Dynamite Comedy Picks In The Northwest Aug. 18th

It's time for your weekly guide to all the funny folk taking the stage this week in Washington, Oregon and -why not - Idaho. There are some promising up-and-comers, a few famous faces, and a DryBar sensation.

If I had to choose only one of these shows, I would go see Laurie Kilmartin in Seattle. The longtime stand-up and Conan staff writer ought to be a household name. Beat-for-beat, minute-to-minute, she's one of the funniest comics working. More on her killer comedy below.

Disclaimer: Clips are provided so you can make an informed decision before you buy tickets, but they are NSFW, so use your noggin'. Neither we, nor Beyonce, are responsible if you lose your job.

Adam Conover

Adam Conover three seasons on TruTV debunking false impressions and trends on Adam Ruins Everything. He recurred on the adult-targeted animated series Bojack Horseman, and he did a docuseries called "The G Word" for President Obama's production company, which is streaming on Netflix. This week in the Northwest, Adam will ruin everything, except your evening.

Spokane Comedy Club, August 18th - 20th
Tacoma Comedy Club, August 21st

Adam Tiller & John Gard (co-headliners)

Adam Tiller hails from my old stomping grounds of Everett, Washington. You'll find him performing all over the Northwest, in clubs and festivals. You'll find his shows to be interactive, as Tiller engages the audience with whatever is on his - and their- minds. He also hosts the Fadam & Friends podcast.

John Gard was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to a dairy farmer. He has a bachelors degree in political science, and was the 75th Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly. Wait... You know what? That's a totally different John Gard. But that's the only bio I could find, so... Watch the video above and call it good. He's co-headlining with Adam Tiller in Seattle's U-District this week.

Laughs Comedy Club, Seattle, August 18th.

Don "DC" Curry

You know Don "DC" Curry from his film roles, like Next Friday, and TV shows such as Grace Under Fire. He's been doing stand-up for 30+ years, so he knows how to tickle your funny-bone.

Tacoma Comedy Club, August 18th -20th

Jeff Allen

Jeff Allen's 300 million DryBar viewers can't be wrong - this guy is funny! You've seen him om America’s Got Talent, HBO, Comedy Central, VH-1, Showtime, and possibly your Ring Doorbell. From his bio: Jeff finds "humor in everyday family life, the ups and downs of marriage, the challenge of raising children, the bliss of the empty nest (followed by the unexpected returns to said nest) and the joys of being a grandparent."

Helium Comedy Club, Portland, August 20th

Hari Kondabolu

Hari Kondabolu sparked a global conversation, and change on The Simpsons TV series, with his documentary "The Problem with Apu." Chris Rock gave Kondabolu his own FX TV series, "Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell." There have been comedy specials (Netflix), best-of lists (Time magazine), and he's a regular panelist NPR's game show "Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me." There's more, but honestly, who has time?

Helium Comedy Club, Portland, August 18th - 20th.

Jordan Cerminara

Jordan Cerminara delivers smart, funny comedy for the digital age. When he's not telling jokes in front of an audience IRL, his CG avatar is putting the happy in Virtual Happy Hours. The dude has creativity to spare, so check out all his projects here, and check him out at the most affordable comedy night in Washington.

Grizzly Bar Comedy Club, August 18th

Laurie Kilmartin

Laurie Kilmartin is a fearless, edgy Emmy-nominated comedian who wrote for Conan all ten years of his TBS series. Her book "Shitty Mom" was a New York Times best-seller. She turned the loss of her father into the acclaimed stand-up special, 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad. Yes, she's dark, but she's hilarious. I can't recommend seeing her enough. If you can't make it, buy or stream her new album here.

Laughs Comedy Club Seattle, August 19th - 20th

Rio Hillman

Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in nearby Wisconsin, Rio Hillman has been entertaining audiences on both coasts for over a decade. This weekend he brings his midwestern charm to Richland before a tour of Idaho.

Honky Tonk Bar & Restaurant, Golden Dale - August 18th
Joker's Comedy Club, Richland - August 19th & 20th
Bobbi's Bar and Grill, Plummer, ID - August 21st

There you have it, another full week of laughs in the Northwest. In my opinion, comedy gives you the best bang for your entertainment dollar, so go get you some.