Boston has long been a hub for comedy but recently there has been a mini-surge in the urban comedy scene. In addition to Jonathon Gates’ long-running Black Comedy Explosion every Wednesday, this month you can check out Laugh Out Loud at Macumbu’s Lounge, hosted by Corey Manning. The laughs begin 7pm Thursday Jan. 22 with proceeds going to Laugh and Learn and Youth Crisis.

Z Square Lounge Johnie’s on the Side joins the fray with Comedy in the Square on Wed Jan. 14. Donnell Rawlings of The Chapelle Show fame (Ashy Larry) is the featured comedian. Tickets can be bought at https://sogood.ticketleap.com/ashylarry.

In these tough times, we can use all the funny we can get so get out there and laugh out loud.