atsuko okatsuka – The Comedy Bureau

Pick of the Day: Nick and Andrew’s Hellscape 6/25

June 16, 2021

andrew michaan, atsuko okatsuka, chelsea peretti, comedy shows, dj douggpound, hannah einbinder, joe mande, kate berlant, la comedy, los angeles, nick thune, ron funches

Jam in a Van has been going for a minute in providing a unique outdoor comedy experience in a secret West LA location. On top of a DIY built, outdoor space, your ticket gets you and your party your own cooler of tasty refreshments (as opposed to waiting around to order two drinks).

Several different shows have come through and come through again in their space, but Nick and Andrew’s Hellscape, set for Fri. Jun. 25th, has one hell of a stacked line-up that could very well be a festival line-up if there were any big festivals happening this month. Chelsea Peretti, Ron Funches, Joe Mande, Hannah Einbinder, Atsuko Okatsuka, Kate Berlant, and hosts Nick Thune and Andrew Michaan are splitting an early show 7PM PT and a late show 9:30PM PT (not everyone will play both shows).

You really ought to not miss this show or, really, both shows if you can swing it. Ticket prices are as follows:

Regular Reserved: $35 (plus $2.50 handling fee)
($75 per pair).
VIP Premium seating and a Mr. Heater heater at your seat: $50 (plus $2.50 handling fee) ($105 per pair).

Go get your tickets as space is very limited for Jam in a Van here.

Pick of the Day: Vidiots Comedy Show Benefit 6/26

June 10, 2021

News

atsuko okatsuka, benefit show, dana gould, georgia hardstark, ify nwadiwe, mary elizabeth ellis, niccole thurman, vidiots

It was so exciting to hear that there was not only going to be a revival of the video rental institution that was Vidiots in Santa Monica all the way on the other side of LA county, but they were also going to open up a live theater in conjunction with it.

The pandemic hitting, of course, made us wonder what exactly was going to happen and if this dream new venue, ostensibly a Cinefamily for Eastiders was going to still be a reality.

Well, luckily, it’s still going to happen (the plan aims for a 2022 opening) and you can help that reality coming to fruition by attending a grand comedy show benefit hosted by two wondrous parts of two different generations of comedy in Atsuko Okatsuka and Dana Gould. Also, on the bill will be the great comedy stylings of Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Georgia Hardstark, Ify Nwadiwe, and Niccole Thurman.

Tickets are only $10 for a live-stream for this Vidiots Comedy Show Benefit set to go live on Sat. Jun. 26th at 7:30PM PT/10:30PM ET. Go get your tickets here.

Pick of the Day: Picture This! 6/23

May 28, 2021

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atsuko okatsuka, brandie posey, live animation, mike hollingsworth, mike l mayfield, naked comedy, picture this, rushtix, stand up comedy, virtual comedy

Yes, live in-person comedy is coming back. That doesn’t mean that worthwhile virtual comedy is going away. In fact, there still is and will be plenty of great shows to be viewed from anywhere so long as you’ve got Internet for a long time to come.

One such upcoming show is the always genuinely fantastic Picture This! that combines splendid animation and stand-up all into one, in real time. It has toured everywhere and featured both many of your favorite comedians and animators from your favorite animated series for years, both pre-pandemic and during lockdown.

This virtual edition of Picture This! is being presented by RushTix on Wed. June 23rd at 7:30PM PT/10:30PM ET. and is set to feature Mike Hollingsworth, Mike L. Mayfield, Bryan Brinkman, Victoria Montes, Rotimi Olowu, comedy from Atsuko Okatsuka, and host Brandie Posey and more! Honestly, as the screen will be shared, you’ll have a better shot of seeing what the animators are up to than you might have if you were sitting in the back in person.

Tickets are only $10 and you can (and should) go get them here.

Pick of the Day: The Good Good Laugh Show (Benefitting #STOPAAPIHATE) 4/29

April 26, 2021

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atsuko okatsuka, garron chiu, jes tom, julia shiplett, miss shu mai, stand up comedy, stop aapi hate, teresa lee

Sure, there’s an anti-Asian hate crimes bill making its way through Congress and two Asian women won Oscars last night, but that still doesn’t mean the fight against anti-Asian hate crimes is over. There was such an alarming rise of those hate crimes that are very well documented at this point that turning the tide is going to be a long and daunting fight.

So, supporting orgs like #STOPAAPIHATE are crucial to making long, lasting sustainable change and thus enjoying comedy shows benefitting such orgs is a great way to do just that. That’s part of why you should check out The Good Good Laugh Show live-stream that’s raising money for #STOPAAPIHATE this Thurs. Apr. 29th at 7PM PT/10PM ET.

The other part of why you shouldn’t miss out here is that it has a fantastic line-up of Asian and Pacific Islander comedy and drag acts including:

ATSUKO OKATSUKA
GARRON CHIU
JES TOM
JULIA SHIPLETT
MISS SHU MAI
& host Teresa Lee!

Get your tickets for $15 for The Good Good Laugh Show right here.

Pick of the Day: Laughs for LLS 4/18

April 14, 2021

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atsuko okatsuka, brad wenzel, debra digiovanni, fundraiser, kimberly clark, leukemia lymphoma society, mk paulsen, Troy Walker

A line-up of Debra DiGiovanni, MK Paulsen, Kimberly Clark, Atsuko Okatsuka, Troy Walker, Brad Wenzel, and hosts Lynn Maleh and DJ Paul Antonio is such a fantastic, wide-ranging, hysterical collection of comedians from wire-to-wire that’s very much worth good money, end of story. Just take our word for it if you’re worried about what their “credits” might be.

This coming Sunday, April 18th, you’ll get a chance to see this crackling line-up from wherever you are during this pandemic and you get the added bonus of supporting the critical work of the LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) that has been fighting blood cancer around the world since 1949 via Chelsea Derkacz’s Woman of the Year Fundraiser.

Laughs for LLS will go live on Sun. Apr. 18th at 5PM PT/8PM ET. Tickets are going for $20 and you can (and very much should) go get them here.

Pick of the Day: Border Aid (Humanitarian/Legal Aid Benefit) 3/20

March 19, 2021

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al otro lado, aparna nancherla, atsuko okatsuka, border aid, chris estrada, christina catherine martinez, opey olagbaju

The issue immigration is yet another pre-pandemic problem (that never really went away) that’s creeping back into the news cycle as things rush to reopen in America. All the organizations that give humanitarian and legal aid to immigrants that are facing separation from their families and deportation due to broken immigration policies are also still alive and well and, coupled with that, are the comedy benefit shows that support said orgs.

This Sat. Mar. 20th at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET, Border Aid will be one such fantastic live-stream comedy show that will be raising money for Al Otro Lado and all the crucial work their do for immigrants and the undocumented. The line-up is filled with comedy’s finest to offer their comedy wares in support and solidarity.

That includes: Aparna Nancherla, Chris Estrada, Atsuko Okatsuka, Christina Catherine Martinez, and Opey Olagbaju. Maddie Connors graciously hosts.

Donations are being accepted for Al Otro Lado here, and details and access to the live-stream can be found here. Do some good and enjoy some really, really good comedy this weekend.

Pick of the Day: Empower HER Presents-Comedy For Education 3/10

March 3, 2021

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atsuko okatsuka, danielle perez, emma willmann, Erica Switzer, lmu, Malorie Bryant, teresa lee

Whether it’s Women’s History Month or not, the importance to providing a supportive pen pal program, women’s health workshops, and menstrual hygiene products to communities in need around the world cannot be overstated.

So, it’s pretty grand that Loyola Marymount University’s student org Empower HER is presenting a comedy benefit live-stream that will give such support to the Belize Rural High School. It’s a worthy, worthy cause as is the line-up that they’ve assemble for a pretty, fantastic evening of virtual stand-up.

That’ll include the comedy stylings from some of the funniest comics from every part of the country such as Malorie Bryant, Erica Switzer, Teresa Lee, Danielle Perez, Atsuko Okatsuka, and Emma Willmann.

Empower HER Presents-Comedy for Education is set for stream Wed. Mar. 10th at 7PM PT/10PM ET for a $5 suggested donation. Go donate and get tickets here.

Pick of the Day: Valentine’s with Yassir 2/12

February 9, 2021

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adam pally, al corado, atsuko okatsuka, blair socci, chelsea devantez, chris garcia, christina catherine martinez, garrick bernard, jon gabrus, madison shepard, paul scheer, yassir lester

Believe it or not, there are actually a lot of great choices for comedy live-streams for this Valentine’s Day weekend. Even though that’s the case, one of the best line-ups just also happens to be a fundraiser for a crucial LA City Council.

Truly progressive candidate Al Corado is running to unseat District 13 incumbent Mitch O’Farrell on a platform of defunding the police, housing all unhoused people in Los Angeles, and in a Green New Deal. To raise money for his campaign, the hysterical and one of the all-time-best on Twitter Yassir Lester will be leading of a stellar line-up of:

Blair Socci
Atsuko Okatsuka
Adam Pally
Paul Scheer
Jon Gabrus
Garrick Bernard
Madison Shepard
Chris Garcia
Christina Catherine Martinez
Chelsea Devantez

See how stacked that is? If you’re going in on one comedy live-stream this weekend, this should be one of your top choices if not your top choices.

Valentine’s with Yassir is set for Fri. Feb. 12th at 8PM PT/11PM ET. Tickets start at $5 and go up to $500+. Go get tickets here.

For more information on Al and his campaign, visit ALforLA.com.

Pick of the Day: Normalize Everything 1/30

January 21, 2021

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atsuko okatsuka, byron bowers, jibz cameron, katy french, mental health, normalize everything, sadia azmat, valerie tosi

Some people felt a modicum of relief yesterday as Biden got sworn in as POTUS, but the wounds and scars we’ve endured (and are going to very likely going to continue to endure) need to heal (especially in regards to mental health).

Thus, a comedy live-stream on mental health, specifically great comedians sharing their lives that they’ve lead with parents with mental illness might be something pretty perfect for right now. Atsuko Okatsuka is hosting yet another Normalize Everything that is exactly that, thanks to mental health org Painted Brain.

This round will feature another grand line-up that includes Byron Bowers, Jibz Cameron, Valerie Tosi, Sadia Azmat, and Katy French.

Normalize Everything is set to stream on Sat. Jan. 30th at 7PM PT/10PM ET. All you have to do is RSVP for live-stream access and you can (and should) do that right here.

Pick of the Day: Normalize Everything 12/19

December 16, 2020

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atsuko okatsuka, benefit show, comedy fundraiser, jeena bloom, johan miranda, kazu kusano, maddie connors, mental health

With or without a pandemic, the issue of mental health is so vitally important and yet, even after all the progress that has been made over the last few years, is still not regarded seriously enough. With COVID-19 still keeping us so isolated, more so than most of us have ever been, the importance of one’s mental health has become more glaringly clear.

So, along those lines, wonderful LA based comedians Atsuko Okatsuka and Maddie Connors are hosting a special benefit show, NORMALIZE ANYTHING, that will raise money for for Painted Brain, a marvelous LA based mental health org.

Joining Atsuko and Maddie will be the very special comedic stylings of Jeena Bloom, Johan Miranda, and Kazu Kusano (FYI, they are all comics whose parents suffer from mental illness and are perfect for a show such as this).

RSVP, donate, and tune in to NORMALIZE EVERYTHING this Sat. Dec. 19th at 7PM PT/10PM ET.

Let’s Go Atsuko Picked Up at Quibi as Series via National Lampoon

March 2, 2020

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atsuko okatsuka, let's go atsuko, national lampoon, quibi

Let’s Go Atsuko Picked Up at Quibi as Series via National Lampoon

For quite some time, we’ve been hoping that the charming, whip-smart Atsuko Okatsuka would get to host her own show on TV.

She has more proven her mettle as a host of a viable TV series format with Let’s Go Atsuko!, a “woke Japanese game show”, both as a podcast and a live stage show. The trivia series explores the complexities of social cues in this day and facing fears all while being as silly as possible.

So, since partnering up with the new and improved National Lampoon, Atsuko has gotten a series order at Quibi for Let’s Go Atsuko, which is probably the perfect thing for the 10 minutes or less, mobile only format.

Again, we’re mostly excited that Atsuko is getting her own TV (albeit, non-traditional) show.

February 25, 2020

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andres du bouchet, atsuko okatsuka, candice thompson, club tee gee, eddie pepitone, frankie quinones, jay larson, kevin avery, matt mccarthy, peacock, steph tolev, subhah agarwal, year anniversary

This Thursday, it will have been a year since Peacock started prancing around Club Tee Gee over in the lovely part of LA known as Atwater Village. In that time, it has quickly grown into a neatly packed and produced, tight stand-up show that has become a neighborhood (and LA) favorite on Thursday nights. Going for an entire year, especially when you’re maintaining a high quality show every week is incredibly difficult and deserves a nod of admiration (in person at this week’s show preferably)

So, join host Kiran Deol and a very, very special, extra stacked line-up all for the always nice price of a $5 suggested donation to celebrate Peacock’s One Year Anniversary.

Please Get Atsuko Okatsuka’s Delightful Debut Album “but i control me”

January 17, 2020

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atsuko okatsuka, comedy album, comedy dynamics, stand up comedy

Not only does Atsuko Okatsuka have a bottomless well of charm on stage, but there’s a self-awareness about her charm and her whole persona/being that ends up being even more charming somehow.

Atsuko has a fascinating story of coming to America, some of which finds its way on this debut album, but i control me, making for a very intriguing listen for that alone. Also, she has very, very clever observations through her unique Asian-American immigrant lens, nimbly told with an undeniably fun delivery.

Undoubtedly, this debut album is a very good sign of what’s to come (even after Okatsuka already has very enjoyable body of work)

Get but i control me from Comedy Dynamics on Fri. Jan. 17th on Apple Music, Amazon, and Pandora here.

The backroom of the Blue Rooster Art Supplies was poised to be the heir apparent to Nerdmelt @ Meltdown. Alas, such a fate was not to come to pass as construction and expansion will prohibit the space from being a live venue.

Thus, Faded, On Deck, live tapings of All Fantasy Everything, and more will be moving on to a new home in the Mid City Arts Center next month.

However, before they go, they’re throwing a big farewell this Saturday in the form of an all female comedy marathon featuring 30 of LA’s best female comedians telling one joke. Signature Drink, another Blue Rooster show alum, and its hosts Courtney Karwal and Megan Gailey will be presiding over what should be quite the swan song.

Seriously, this would be a show that you shouldn’t miss without the whole prospect of a venue closing. As this is a living wake of sorts, it’s even more imperative that you enjoy yourself at a damn fine stand-up show.

Best get your tickets here quick.

June 5, 2019

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alice wetterlund, aparna nancherla, atsuko okatsuka, beth stelling, blair socci, caitlin peluffo, charla lauriston, eliza skinner, hollywood fringe festival, jamie lee, jc coccoli, los angeles, marcella arguello, natalie palamides, stand up comedy, women in comedy

It’s pretty clear as far as we can see: many of the best comedians in town will gather for an all female June every Friday at Sauce @ DeSano Pizza for the cleverly coined Pizza Coven.

Just like at that exquisite line-up that includes many of our personal favorites, folks who have been killing it on TV for years, legitimate nationally touring headliners, and more over the next four weeks and you’ll know that your Fridays should be spent at one of the best pizza joints in LA.

So, reserve your tickets here for a Pizza Coven already.

May 15, 2019

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album taping, atsuko okatsuka, comedy show, los angeles, macarthur park, stand up comedy, westlake

Atsuko Okatsuka (whose name we hope you’ve gotten acquainted with via Vulture’s Comedians You Should and Will Know list, her killing it on stages around town, and her recently announced development of her “woke Japanese game show” Let’s Go Atsuko) is recording a comedy album in town at Dynasty Typewriter at the end of the month.

Atsuko is definitely one of the comedians we’ve enjoyed see rise through the scene here over the years with her sharp observations, unique perspective, infectious charm.

So, please go to her album taping. Tickets are only $5 right now ($10 on day of) and you can get 7PM tickets here and 9PM tickets here.

Evan Shapiro Tasked with Reviving National Lampoon

May 6, 2019

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atsuko okatsuka, evan shapiro, national lampoon

Evan Shapiro Tasked with Reviving National Lampoon

The former head of Seeso, Evan Shapiro, has been appointed with the gargantuan task of reviving National Lampoon. The once heralded brand has switched several hands over the last few years and attempts to revive it to even some of its former glory have fallen short.

Shapiro curated quite the catalog of content, both originals and acquired, over at Seeso despite it being ultimately shuddered by NBC. Already, the adaptation of Let’s Go Atsuko (a woke Japanese game show) with Atsuko Okatsuka) into a series shows a bit of promise.

It’s yet another curious turn in the history of this brand and we’ll just have to wait and see what else Shapiro has up his sleeve that will hopefully reboot National Lampoon entirely.

The Las Culturistas podcast is coming back to LA for an early holiday gift! It’s another edition of I Don’t Think So, Honey! Live at The Regent Theater in DTLA. Dozens of LA’s best at throwing shade will get to put up a minute of their best rants on anything in culture. It’s honestly kind of a life changing experience.

In short, you better not miss this.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $22 at the door and you best snag your tickets up quick right here.

The rest of our listings for comedy shows, events, screenings, open mics, maps, and more can be found at www.thecomedybureau.com.

February 7, 2018

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atsuko okatsuka, hollywood, japanese game show, los angeles, meltdown comics, nerdmelt

Not only will this be a night of comedy starring the delightful Atsuko Okatsuka, it’ll also be done up like a “Japanese game show”.

Her guests include Rhea Butcher, Actress Ally Maki (TBS’s Wrecked), Kevin Yee (SF Sketchfest), Marlena Rodriguez (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and Jibz Cameron (Hammer Museum, MOCA).

You’ve probably seen Japanese game shows as dubbed or remade by Americans. Now, you can see a real one as done by a Japanese-American comedian (that’s also woke).

So, with that in mind, you should get your tickets here.

The rest of our listings for comedy shows, events, open mics, maps, and more can be found at www.thecomedybureau.com.

Happy Contest Time, which normally is a crazy stand-up “competition” judged by Japanese school girls, will go Canadian for Canada Day on July 1st. So, it will be a crazy stand-up “competition” judged by Canadian hosers that will feature:

Contestants:
The Puterbaugh Sisterz
Josh Fadem
James Fritz
Atsuko Okatsuka
TJ Chambers

Judges:
Aisha Alfa
Ely Henry
Kirsten Rasmussen

Hosted by Deborah Etta Robinson and Ever Mainard

You can (and should) get your tickets here.

The rest of our listings for comedy shows/events as well as open mics and maps are embedded at www.thecomedybureau.com.