Paul F. Tompkins at Cap City Comedy Club

It is not too-terribly-often that we get a really big name in comedy here in Austin. Maybe half-a-dozen shows a year. This is one of them.

Paul F. Tompkins, of Mr. Show fame, is at our favorite comedy venue in town, the Cap City Comedy Club, through Saturday night. And his dry and acerbic wit will leave you howling. Don't let the feaux-smug and buttoned-down demeanor fool you, this guy is wild and not to be missed. You may also know Tompkins from his segments on "Real Time With Bill Maher," one of those rare situations where the featured character on a show is better than the host. He has also been in a handful of movies and has had his own successful and hilarious one man show "Driven to Drink." Tompkins' half-hour Comedy Central stand-up was recently voted the best in the channel's history. You getting the point? This guy is a comedians' comedian and is very highly regarded throughout the industry.

And, apparently, we should be somewhat honored that Tompkins has deemed us worthy of an appearance, as he usually stays out in LA where the work is more steady and the weather is always perfect. But Tompkins apparently really digs Austin.

In a conversation with the Statesman he said, "I don't tour much, because I like to have fun for a living. Most of the time, touring isn't fun, but Austin is one of the few places I make the exception for. The people are great, really friendly, smart and sharp. I just love it."

Good on ya, Paul.

Paul F. Tompkins
Cap City Comedy Club
Thursday @ 8pm ($9)
Friday & Saturday @ 8pm and 10:30pm ($12)
Tickets (here) or Call 467.2333