Black Humor

 Michael Ian Black has fans of all kinds. There are the die-hard obsessive admirers of his early work with sketch comedy juggernaut The State, and casual fans of his Vh-1's I Love the [decade] commentaries. He is recognized as a lover of Sierra Mist, a celebrity poker enthusiast, and will soon be thrilling CW audiences as a gay demon in the series Reaper.

Now, fans of traditional stand-up comedy are sure to be delighted when Black performs with fellow State alum Michael Showalter at the House of Blues. The pair is supporting two new comedy CDs: Black's I am a Wonderful Man and Showalter's Sandwiches and Cats. Black tells a Washington blog, "It seemed like a scary thing to do. And I'm attracted to scary things, like lions. Or going into outer space would be scary. But stand-up was more available to me, so I decided to try it." Get ready for a new breed of Michael Ian Black fan. Michael Ian Black performs with Michael Showalter 8p.m. Thursday at the House of Blues, 2200 N Lamar St. Tickets are available for $20. Call 214-978-BLUE or visit hob.com.
Thu., Jan. 17, 8 p.m., 2008