The official SXSW Comedy events got started Saturday night at Esther's Follies, kicking off with a "Doug Loves Movies" podcast double-header. Guests included Kid in the Hall Dave Foley, actors Kevin Pollak, Rainn Wilson, and Simon Pegg, writer Anthony Jeselnik, and filmmaker James Gunn. Later in the evening, two packed performances of Scott Aukerman's Comedy Death Ray show featured stand up sets by Foley and Pollak along with Michael Ian Black, Brett Gelman, Howard Kremer and Chris Hardwick. more ›

The lineup for the official SXSW Comedy festival was announced today, getting us amped for some homegrown talent (like Matt Bearden, Chris Cubas and former "Austin Stories" star Howard Kremer) alongside big names like John Oliver, Eugene Mirman, Michael Ian Black and Tig Notaro (the only lady-comic on the lineup). Highlights include Tom Lennon of "The State" and "Reno 911" (as well as a hilariously dark Twitter account), "Kids in the Hall" veteran Dave Foley, "Community" star and would-be Spiderman Donald Glover and "Super High Me" stand up Doug Benson. more ›

Joe Rogan is intimidating; not merely physically, but as an evangelist for stand-up comedy as a means of creative expression—as an art form. Rogan famously accused Carlos Mencia of stealing other comics’ material in an exchange that highlighted not just his physical stature but his wit and his dedication to the craft. Having been on the cast of NewsRadio, Rogan certainly has the credentials to back his convictions. We had a chit-chat with him earlier this week, in anticipation of his performance at the Cap City Comedy Club on December 30th and 31st. more ›