Cleveland Improv

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the host of the Laugh Track column, a man who thinks the GOP will crown a king in Cleveland ... Mike McIntyre.

Thank you, Cleveland. Are you ready for this wacky Republican National Convention in July? With all the Trump intrigue, the pundits are saying the nomination during a contested convention may go to someone who is not even running in the primary.

Here's my prediction: On the record 104th ballot, in order to clear Quicken Loans arena for the NBA playoffs, LeBron James accepts the nomination. He's taking his talents to the White House.

At the Improv: Former first-grade teacher Tone Bell headlines the Improv this weekend. The actor had roles in TV shows such as "Whitney" and "Bad Judge" and appeared on Comedy Central's "Key & Peele." He's set to play one of the leading roles in a new NBC series, "Good Fortune." His half-hour special on Comedy Central debuted last year.

He talks about not wanting to visit his cousin to see the new baby.

"I've seen one. What does it do, does it do new stuff, does it do tricks?" he says.

And information like the baby's weight at birth - 7 pounds 8 ounces - was useless to him as a single man.

"I don't know how much babies are supposed to weigh, " he says. "Give it to me like something I know. How many Whoppers is that? Is that like four Whoppers? That's some good weight."

At Hilarities: Kent State grad Steve Byrne, one of the most accomplished headliners today and former star of "Sullivan & Sons" on TBS, headlines Hilarities this weekend.

Crooked River Comedy Fest: Stand-up comics and tons of improv acts are set to perform all weekend at the Crooked River Comedy Festival in Lakewood at the Bevy of Birdtown, 1212 Madison Ave., Lakewood. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Make sure to catch the hilarious Chad Weaver at 8:20 p.m. Friday and Crooked River Comedy improv at 10:55 p.m. Saturday.

It's gonna pop!: Comedian Christian Hegedus has started a new monthly show at Lake Affect Studios (yes, Grammar Police, affect with an "a"), 1615 East 25th St. near Cleveland State University.

The show is called Pop! Comedy and the first is tonight, Thursday, April 14, at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $10, and those with a student ID (who are at least 21) get half off. (Pay at the door.)

"Tremendous lineup, a great, unique venue and performance space, " said Hegedus. "I've been a bit distant from the scene for a little while, so it feels great to be hungry and get those creative juices going again. I am truly looking forward to a great and unique night of comedy."