By Peter Lindblad
February is for lovers and groundhogs, apparently.
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, and Punxsutawney Phil has already had his day in the sun. Just think what that little varmint could do with more advanced meteorological equipment. Maybe he could solve climate change.
Wouldn’t you know it? He’s predicting six more weeks of winter. Jimmy the Groundhog, in Sun Prairie, sees things differently. Like all weather experts, both are probably dead of winter wrong. The cold, the ice and the snow are likely to hang around for a while.
The best way to get through it is with laughter, and there are some hilarious stand-up comics headed to Wisconsin this month to provide their own special brand of therapy.
Comedy on State – Madison
Roy Wood Jr. (Feb. 11-12) – Trevor Noah’s righthand man on “The Daily Show,” Roy Wood Jr. is a bit of a grump, but that’s just part of his low-key charm. His smooth, disarming ease is the spoonful of sugar that makes the medicine go down, as Wood Jr. delivers unabashed, thought-provoking comedy about race and politics, confronting difficult issues with a likability that defuses while offering leftfield observations on everyday life that really hit home. Wood Jr. is a podcaster, producer, actor, and writer, as well as a comic. Check out his latest Comedy Central special “Imperfect Messenger” to see what all the fuss is about. Here’s a smorgasbord of Wood Jr. clips to sample: https://www.roywoodjr.com/comedy-videos
Skyline Comedy Club – Appleton; Lyric Room – Green Bay
Kristin Key (Feb. 11-12, 14 at the Skyline, Feb. 10 at the Lyric Room) – Timing is everything with the quick-witted Kristin Key, one of the most beloved comedians from Season 4 of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” She seems nice at first, but don’t let the innocent exterior fool you. Her blend of music and comedy is sharp, with brilliant storytelling as the cherry on top of this sweet sundae of hilarity. Give her Dry Bar special “Kristin Key: Crafty” a whirl and get familiar with her podcast “Kristin Knows Blank.” Here’s some of that good stuff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-tSzZVH5sk
JP Sears (Feb. 17-19) – In the market for a life coach? JP Sears is not just a funny comic, but he’s also a self-help guru who’s out to heal the masses and encourage spiritual growth among his followers. Sears is a YouTube sensation, author, speaker and podcast host of “The Awaken with JP Sears Show.” Better jump on those tickets. Of his seven scheduled shows at the Skyline, six are already sold out. Here’s Sears at work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79zra755WgA
Milwaukee Improv (Milwaukee)
Eddie Ifft (Feb. 20) – Underestimate Eddie Ifft at your own risk. The unapologetically raw, politically incorrect Ifft isn’t for the faint of heart or easily offended, but he’ll elicit boatloads of cringe-worthy belly laughs. Let’s play truth or dare with this clip of Ifft in his element: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzLNryz9xGE. And, as a bonus, you get the saucy, sarcastic Joe Praino as an opener. How’s that for a BOGO.
The Laughing Tap (Milwaukee)
Chris Barnes (Feb. 25-26) – Batten down the hatches, Milwaukee. Here comes Chris Barnes, a tornado of nonstop joke telling, life experiences, hilarious facial contortions, and that big personality of his. He’s been on Showtime and Comedy Central, as well as the “Bob & Tom Radio Show.” And he’s coming to knock you out. Get a taste: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpooAXk0clw