Scott Aukerman's Comedy Bang! Bang!, formerly Comedy Death-Ray, has gone from local podcast to Upright Citizens Brigade staple, eventually winding up — like most subversive comedy these days (Louis C.K., Eric Andre, Key and Peele) — on TV. On IFC, Aukerman (writer on Mr. Show with Bob and David, and director of Funnyordie.com's hilarious Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis — invites big-name comics and actors like Ben Stiller, Jon Hamm and Patton Oswalt, in addition to in-character regulars (Tom Lennon as a French sommelier, Bob Odenkirk as a bird-caller). He's the anti-talk show host, so rather than have his guests plug their latest, crappy rom-com or caper flick, Aukerman engages them in nonsensical chit-chat, as well as some surreal skits, often involving co-host/bandless bandleader Reggie Watts. (Have you seen the one of Watts done entirely from his mother's womb? Pure comedy cubic zirconia.) Here's a guy whose big TV break has come — we can feel it in our funny bones. In the meantime, catch Comedy Bang! Bang! Live! on tour, featuring stand-up, returning characters and improv, plus Adam Scott, Nick Kroll, Andy Daly, James Adomian, Tim Heidecker, Paul F. Tompkins and others who'll be taking up space on the blue couch. First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles, 2936 W. Eighth St.; Sat., Aug. 4, 7 p.m.; $23-$25. (213) 401-1190, ticketfly.com.

Sat., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., 2012

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