Ask Roulette
Bell House; 5/27 at 7:30 p.m.; 149 7th St., nr. Second Ave., Gowanus; 718-643-6510
This unique series where all participants have to answer a question from a stranger before they can ask a question of a stranger is usually held at Housing Works, but tonight they’re going big at the Bell House with guests Chuck Klosterman, Jay Smooth, W. Kamau Bell, and more—including, possibly, you.
Running Late With Scott Rogowsky
Littlefield; 5/28 at 8:30 p.m.; 622 Degraw St., nr. Fourth Ave., Gowanus; 718-855-3388
The comedy talk show format is so ingrained in Rogowsky, when he needed a roommate a few months ago, he even used it to interview potential cohabitation candidates. On this week’s killer lineup: Steve Buscemi, SNL’s Brooks Wheelan, Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg, and more, none of whom live with Rogowsky (we think).
Big Terrific
Cameo ; 5/28 at 8 p.m.; 93 N. 6th St., nr. WytheAve., Williamsburg; 718-302-1180
Still as big and terrific as ever, but these days show up to catch host Max Silvestri before his debut stand-up album, King Piglet, comes out next month so you can say you saw him when. Also show up for sets by Larry Murphy, Sabrina Jalees, Jason Saenz, and more.
Myq Kaplan
Union Hall ; 5/29 at 8 p.m.; 702 Union St., at Fifth Ave., Park Slope; 718-638-4400
For the release of his album and Netflix special Small, Dork, and Handsome, Kaplan’s (whom you may remember from his stint on Last Comic Standing) stacked the night with talented friends Todd Barry, Chris Gethard, Aparna Nancherla, Micah Sherman, Josh Gondelman, and Zach Sherwin.
Michael Ian Black
SubCulture New York; 5/31 at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.; 45 Bleecker St., nr. Lafayette St.; 212-533-5470
Author, famous talking head, and alumnus of cult troupes the State and Stella, and shows including Michael and Michael Have Issues, Michael Ian Black is a relative newcomer to the world of stand-up. See him flex his joke-telling skills, and be careful, all those with sensitive ears.
Welcome to Night Vale
The Town Hall ; 6/4 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.; 123 W. 43rd St., nr. Sixth Ave., 212-840-2824
If gothic, Twins Peak–esque humor is your thing, there are two chances to catch the live version of popular radio drama podcast.
StarTalk Live! with Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Eugene Mirman
The Beacon Theater; 6/5 at 8 p.m.; 2124 Broadway, nr. 74th St.; 212-465-6500
At the juncture of comedy, science, and miscellaneous pop culture is Star Talk Radio, the podcast hosted by super cool astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Eugene Mirman. See them in this live rendition of the show, with special guests Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., His Holiness The Gyalwang Drukpa and more. You may just learn something.