Itâs only the third year of the Portland Queer Comedy Festival (PQCF), but itâs already beginning to feel like a local institution. For one thing, the fest keeps growing: Though theyâre sticking to last yearâs four days and five stages of programming, this year those stages are larger spots like the cavernous Rogue Eastside Pub and Kickstand Comedyâs new, bigger downtown theater.
The talent theyâre drawing is likewise impressive. Theyâve got Scott Thompson (Kids in the Hall), Nico Santos (Superstore, Crazy Rich Asians), DâLo (Looking, Transparent), and many more quality-as-hell queer comedians performing multiple shows. Four-day passes start at $70, which is a little steep, despite the value (thatâs good for 27 shows and an afterparty!), but many of the shows have one-off tickets as low as $12. So here are a few of promising picks:
Buddy Cole Monologues
This yearâs festival opens with two shows of Scott Thompsonâs Buddy Cole Monologues. Christ, what an opportunity. Thompsonâs coy, worldly alter ego Buddy Cole is like the gay Indiana Jones. Heâs lived a life of scandalous adventure, but instead of lecturing you about tribal customs, heâs opining on consulate etiquette and the benefits of traveling under an alias. This will sell out. (Wed July 17, 7pm & 9 pm, Curious Comedy, 5225 NE Martin Luther King, $25)
Corina Lucas: Skin Suit
A Mercury Genius of Comedy and second runner-up in last yearâs Portlandâs Funniest Person competition, Corina Lucas has been taking the city by storm with clever, fascinating sets about her experiences as a trans woman. Now sheâs taping her first comedy specialâan important moment in every comedianâs career. Show up and support (and shut up while theyâre rolling)! (Thurs July 18, 7 pm, Funhouse Lounge, 2432 SE 11th, $12)
All Jane Showcase
Speaking of awesome Portland comedy festivals, the annual All Jane Festival always has a great selection of women comedians and gives them their due: one hundred percent of the stage! This showcase features past All Jane favorites like the Irene Tu, Heather Thompson, and Belinda Carroll (who is also the co-founder of the PQCF). (Fri July 19, 6 pm, Funhouse Lounge, 2432 SE 11th, $12)
Disowned
Kickstandâs new downtown home is where Portlandâs most dangerous comedy and improv is currently being born, making it the perfect locale for the bone-chilling show Disowned. A group of very fine comedians (Mary Jane French, Max Eddy, and Dylan Carlino, to name a few) will perform and then receive feedback from their parents. (Sun July 21, 3 pm, Kickstand Comedy, 16 NW Broadway, $12)
Pitch, Please
Iâm a big fan of Portland comic artist Carolyn Mainâs weird and original card game Pitch, Please. The goal is to come up with film pitches based on random genres and tropes. Itâs fun/funny at home, but in the hands of actual comedians (like Kat Buckley and Jenna Vesper) this game sounds deadly hilarious. (Sun July 21, 5 pm, Ford Food & Drink, 2505 SE 11th, $12)
Festival Finale
The finale packs a lot of star power on one stage: Nico Santos, Pallavi Gunalan, Jen Kober (who you may remember for her wildly hilarious Snap Judgement story about a skydiving trip gone horribly wrong), and more help close out the festival, wringing whatever laughter is left from your chest. (Sun July 21, 8 pm, Funhouse Lounge, 2432 SE 11th, $17)