Though its amazing, neon-swank sign had been neutered long before, Phoenix Greyhound Park finally ran its last dog race and closed down last month. While the place hosted both live and off-track betting and dinner theater, the greatest show we've ever seen there was Neil Hamburgers train wreck of a comedy act. Later immortalized on the 2003 DVD Live at the Phoenix Greyhound, Hamburger pummeled an audience of mostly willing participants with a symphony of off-color jokes, bizarre punch lines, and plenty of throat clearing.
We hope he brings the same magic when he performs at the Yucca Tap Room. In an old beat-up tuxedo and slimy-looking comb over, Hamburger comes across as the last dying gasp of a Catskills-era comic, delivering jokes with the subtlety of an AMC Gremlin. The self-proclaimed America's Funnyman and his purposely-awful shtick have gained a following amongst those who are in on the joke. Celebrities (especially the recently deceased) and celebutantes will be sure to catch most of the comic's skillfully sloppy wrath.
Earthmen and Strangers perform as well. There is no cover for the 21-and-over show.
Sat., Jan. 9, 8 p.m., 2010