Summer Comedy: Too Hot to Handle

Every Friday night, laughter can be heard all the way out on Interstate 195 by Warren Avenue, leaving passersby to wonder about the source.

"Hardcore Comedy: Can You Handle It?" is a Friday night staple at the . Every week, six to eight comics perform new sets on stage beginning at 10:30 pm.

Given the late-night nature of the show, a few of the jokes are slightly mature, according to David Fiorillo, co-owner of the Comedy Connection.

"The comics are a little more dirty or open … although some are clean," Fiorillo said.

Regardless of the nature of the jokes, the laughs continue to roll during Hardcore Comedy, a series which is now in its third year. Although Fiorillo calls the summer months "slower" due to the absence of area college students, the Comedy Connection offers several special promotions.

On Fridays at 8 p.m., the Connection usually features a headline act at a $15 ticket charge, but those devoted to laughter can stay on after the show and catch Hardcore Comedy for free.

The Comedy Connection also often offers "buy one get one free" promotions for Facebook friends of the company, or the Connection gives away passes for free appetizers made in their own kitchen.
"Every Friday it's a good show," Fiorello said.

Comedians at the Comedy Connection come from various cities in the Northeast. This season Jay Pharaoh of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" and MTV's Tom Green are expected to perform.