Top Standup Comics And Comedians In Philadelphia

Getting out for a good laugh is important soul food, especially in the winter when we have less daylight and may be trapped indoors more often. It also happens to be one of the more economical things to do in Philadelphia, since most comedy clubs have low-cost door fees in the $5-10 area, and it can be a nice change of pace from watching your favorite comic on TV. The Philadelphia area has bred some of the best known comics such as Bill Cosby, Kevin Hart, Tina Fey and Bob Saget.

Joe Conklin, Man of a thousand Voices
www.joeconklin.com

Conklin has been a beloved radio personality for over 20 years in the Philadelphia region. He is most well-known for his voices, imitating famous modern people such as Barack Obama and Charles Barkley. Conklin covers the world of sports and has had people falling out of their chairs with laughter over his impersonations of Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino. Conklin will be performing in various locations across the Philadelphia region.

Fergie's Pub With Doogie Horner
1214 Samson St.
Philadelphia, PA
Upstairs Hours: Alternate Tuesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Horner is most well-known for his time on television show "America's Got Talent," where he made the top 48 as the only comedian of the 2010 season. He performs at Helium Comedy Club and was declared "Philly's Funniest" in 2010. Horner has also written a new book, Everything is Explained Through Flow Charts and hosts "The Ministry of Secret Jokes" every other Tuesday upstairs in Fergie's Pub.

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Richard Harkaway, a comedian and urologist, is newer to the comedy scene and seems to be juggling two separate careers very well, though he says, "I admit, this one [comedy] is more exciting." Harkaway preforms new material in smaller NYC clubs, and then brings what is considered to be his best material to audiences here in Philadelphia. Harkaway can be seen at the Helium Comedy Club.

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Lawrence Killebrew At The Laff House
221 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 440-4242
www.laffhouse.com

Hours: doors open at 7:30, Show at 8 p.m.

Price: $5

Every Thursday at the Laff house is "Laff Therapy Thursdays," featuring local comic Lawrence Killebrew. Killebrew is a Philadelphia native who shares his own personal stories in a comedic act that always leaves audiences wanting more. He began his comedic career in 2004 and has been making people laugh and honing his craft at various clubs in the region ever since. The Laff house has been in business since 1985, when it was known as The Funny Bone. Many local and amateur comics have done shows here and continue to do so, and the club also features well-known comics.

Mike Hans AKA Dirty Diamond
http://www.facebook.com/dirtydiamond

Mike Hans is the frontman of the comedy parody band Dirty Diamond and is known for his raunchy lyrics to Neil Diamond songs. He also hosts events and parties in the city. Hans' variety of comic relief is for those who are not easily offended -- it's lightly masochistic and definitely a little hedonistic. Hans can be found serving up jokes and drinks at Copacabana, giving tours at Yards Brewery or on "Dirty Wasted Thursdays," a rock and roll, punk and adult show. Dirty Diamond has frequent giveaways that include adult toys and cheap drinks and is themed for adults-only fun.

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.