Normally we could start this post with some quip about chasing off the winter doldrums with some laughter. But seeing as how the mercury is riding high today, and should be for a while, we got nothing. That’s why we’re not comedians. Luckily, there are some very talented folks who are, and they are presenting a 5-day smorgasbord of improv and sketch comedy goodness for your gluttonous consumption. Philly Improv Theater’s Shubin Week starts tonight......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Music at the Church: Joan of Arc, Owen and Our Brother, The Native at The First Unitarian Church for $10 at 7:30 PM. More info on the R5 Productions page. The Hyde: The Hyde with Caliver King at The Fire (412 W. Girard) at 9PM. $6 Sherman Arts Show: Little Bird, Death Tarte & Univox at L'Etage (6th and Bainbridge Street) at 9PM. $5 "Sad-core troubadour:" Ashton......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Friday Happy Anniversary, Sex Dwarf!: The monthly new wave dance party turns 3 this Friday. To help celebrate, show up to Fluid Nightclub (614 S. 4th Street) on Friday night in black and red (and sporting the Sex Dwarf logo if you want in on the contest). Doors open at 10. Admission is free till 10:30 and just $5 after. Info here. Improv Happy Hour: The Rarebird......

The Simpatico Theatre Company is exploring a turbulent time in our nation's history and our youth culture: the Vietnam War. Vietnam 101: The War on Campus is a "documentary theatre piece" which depicts the point of view of 100 students of Oberlin College between 1969 and 1974. And in case the show inspires you to get involved in our democratic process, following each performance the New Voters Project will be on hand to help register......