Despite his decidedly downbeat résumé (Nihilist Party presidential candidate, Nihilist Olympics organizer, Lunatic Fringe host), Elisha Shapiro still appreciates a good joke. As if to prove that very point, he's curating the Comedy vs. Art Smackdown, a monthly evening of stand-up that even the most nihilistic of nihilists would appreciate. Past artistes d’absurd have included Josh Fadem (Acid Reflux Hour, pictured), Jan Davidson (Funniest Mom in America), Heather Thomson (“Most Adorable Comic”) and Matt Sager (The Joey Gold Show). Quoth Thomson, on romance: “I tried being with women, but then I realized vaginas are not like ice cream. You can’t just eat it every time a boy makes you sad.”

Second Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Starts: Jan. 11. Continues through June 14, 2010

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