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Boston comedian Jimmy Tingle says his focus these days is on “trying to maintain my sanity.” Through a combination of humor and optimism, he seems to be managing.
Tingle – a fixture on the comedy scene for decades – will bring his one-man autobiographical show, “Humor and Hope for Humanity,” to the Spire on Saturday, April 19, at 8 p.m.
Tingle has lengthy resume that includes appearing on
the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in the 1980s. Carson introduced Tingle as being unusual for a young comic because his routine included politics. That hasn’t changed.
“The goal is to tell a story and leave people hopeful and happy when they leave the show,” Tingle said.
That story includes his time starting out as a young comedian in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Tingle was inspired to try the one-man show format after seeing Jackie Mason’s show on Broadway. Tingle later performed his own one-man show off Broadway in the early 1990s. It got good reviews. After that, he didn’t want to return to clubs.
A Cambridge native, “Humor and Hope for Humanity” ran for five months at the Hasty Pudding in that city.
Tingle recently released a YouTube documentary, “Jimmy Tingle: The ‘Radical’ Middle – Why Would a Comedian Run for Office?” It covers Tingle’s run for political office – a bid for Massachusetts lieutenant governor in 2018. He didn’t win, obviously, but he had fun in the process. The documentary underlines his belief that government can be a force for good.
His comedy does not avoid political absurdities and the need for common sense (and kindness) in government. But he says, “I can’t just focus on the negative. I’ve still got to say what I’ve got to say, but I want to leave people with a sense of optimism.”
Doors at the Spire open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $27 and $30, and you can get them here.
Monday, April 7
“Penguin Lessons,” starring Steve Coogan, is showing at the Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., through Thursday, April 10. The film is based on a true story about a disillusioned Englishman teaching in Argentina whose life changes when he rescues a penguin from an oil slick. “The Friend,” starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, continues through Thursday, April 10. Watts plays a writer and teacher whose friend and mentor (Murray) dies, leaving her with his Great Dane to care for, and upsetting her comfortable life in New York. Film times are 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
The Botanical Drinkable’s Nikki Johnson – who creates hand-crafted elixirs and mixers from uncommon teas, flowers, handcrafted syrups, and fresh juices – will host “Bites & Botanicals” from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Edge Pizza, 65 Main St. Johnson’s creations will be available to sample or buy, and the “bites” will feature pizza and tapas created by chef Mike Wisdom of “Cook with Wisdom” and a litany other area restaurants.
The Teens Advisory Group will meet in the Craft Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 7 to 8 p.m., to plan for events, volunteering opportunities, and test new crafts and games. If you’re interested and falls between the ages of 13 and 18, you can give input on upcoming teen services at the library. Contact Miss Madde at mmahony@ocln.org for more information. No registration is required.
Wednesday, April 9
The Plymouth Garden Club will present an introduction to mushrooms – “From Fungi to Foraging” – by Jana Harris at 1 p.m. at the Chiltonville Congregational Church, 6 River St. Harris is a member of the Boston Mycological Club, the Rhode Island Mycological Society, and Fungal Diversity Survey, which support and promote awareness and knowledge of mycology in Massachusetts. She is also certified in wild mushroom food safety, and will cover the history of fungi on earth, edible and non-edible mushrooms, and other fungal topics. There will be a traditional afternoon tea, and guests are welcome to attend for a fee of $5. Membership inquiries are always welcome.
The Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., will offer Glass Etching for Teens and Tweens, from 6 to 7 p.m., in the Craft Room. Participants ages 12 to 18 can make their own designs with stencils on glass jars for a permanent effect. Space is limited, so register here.
Thursday, April 10
Register today for spring art classes at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St. New classes start on Monday, April 14. Check out the different classes available on the website. Center members will have a new discount code emailed to them to use when registering. You can choose a class and register here.
Local author Stephen White will give a talk on “What You Need to Know About Writing Your First Novel” from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Book Love, 7 Village Green South, in the Pinehills. White will touch on topics like building characters, writing what you know, and traditional versus self-publishing. Registration is $6, and you can do so here.
Meaghan Farrell will perform in the intimate setting of the Spire Lobby Series at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30. Farrell started young, performing in a theatrical family, but hit roadblocks along the way dealing with addiction and mental health issues. Then she began writing songs and created her first album, “Waitress,” along with two singles. Her latest album, “Motherland,” was released in August. Tickets are $15, and you can buy them here.
Renowned country singer LeAnn Rimes will perform at Memorial Hall at 8 p.m. Her 2022 album, “god’s work,” was listed as number 9 on Variety’s “Best Albums of 2022.” Rimes, who started her career at a young age, has won multiple awards, including two Grammys. Her ballad, “How Do I Live,” is number 6 on Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time: Hot 100 Songs” list. Tickets are $45, $55, $75, $95, and $115, and you can get them here.
Untold Brewing, 2 Loring Blvd. (at Cordage Park), will present Joe Fenti and others at 7:30 p.m. for Comedy Coop Night – an evening of standup. Comedians “from Boston and beyond” will be featured. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. You can do so here.
Friday, April 11
The Johnny A. Trio will perform at the Spire 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Johnny A.’s guitar virtuosity is well-known. He has toured extensively, including at major festivals such as Fuji Rock and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival. Johnny’s roots are in the sounds of the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and the Yardbirds. A Grammy-nominated artist and Boston Music Hall of Fame inductee, he will perform with Dean Cassell on bass and Marty Richards on drums. Tickets are $31.50 and $35, and you can get them here.
Saturday, April 12
Jesse Agan brings the Music of Queen to the Spire at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Agan and his band will perform some of the British band’s classics, including “We Will Rock You” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Tickets are $37.80 and $42, and are available here.
Sunday, April 13
“Poetry – the Art of Words,” takes place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., featuring local poets Heather Treseler and Sarah Giragosian. There will also be an open mic session. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, although a suggested donation of $5 is appreciated.
Monday, April 14
MIY Studio invites you to learn how to make felted eggs at Uva Wine Bar, 46 Main St., at 7 p.m. Fiber artist Kati Carloni will guide you through 2D and 3D needle felting techniquesin this beginner-friendly class. The bar opens at 6 p.m., giving you time to settle in with a glass of wine. Supplies and materials are included. Tickets are $45, and you can buy them here.
Wednesday, April 16
Read to a Dog with Abby at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 4 to 5 p.m. Children under 12 who can read independently can sign up for a 15-minute session with the non-judgmental golden retriever, who is a certified therapy dog. Registration is required, and you can do so here.
Friday, April 18
Blues musician Chris Cain will perform at the Spire at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. His latest album, “Good Intentions Gone Bad,” was released last July. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Cain was inspired by such greats as Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, B.B. King, and Albert King. He’s been touring for more than 30 years and has 15 albums to his name. Tickets are $32.40 and $36, and you can get them here.
Saturday, April 19
Jimmy Tingle will perform his comedy one-man show at the Spire at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. See the lead item in this column for more details.
Inebri-Art and Plymouth Pride will host Arts & Crafts on the Green, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-friendly event is free, and features local artists and artisans making and selling their creations on the Town Hall Green, 26 Court St. There will also be live performances by local musicians to add to the festive atmosphere. Artists or musicians interested in being vendors should email inebriart@yahoo.com.