ROBERTO'S CASUAL PICKS #8

Website: www.vic-comedy.com

  By day, this fellow drives a school bus on Staten Island. But by night, watch out: a comedic madman is unleashed. Vic Dibitetto has fast become one of comedy's hottest and most in-demand talents today with his unrelenting views on society and the world today. He bellows out his experiences in situations such as driving, his dysfunctional relationship with his wife and kids, and growing up to be the Italian that he is. In the last year his star has risen tremendously (largely thanks to that "Bread & Milk" YouTube video you may have heard of - thanks, Superstorm Sandy) and he has become more and more sought after by several top venues (and is even starting to land himself some upcoming film roles), but come on, let's be real: 30+ years of stand-up is really nothing to sneeze at, either (and that should be getting some recognition in my opinion). Also an avid maker of many humorous vignettes (which you can check out on his YouTube channel), there is plenty of comedy to appreciate and enjoy from the grizzled "Donkey of Comedy". You really need to see him tear it up on stage (and definitely more than once would be my recommendation) when he plays at a venue nearest you. (But be warned: don't procrastinate when it comes to getting tickets for his shows or else you WILL miss out. Don't say I - or really, he - didn't warn you.) How long you gonna wait to see him?

  Next appearances:

  Saturday, May 17th, 8PM Comedy Night at the Fairways Dunwoodie Golf Course (www.fairwaysdunwoodie.com) 1 Wasylenko Lane Yonkers, NY 10701 Tickets: $40

 Friday, June 20th, 8PM (doors at 6PM) Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails (www.aquablurestaurant.com) 3410 Route 37 East Toms River, NJ 08753 Tickets: $25 (includes dinner buffet & show)

 Saturday, June 21st, 9PM Jesters Comedy Club (www.jesterscomedyclubny.com) 109 Brookside Avenue Chester, NY 10918 Tickets: $20

2) RC Smith Twitter: @rcsmithkicksass Website: www.rcsmithkicksass.com

  RC Smith is a true example of crowd-pleasing comedic energy. Known for being the warm-up comic for shows including The Rachael Ray Show and, currently, The Chew, he works clubs all across the land with his special blend of sharply random observations and witty crowd work. If you're in the crowd for one of his shows - well, guess what, you're very much a part of his show already. This man likes to work the crowd and bring out the funny based on who they are and what he's asking of them. If crowd work makes you feel nervous, then he may not be your most ideal act, but it's really all in good fun, especially if you've got a thick-enough skin to take it. All told, he is someone you should check out sometime, and you'll see why a good crowd makes for a memorable show by him. Prepare to become part of the hilariousness when this man takes the stage!

Next appearances:

May 9th-10th (9PM each night) The Comedy Cove at Scotty's Steakhouse (www.scottyssteakhouse.com) 595 Morris Avenue Springfield, NJ 07081 Tickets: $17

June 27th-28th Governor's Comedy Club (govs.govs.com) 90 Division Avenue Levittown, NY 11756 Tickets: Starting at $15

3) The Vigilante Twitter: @TheVigilanteNYC Website: rebeccavigil.wordpress.com/the-vigilante-improvised-comedy-band/

Off-the-wall humor comes in all forms, especially in musical form. One of the prime examples of laugh-out-loud melodics is this three-piece NYC-based collective known as the Vigilante. Brilliant-minded singer Rebecca Vigil (@rebecca_vigil) and her crafty cohorts (including a human drum machine) stay true to the band's goal: "We sing jokes", and trust me, there are plenty. Whether it's their own written material or done on the spot (that's right, they can also do completely improvised tunes based off your suggestions), you are in for one musically-charged wild ride of merriment! Come see The Vigilante in action and enjoy some music to go along with that big plate of humor you'll be feasting on!

Next appearances:

Last Wednesday of each month, 8PM Rifftown The Creek and the Cave (www.creeklic.com) - Upstairs Theatre 10-93 Jackson Avenue (at Pulaski Bridge) Long Island City, NY 11101 No cover charge

(For other dates, follow The Vigilante on Twitter and/or like them on Facebook)

About Roberto C. Tobar

Roberto Tobar is a lifelong comedy fan looking to give back to the comedy community after all the contributions it has made to his life. He shows up wherever he can, whenever he can, and sometimes you just may not expect it! With a powerful passion for laughter and a flair for comedy photography in tow, he is not your average comedy fan. You can read more of his comedy views at: http://robertoscomedyviews.tumblr.com.