Comedy - A guide to the first annual Red Clay Comedy Festival

A breakdown of over 20 shows, six venues, and over 50 comedians

Atlanta has long had a booming comedy community thanks largely in part to its emerging alternative scene. A city that saw only two open mics six years ago now is home to three clubs, and over 40 independent nights and showcases which have helped young comedians get the workout they needed to go on get TV spots, release albums, and more. The DIY spirit continues this month with the Red Clay Comedy Festival, Atlanta’s it’s first alternative comedy festival. Former ATLiens, and current New York comedians Gilbert Lawand and Mike Albanese and producer Rebecca Trent are bringing over 50 comics to town for three nights of shows spread out over six venues. The inaugural event is not joking around (figuratively speaking, of course), and boasts an incredibly impressive line-up filled with nationally touring acts, such as Sean Patton, Nick Vatterott, Ryan Singer, Bonnie McFarlane, Reformed Whores; former Atlanta favorites Rob HaZe, Shalewa Sharpe, Andy Sandford, Joe Zimmerman, Noah Gardenswartz; as well some of the best local talents like Jarrod Harris, Kevin Saucier, Mike Kaiser, Paul Gallois, Paige Bowman, Samm Severin, and Ismael Loutfi.

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With three nights of fun scheduled, here’s what you need to know.

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The Headliners

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James Adomian

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Adomian is a stand-up comedian that’s known for his many, spot-on impressions. Recently, Adomian’s been taking his Bernie Sanders impersonation viral. In addition to the presidential hopeful, Adomian is known for his Jesse Ventura and Marc Maron impressions. His skills have landed him roles on “Conan,” “Kroll Show,” “Adventure Time,” “BoJack Horseman,” and “Comedy Bang! Bang!” Adomian has also performed stand-up on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” for which he was a finalist in 2010, “The Meltdown,” “John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show,” and more. Adomian’s headlining show will be held at the Village Theater Fri., Oct. 16, at 9 p.m.

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Eric André

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Not only does he have his own show, “The Eric André Show” on Adult Swim, Andre currently stars in the FXX series “Man Seeking Woman,” which will debut its second season this fall. Andre has appeared in numerous TV and film projects including “2 Broke Girls,” “Lucas Bros Moving Co.,” “Comedy Bang! Bang!,” Comedy Central’s “The Meltdown,” and the The Internship. André’s headlining show will be at Center Stage on Sat., Oct. 17, at 7 p.m.

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Rory Scovel

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Scovel is one of the biggest names in comedy thanks to his unpredictable and wildly silly style that makes his act, and every performance, truly unique. Scovel has performed on “Conan” three times, whether it’s in a full tuxedo accompanied by a pianist or with Jon Dore doing a skit. He has also performed on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” Comedy Central’s “@midnight with Chris Hardwick,” “The Meltdown,” and starred in his own half-hour special. Next, Scovel will play the role of President Goeffrey Quinn on TruTV’s newest sitcom, “Those Who Can’t,” which stars another Red Clay Performer, Adam Cayton-Holland. Scovel will headline a show at Center Stage on Sat., Oct. 17, at 10:30 p.m.

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Special Shows

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Andy Sandford’s Special Taping

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Former ATLien Andy Sandford made a name for himself down South as part of the Beards of Comedy and doing voice work on Adult Swim’s “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” Since moving to New York in 2011, Sandford has made a name for himself as a solo artist most recently earning his first late night set on “Conan” in the spring. Last year, Sandford recorded his first album at Star Bar’s infamous Monday night show, which was released via New Wave Dynamics to much critical acclaim. Now, the comedian is going back to the dive bar to tape his first live hour-special directed by Dave Willis. Opening the show will be fellow former ATL comedy staples Noah Gardenswartz, Shalewa Sharpe, fellow Beard Dave Stone, and the King of Star Bar, Rotknee Leete. Sandford’s taping will be the kickoff event, taking place Thurs., Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. at Star Bar.

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Ladie’s Night

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The uber-popular sketch show, Ladie’s Night, will host a special, Red Clay edition at the Village Theatre. Hosts Brian Emond, Zach Lamplugh, and Joel Ruiz introduced their sketch/stand-up hybrid show in January, inviting the comedy and film communities of Atlanta to submit unpublished sketches for viewing, with stand-up in between. The trio will screen some of their favorite sketches from the last year. There will also stand-up from Ryan Singer, who runs his own traveling sketch showcase Flip My Clip, Adam Cayton-Holland, as well as a few special, secret guests. Show will be held on Fri., Oct. 16, at 11 p.m.

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“My Wife Hates Me” Live Podcast Recording

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Comedian couple Bonnie McFarlane and Rich Vos bring their popular podcast, “My Wife Hates Me,” to town for a live recording. Both painfully honest and brutally funny, Vos and McFarlane give you a glimpse into their lives as they vent about the industry, everyday life, and each other. The duo will be recording at Village Theatre on Fri., Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.

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The Nasty Show

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The Village Theatre will host yet another special event on Saturday, the Nasty Show with Rich Vos. Vos will host this show that is, well, nasty. It’s a show that favors the dirty side of jokes and will be the last event of the fest, Sat., Oct. 17, at 12:30 a.m.

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The Venues

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The Drunken Unicorn

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This no-frills music venue in Poncey-Highland area will host three shows for the festival. The Drunken Unicorn holds 250-plus and will host one showcase on Thurs., Oct. 15, at 9 p.m., and two on Fri., Oct. 16, at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. You can catch such comics as Adam Cayton-Holland, Pat Dixon, and former ATLiens Rob Haze, Andy Sandford, Noah Gardenswartz, and Dave Stone.

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WonderRoot

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Everybody’s favorite sticker basement in Reynoldstown will open its doors for five shows throughout the festival. Normally the site of the very popular indie showcase, WonderComedy, Andrew Michael will host one show on Thurs., at 8 p.m., and two shows both Fri., and Sat. night at 8 p.m., and 10 p.m. The cozy basement will host Nick Vatterott (“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”), Nick Turner (“Late Night with Seth Meyers”), Sean Patton (“Conan,” “Best Bars in America”), former WonderComedy producer Jake Head, and more.

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The Hangar

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The huge DIY venue in Old Fourth Ward will host six shows throughout the festival. This bright green airplane hangar turned hipster performance space has opened its doors to many traveling acts and shows. In addition to hosting a weekly open mic every Thursday, the Hangar has hosted the likes of Ben Kronberg as well as the Nerdist podcast “Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction.” The Hangar will host one show Thurs., at 9 p.m., and two shows both Fri. and Sat. night, at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., that will feature such comics as Joe Zimmerman, Caleb Synan, Shane Torres, James Austin Johnson, Paul Gallois, and more.

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The Village Theatre

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This black box theatre is home to both improv, stand-up, and everything in between. Located in the Pencil Lofts near Georgia State campus, the theatre will host six events, three on Friday and three on Saturday night with comedians Bonnie McFarlane, Lisa Best, Kenny DeForest, Mike Kaiser, Paige Bowman, and more.