Few forms of entertainment elicit such fanatical, diverse opinions on what warrants the label of being "good" as comedy does. To this day, the mere mention of Andy Kaufman's name can set off a heated debate on whether "genius" or "talentless asshat" is more applicable, and the perceived injustice that the Freaks and Geeks fan club was dealt when network suits and critics downed one of Judd Apatow's earliest efforts still has teeth. All this... more ›

One of Austin's best-known solo performers is back in town. Through June 16th, Rob Nash performs College Freshman Year Sucks at the Vortex. His immensely successful shows feature him playing various characters inspired by his parochial, Texas upbringing. Continuing our monthly series on comedy performers, we talk to Rob about keeping characters straight, Lily Tomlin and the quality of a certain prop comedian's stash. How long have you been doing solo shows? Twenty years... more ›

FRIDAY [12] [art] The Furman Collective presents "Taking Back the West" at Bolm Studios (Opening 7-11pm, Through Sunday) (link) [music] Paul Green School of Rock - Austin Presents Funk and Reggae at RedRum ($10, 7pm) (link) [music] Blood on the Wall, Psychic Ills, My Education, Ume at Emo's (link) [music] Zykos, Quien Es Boom!, The Lemurs at The Parish Room (link) [music] Alejandro Escovedo at Waterloo (Free, 5pm) (link) [music] Steve Arceri CD release at... more ›

MONDAY [music, swing dancing] Paris 49 weekly set at the Continental Club, 6:30-8:30, No Cover! [music] The Wind-Up Bird, Dirty Projectors, Vuk, at Nat Baldwin at Emo's [lecture] LBJ School's Future Forum series hosts "Genocide: Personal Perspectives from Burundi". LBJ Library, 7pm TUESDAY [film] Jean Luc Godard's Breathless at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, presented by the Austin Film Society [film] Fast Times at Ridgemont High and American Graffiti at Paramount State Theatre (through Wednesday) [music]... more ›