You wouldn't necessarily think a mother's suicide would kick-start a career in comedy, but then Josh di Donato (pictured) isn't your typical standup kinda guy. Eight years and many, many shows later, he has funneled his skewed comedic sense into I'm Going Somewhere With This: A Monthly Storytelling Show. Thanks to the success of NYC's TheMoth.org, something of a story-telling revival has been taking place; as di Donato says, “We all know 'reality TV' is as authentic as pro wrestling … but it's left us yearning for actual, unmediated stories from people's lives.” The first two thematic installments of I'm Going Somewhere With This centered on “Bad Party” and “Roommates and Landlords.” Tonight will showcase “Crimes,” which likely will involve big-ticket bungles as well as less obvious illegalities — mail fraud, for instance. “And things you only hear about on Law and Order. A lot of good comedy is just thinly veiled slander, after all; and lots of people who'd never do standup can tell a great story,” he says. To that end, he draws guests from outside the comic sphere: actors, musicians, writers. Tonight finds Kyle Kinane, The Moth's Brian Finkelstein, Arden Myrin (Mad TV), UCB favorites the Walsh Brothers, Anna David (Falling for Me) and surprises. Always with the surprises — although di Donato promises, “No cops.” The Mint, 6010 Pico Blvd.; Sun., Oct. 16, 7 p.m.; $10. (323) 954-9400, funkyrabbi@gmail.com.

Sun., Oct. 16, 7 p.m., 2011

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.