Mostly sunny | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:22 a.m. | Sunset: 5:06 p.m.

🎤 Yuck it up

Where to see and participate in stand-up comedy in San Jose

Catch a show at this premier comedy club. | Photo via @travelswithkeith

Do you hear that? It’s laughter erupting from audiences witnessing the talented comics of San Jose’s stand-up scene. If you enjoy a full belly laugh, check out these four venues for hilarious comedy shows.

San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St.

As one of the largest live comedy venue companies in the US, you’ll find both big names and up-and-coming comedians run through SJ Improv.

Upcoming events:

Tony Rock | Friday, Aug. 25-Saturday, Aug. 26 | Times vary | $25-$75
Dauood Naimyar | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 8 p.m. | $20-$75

ComedySportz San Jose, 5440 Thornwood Dr.

Can you imagine yourself on stage? This improv company hosts participatory shows that encourage humorous folks to step up no matter your stand-up experience.

Upcoming events:

ComedySportz | Friday and Saturday nights | Times vary | $20
The Midnight Show | Every Saturday night | 9 p.m. | $10

The inside of the Tabard Theatre, looking at the stage. — Enjoy a professionally produced comedy show at the Tabard.
|
Photo by SJtoday staff

Tabard Theatre, 29 N. San Pedro St.

What was once a stage company is now an arts venue that puts on live music, comedy shows, karaoke nights, and more — in-person or via livestream.

Upcoming events:

The San Jose Comedy Explosion starring Jay Rich and Jose Contreras | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 9 p.m. | $5-$30
Michael Turner | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9 p.m. | $25-$35

Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club, 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

This club has hosted nationally known comedians like Ali Wong, Hasan Minhaj, and Amy Schumer in its intimate setting that will have you up close to some serious comedy.

Upcoming events:

Liz Miele | Friday, Aug. 25-Sun., Aug. 27 | Times vary | $25
Alingon Mitra with Grant Lyon and Becky Lynn | Saturday, Sept. 2-Sunday, Sept. 3 | Times vary | $30

Have a venue in mind that we missed? Let us know so we could add it to our list.

Asked

Which one of these comedians have not performed at SJ Improv?

A. Arsenio Hall
B. David Spade
C. Kevin Hart
D. Margaret Cho

Make your guess

Events

Friday, Aug. 25

Shoe Palace | Friday, Aug. 25-Sunday, Aug. 27 | Times vary | Garden at the Flea, 1590 Berryessa Rd., San Jose | Free | Browse tons of sneakers for the 30th anniversary of Adidas shoes + enjoy live music and giveaways.
SVPride Kickoff Party | Friday, Aug. 25 | 7 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Glasshouse SJ, 84 W. Santa Clara St., Ste.100, San Jose | Free | Mingle and bust a move to sets by DJ Moscone & DJ Lexapeel.
Tony Rock | Friday, Aug. 25-Sunday, Aug. 27 | Times vary | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $25-$75 | This funnyman was the host of HBO’s “All Def Comedy,” NBA TV’s “The Warm Up,” and BET’s “Black Card Revoked.”

Saturday, Aug. 26

Maui Strong Fundraiser | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Roy’s Coffee Station, 197 Jackson St., San Jose | Free | Enjoy a ukulele performance from Wesley Methodist Church’s band — a portion of coffee sales will go towards Maui relief efforts.
Sake Walk | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 2-5 p.m. | Japantown, Jackson Street, San Jose | $75 | Tickets are still available for unlimited sake tasting at Jacks, 7 Bamboo Lounge, and Jtown Pizza Co.
Simpsons Day | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 5-9 p.m. | Camino Brewing Co., 718 S. First St., San Jose | Free | Enjoy food by Cajeta, music from local DJs, and merch from San Jose Simpsons.

Sunday, Aug. 27

Oakridge Farmers Market | Sunday, Aug. 27 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Westfield Oakridge, 5420 Thornwood Dr., San Jose | Free | This edition of the year-round farmers market includes a watermelon festival with a watermelon-eating contest.
Lowrider Art Showcase | Sunday, Aug. 27 | 12-4 p.m. | Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga | Free | See a lowrider showcase, art + painting demonstrations, and a discussion about the history of the Bay Area’s lowrider scene.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Transit

The VTA board of directors approved a six-year, $8 million contract with Tetra Tech to improve VTA’s emergency preparedness. The company will guide the agency through training + assessments to prepare staff for incidents like natural disasters or active shooters. VTA will review the contract after one year. (San José Spotlight)

Community

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is asking for your input on new names for the two lemur pups born back in May. There are six choices, which all have special meanings in Malagasy — the language of Madagascar. Cast your vote by Monday, Aug. 28. (NBC Bay Area)

Pets

The San Jose Animal Care Center is participating in the nationwide annual Clear the Shelters event this Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at 2750 Monterery Rd. and will waive adoption fees. There will be activities, resources, and appearances from Sharkie, Mayor Mahan, and more.

Arts

Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Tshaka Campbell is nearing the end of his two-year term and applications are now open for his successor. Apply through 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, and get all the details on SV Creates website. (The Mercury News)

Open

Stilo Barbershop recently opened at 1020 S. White Rd., Ste. B, and credits its success to the resources provided by the Latino Business Foundation of Silicon Valley (LBFSV). Chely, the owner of the shop, graduated from the Business Management for Small Businesses course from LBFSV.

Biz

San Jose Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Derrick Seaver has stepped down after two years in the role. This is the third Chamber CEO to leave within three years. There have been no details announced regarding filling the position. (Silicon Valley Business Journal)

Finance

Pro tip: Peek into finance experts’ wallets and you’ll see this card. Where to start with the perks? This card is one of the best with 0% intro APR for over a year, up to 5% cash back, and no annual fee. Learn more.*

Answered

And the mystery local is...

Guess the San Josean

Peep that old photo of Bob Schmelzer when he was a stunt double for “Back to the Future.” | Graphic by SJtoday staff

A couple weeks ago, we asked you to participate in our trivia series, “Guess the San Josean,” — a game where we give you 3-4 hints about influential leaders, business owners, artists, and other local movers and shakers in our community.

If you guessed Bob Schmelzer, you’re correct.

A few of you mistook the owner of Circle-A Skateboards and Coffee for legendary pro skateboarder Steve Caballero — a good guess, because Bob also dominated the local skating scene. After shredding around the country in the 1980s, he decided to set up shop in the town that gave him his start. Since 1997, Circle-A has been a staple for the skateboarding community + recently moved into a larger space in the SoFA District next to Mama Kin.

Shout out to readers Dennis K., Julie T., Jerry H., Jerry Y., Kerry P., Paul M., Debbie B., Jelene Q., and H.M. for answering correctly. 👏

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alyson

From the editor

My partner and I celebrated our anniversary dinner at the new Sushi Pro at 1078 Brokaw Rd. It’s still in its soft opening stages (so, no liquor license yet) but the omakase was delicious. It’s also really affordable for omakase — which usually start at ~$90 — offered at $50. I recommend for those wanting to try that dining experience.

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