A pair of comedy profiles by Andy Gately

A reigning figure in the “alternative comedy” scene, Patton Oswalt has established himself as an indie rockstar of a new breed of stand-up that gigs at hipster dives as often as Chuckle Bucket’s. With an acerbic delivery and a social conscience, his work is as rife with esoteric pop culture references as classical allusions: few working comics can pontificate on the Dukes of Hazzard while simultaneously excoriating the presidential administration. A force of nature on stage, Oswalt continues to chart new comic terrain through an anarchic live show that employs his trademark felicity with words; his latest effort, My Weakness Is Strong (now on CD and DVD), showcases his highly literate brand of comedy that delights in skewering sacred cows and hecklers alike on the business end of his rapier wit.

“Zany,” “wacky” and “goofy” are often terms used to describe this Austin staple who now resides in L.A., but Chuck Watkins’ eccentric gags are a style all their own. A man of Monty Python-esque unpredictability who’s as adept at the art of the punchline as the pratfall, he seems as likely to squirt you with a plastic flower as he is to compose a salty novelty song about you on his baby accordion. On his first full-length comedy album, The Sophistimicated Wit of Chuck Watkins, Esquire, recorded at Capitol City Comedy Club, Chuck’s absurdist wit and madcap antics are given full reign, and the show abounds in inspired silliness and infectious wall-to-wall lunacy. Beyond the goofy pleasures of his screwball charm, a closer look at this loveable wag reveals a man of taste, class and infinite jest. Watkins will be appearing with Dan Cummins in Austin June 23rd-June 26th at Cap City.