See also: - Adam Cayton-Holland announces Denver comedy festival in August - How Bill Maher and Russell Brand helped me nurse a broken heart - Kristin Rand and Mara Wiles debut Moxie, a new sketch-comedy duo
10. Tom Wilson and John Crist at The Improv Remarkably good-natured about being known primarily as Biff the bully in the Back to the Future series (even though he doesn't include the credit in his publicity bio), comedian Tom Wilson has sustained a respectable standup and television career over the last three decades. And for all those with an arsenal of BTTF questions for the man who hates manure, he's composed a standard response in song form that can be seen in the video above.
July 11-14 at the Denver Improv. $15-$17. Check out the event page for more info.
9. Chris Charpentier mocks Teen Wolf Between Tom Wilson's upcoming performance, Crispin Glover's recent appearance at the Alamo Drafthouse and this comedy commentary by Michael J. Fox in Teen Wolf, Denver seems to be undergoing a serious need for a Back to the Future reunion. Until this century's Fox comes to town, you could do a lot worse than settling for Chris Charpentier delivering one-liners at this '80s throwback flick.
July 24 at The Alamo Drafthouse.
8. Ladies Night at Deer Pile: Jane's Addiction, Dishwater Blondes, Mara Wiles Named our Best New Community Space of 2012, Deer Pile is the premier destination for underground comedy in Denver. Beginning its new monthly series featuring Colorado's best female comediennes, Deer Pile will borrow Jane's Addiction (improvised Jane Austen) from its established perch at Voodoo Comedy Playhouse, along with fellow improv team Dishwaters Blondes and the indestructible Mara Wiles.8 p.m. Tuesday, July 2 at Deer Pile. See the event page for more info.
6 p.m. Thursday, July 11 on the roof of the Sie Film Center. Free. Go to the event page for more info.
6. Christopher Titus Insightful, challenging and darkly hilarious, Christopher Titus has become a somewhat unheralded force in twenty-first century comedy. After his critically acclaimed, autobiographical Fox comedy, Titus, was unjustly canceled due to friction with censors and network executives, this bombastic blonde has maintained a steady career with his devoted fans, releasing five comedy albums and establishing his place as a social humorist alongside greats like Louis C.K. and Marc Maron.
July 11-13 at Comedy Works South. $19-$27. Check out the event page for more info.
5. Fine Gentleman's Club at the 7/10 Cup The four comedians who comprise FGC (Sam Tallent, Bobby Crane, Chris Charpentier and Nathan Lund) have never tried to hide the fact that they are drop dead in love with marijuana. And with Denver quickly becoming one of the top destinations for cannabis festivals, it only makes sense that our biggest stoner comedians represent Colorado comedy. You can also check out FGC performing a second show on July 13 and its new music and standup show at the Meadowlark.
July 13 and 14 at EXDO Event Center.
What am I holding? by rooftopcomedy
4. Dairy Center Women's Comedy Night
There are some very gruff, testosterone-driven comedians on this list, but July also features many of the best funny females that Colorado has to offer. The Dairy Center, Boulder's newest and most consistent comedy venue, will present indomitable comics Jodee Champion, Christie Buchele, Mara Wiles, Kendra Thompson, with Jil Chrissie as the night's emcee.
8 p.m., Saturday, July 13 at The Dairy Center. $10. Visit the event page for more information.
3. Greater Than Social Club with Troy Walker If you haven't been down to Comedy Works to see Troy Walker opening up for some of the biggest touring acts, this really needs to go to the top of your list. One of Denver's rising stars in the comedy scene, Walker crushed with his saucy take on "The Raven" at last month's Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction show. Joining the Parlor Pickers at Andrew Orvedahl's monthly comedy/music double bill, Troy Walker is sure to kill with his pop-culture observations and unique take on "being black in Colorado."
8 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret, $10. Go to the event page for more info.
2. Bill Burr While many stand-ups will mock the weird behavior of outside cultures, Bill Burr's set often confronts issues of marriage, gender and culture that the audience can relate to -- because he's often criticizing the very things they engage in. Without intellectualizing these subjects, Burr has a hometown, everyman presentation that goes a long way toward relaxing an audience, making them first think, then hate themselves, then fall over laughing.
7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday, July 29 at the Boulder Theater, $32. See the event page for more info.
1. Kyle Kinane The incredibly gruff and understated Kyle Kinane has developed a Bukowski-like character that delivers insightful, vulnerable material to contrast with his blue-collar appearance and presentation. Named one of Variety's "Ten Comics to Watch" in 2010, Kinane has been blowing up on comedy podcasts, festivals and television -- and if you miss him this time around, you can catch him headlining Denver's High Plains Comedy Festival this August.
July 11-14 at Comedy Works. $15-$23. Check out the event page for more info.
For more comedy commentary, follow me on Twitter at @JosiahMHesse.
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