Milwaukee standup samplers

Like Autumn leaves, Milwaukee standup comedy comes in breath-taking variety – and seems to be everywhere you turn.

This week, for instance, you can experience Milwaukee standup comedy at any number of places, including:

  • Steve Breese is hosting the weekly Comedy Show Comedy Show Open Mic. If that sounds redundant, note that the forum requires original material “because ripping off other comedians is very, very unfunny.” Sign-up is at 8 p.m.; the show starts at 8:30 every Monday. It’s a place where veterans and wannabes alike get their chance to make the audience laugh. Like Autumn leaves, it’s free. And it’s at the Bremen Cafe, 901 E. Clarke St., in Riverwest.
  • Every Tuesday, Christopher Schmidt runs the Duck and Cover Comedy Hour. “If you can only make it to one comedy open mic in Bay View this week, make it this one,” Chris says “because it’s the only one!” Sign-up is at 8:30 p.m., with the first standup starting at 9. This open mic also is free. It’s at Frank’s Power Plant, 2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
  • On Friday, Oct. 17, at 8:30 p.m., you’ll get Milwaukee standup comedy worth paying for as the Caste of Killers Comedy Collective showcases four Milwaukee standup standouts with Los Angeles-based, nationally touring Vanessa Fraction. Tickets are here and just $7 or $10. The venue is downtown’s intimate Karma Bar & Grill, 600 E. Ogden Ave. Local talent will include:
    • Greg Bach
    • Damon Millard
    • Jason Hillman and
    • Kristen Toomey

Like Autumn leaves, it’s easy to take all this for granted and then wake up the next morning and kick yourself for not noticing and enjoying it all while you had the chance.