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NOW critics picks: Summer comedy

Just For Laughs’ fourth year here is clearly one of its best. Its gala series features some big guns, like comic’s comic Louis CK (July 10) and Important Things With Demetri Martin’s deadpan host (July 8). Parks And Recreation’s Aziz Ansari is so hot right now, the fest’s added a second show (both on July 9). Check out Comedy Central star Mike Birbiglia before he explodes (July 7 to 10). And the fest’s ALT Comedy lineup is a can’t-miss for those who like their laughs twisted Andy Kindler hosts, with special guest star Patton Oswalt.

There’s plenty of Canadiana, too, including Mark Little hosting the Homegrown Comics lineup (July 9), sketch from The Imponderables (July 8-10) and the world premiere of Stephen Harper: The Musical (July 8-10).

Runs July 6 to 11. hahaha.com.

Everyone likes to have a good time during Pride, and the laughter lineup at Buddies in Bad Times pretty much guarantees that. Andrew Johnston’s June 25 Bitch Salad Gives Back features Debra DiGiovanni, Elvira Kurt, Nikki Payne and a live version of the MTV hit 1 Girl, 5 Gays with a very special guest “girl.” Laura Landauer presents a gay-themed take on her Celine Dion impression in A New Gay (June 29). Proud Larrys reunites fab dyke comics Dawn Whitwell and (just back from the UK) Mae Martin (June 30). And the final Pride weekend blowout, Homo Night In Canada, celebrates its 10th edition with the B-Girlz, Kristen Becker, David Tomlinson and others (July 3). 416-975-8555.

Regular comedy clubs slow down during the summer, but one place to catch them is the Fringe Festival (see also Free sidebar). This year’s impressive slate of funny people includes sketch troupes Death Ray Cabaret and Asiansploitation, 2-Man No-Show-2 (sequel to former sellout show) and a troupe of three former Second City members who are cheekily calling their show Pick Of The Fringe! (a reference to the Fringe’s bestselling shows at each venue). June 30 to July 11. fringetoronto.com.

If you’ve ever seen a comic die onstage, you’ll love Neil Hamburger, the profusely sweating, awkward, throat-clearing stage persona of Gregg Turkington. His fascinating meta-act has gained him tons of followers on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and Tom Green Live and must be seen to be believed. June 11 to 12 at the Comedy Bar. comedybar.ca.

With 150-plus shows at the Fringe, it’s hard to decide what to see. Besides the Fringe comedy picks elsewhere on this page, check out the Fringe Club’s free nightly shows. The lineup includes Bad Dog Theatre’s Theatresports comics (July 1 and 9), 10,000 To Flight (Mark Andrada and Julie Dumais) (July 2), Fringe faves the Williamson Playboys (July 7) and more. Earlier each night there’s something called the Art Wank, where anyone can get up onstage for 30 minutes. Just pray no one takes the word “wank” literally. Free. Honest Ed’s parking lot. fringetoronto.com.

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