100 Years of Boston Comedy

On Thursday, May 4th, at 7pm, Quincy Historical Society will welcome arts writer Nick Zaino as he explores Boston’s long history of comedy, from vaudeville to YouTube, highlighting some of the personalities that have defined laughter in America for 100 years.

When people talk about the comedy scene in Boston, they often reference the Harvard Lampoon and many of this generation’s comics that got their start here, from Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien, to Paula Poundstone, Bo Burnham, and Ziwe Fumudoh. But the true span of Boston’s influence on comedy dates back over one hundred years. Fred Allen found inspiration at the Boston Public Library to start his vaudeville career. Bob and Ray started their radio run at WHDH. Tom Lehrer deflated pomposity with song. Rusty Warren scandalized with her salacious lyrics. And of course, Quincy’s own Bill Dana got his start playing in the swanky supper clubs of the city. Their history is a mirror of the history of American entertainment.

Nick Zaino has been a regular columnist for The Boston Globe for over twenty years, and a contributing writer to Kirkus Reviews for over fifteen. He is also the host of the podcast and blog “The Department of Tangents.”

This event is open to all and free to attend. Funny bones are recommended.