Keeping them laughing and then some: The art of stand-up

As part of an art form intended primarily to make people laugh, stand-up comedy is peculiar in that it also brings awareness, and sometimes to an extent, pathos. But even then, stand-up comedy aims for a laugh.

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Stand-up comedy is very observational, with comedians getting their material from what's happening around them. Their stories can be about their personal experiences as "rednecks," like the ones Jeff Foxworthy and his cohorts in the Blue Collar Comedy Group tell, or "fish-out-of-water" whoppers like Russell Peters and Jo Koy, both children of immigrants, narrate. Jim Gaffigan, as another example, has made a career out of his insights on fatherhood and yes, Hot Pockets.

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Others, like George Carlin, Louis C.K., and Janeane Garofalo have used the stage to give their biting commentary on important issues like the sociopolitical state of the world. Topics like women's rights, race, world leaders, religion, fast food diets, and celebrities are fair game to comedians, who can come from either side of the coin.

Medical conditions have also been referenced by stand-up comedians. Maria Bamford, for instance, has talked about her bipolar disorder in a documentary series, while Tig Notaro notably spoke of her breast cancer and double mastectomy in a now-legendary set. These are difficult themes, for sure, but the shows have been critically-lauded and beloved by audiences.

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But stand-up comedy isn't always just a comedian standing onstage with a microphone. Some comics use props and music to enrich their acts like Steve Martin, who's been known to wear a fake arrow through the head and play the banjo. Demetri Martin gets musical too, with a harmonica and guitar combo at times, but he also switches it out with a giant notepad and pen to illustrate his off-kilter ideas.

The great thing about well-executed stand-up comedy is that audience will find something to relate to or think about, regardless if it's about "little world" or "big world" issues, to borrow George Carlin's categories, or even just about silly wordplay.  

Sample some of the funniest and freshest stand-up comedy acts around at Latitude 360's Latitude Live stage. Visit this website for show schedules and updates.