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Best Local Standup Comics & Comedians From Around MN

A surprisingly large number of comedians call Minnesota their home. You may see or hear them on the "Bob & Tom" radio show, Comedy Central, "Last Comic Standing," Letterman or Leno, but you can see them live as well. Here are the best acts appearing now.

Jackie Kashian
Acme Comedy Co.
708 N. 1st St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-6393
www.acmecomedycompany.com

Upcoming Shows: Feb. 26 through Mar. 2, 2013

A Comedy Central regular, Kashian provides down-home insight and commentary about growing up in a family of six children in Wisconsin, getting her start in Minnesota, moving to California, her hunk-a-junk car and other engaging stories. Jackie began by honing her engaging wit and timing locally. Ten years later and she has established herself as a national touring comic. She is returning to Acme Comedy Co., Minnesota's longest-running comedy club.

Scott Long
Goonie's Comedy Club
7 2nd St. S.W.
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 288-8130
www.gooniescomedy.com

Upcoming Shows: Mar. 1 and Mar. 2, 2013

Iowan Scott Long takes pride in his two decades of stand-up comedy in Flyover Country. Get ready for urban-hipster-meets-life-as-we-know-it. The shock of confronting marriage, twins, breastfeeding and minivans can actually be funny as it turns Scott's life upside down. He takes special pride in having written for the Super Bowl three times and spending a decade writing Frank's Picks for Frank Caliendo. McGoon's Taxi Co. Pub & Restaurant is located in the historic Olmsted County Bank & Trust building in downtown Rochester, MN.

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Dave Mordal 
Joke Joint Comedy Club
801 Sibley Memorial Highway
St. Paul, MN 55118
(651) 330-9078
www.jokejointcomedyclub.com

Upcoming Shows: Mar. 21 through Mar. 23, 2013

Dave Mordal plows into storytelling with the gravity of his prior professions having been a Marine and a former heavy equipment operator. Meanwhile, the audience is rolling on the floor. Dave came out of Elk River, MN and made a name for himself on "Last Comic Standing," the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," the Discovery Channel series "Wreckreation Nation" and KQRS Morning Show.

Mike Brody
House of Comedy - Mall of America
408 E. Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 858-8558
www.houseofcomedy.net

Upcoming Shows: Mar. 27 through Mar. 31, 2013

Brimming with Midwestern optimism and energy, affable Mike Brody is fearless about sharing his life experiences with engaging humility. Brody graduated from Mason City High School in 1996 and attended the University of Iowa. He started comedy on a whim in 2000 at an open-mic night. He has since hosted 10 episodes of the Minneapolis TV series "The Buzz" and appeared on the nationally syndicated radio program "The Bob & Tom Show." House of Comedy is located on level four right on the Rotunda. Park at P5 East.

Mary Mack and Tim Harmston
Crash & Burn
Acme Comedy Co.
708 N. 1st St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-6393
www.acmecomedycompany.com

Upcoming Shows: Apr. 9 through Apr. 13, 2013

Mary Mack disarms the audience with loopy humor and lighthearted musical surprises with her girlish voice and mandolin. Mary has appeared on multiple comedy shows and competitions. She recorded her live album "Either You Wake Up or you Don't," at the Acme where she returns regularly. Mary's life partner, Tim Harmston, hails from Menomonie, WI. They work out of Los Angeles, Minneapolis and a camper in the woods. "Crash & Burn" worked so well last year, that Acme is doing it again with four new acts. Mack and Harmston will headline with veteran Tim Slagle and Iowan Mike Lucas. Each headliner gets 20 minutes a night but the material cannot have been used ever before.

Related: Best Local Heavy Metal Bands In Minnesota

John DeBoer
Joke Joint Comedy Club
801 Sibley Memorial Highway
St. Paul, MN 55118
(651) 330-9078
www.jokejointcomedyclub.com

Upcoming Shows: June 6 through June 8, 2013

John DeBoer got his start age 16 by winning $50 at a Moorhead High School Talent Show. "I have been lucky to make my living in comedy," says John. He says people either learn from their mistakes or continue making them. John says he has a third way—write a joke about it. Moving to Orlando five years ago, DeBoer still jokes about Minnesota winters and still performs here through most of the winter, spending his summers in Florida. These trademark observations about the ironies of life and how he has managed to screw it up endear John to audiences of all ages.

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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