courtesy of SF Sketchfest

I’m the first one to denounce stand-up comedy. It’s not that I don’t like to laugh or smile for fear of wrinkle lines—and it’s not that I have a problem with two drink minimums. It’s just that most of the time, stand-up comedy feels like a really uncomfortable date with no escape route and the danger that if I do try to leave, someone will make fun of me on my way out the door. That said, SF Sketchfest is an exception to the rule. It’s kinda like when I visited the Guinness factory while I was in Dublin: I never ever drink Guinness and magically, by the end of the tour, it was the only drink I was interested in imbibing. This year’s Sketchfest has an equally appealing—dare I say, intoxicating—appeal.

The opening night show at Mezzanine this Thursday features comedians Paul F. Tompkins, Todd Barry and Rhys Darby (“Murray” from HBO’s Flight of the Conchords), hosts Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Shaal (“Mel” from Flight of the Conchords) and a performance by Aimee Mann. Personally, I’m hoping the setlist swings from Save Me to a very special cover of “Are You Into It?”, dedicated to the FOTC cast members who will be in attendance. A girl can dream. Check sfsketchfest.com for the full lineup, which also includes Rob Corddry, a Freaks and Geeks reunion and musician John Vanderslice.