Five comedians you need to know

Everyone, even non comedy fans have heard the names of Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and George Carlin. The average person can probably even pick out their picture if they saw it. And, there is even a good possibility that they could quote (or butcher) at least one of their jokes.

But who are the people who aren’t at the “household name” level yet, but have the potential to be. This is a list of 5 comedians that should be, or will one day be, at the top of everyone’s list when they are asked to name a comedian. Some of the people on this list are known in the comedy community, have an established fan base and have even been on TV and/or movies at some point in their career. But, for some reason they haven’t achieved the national recognition they deserve. Others are a little younger; been doing comedy less time; or just haven’t gotten their names out there yet. So, without absolutely any further adieu, here’s the list.

Ron Shock-a classic storyteller. Ron has been in comedy for over 20 years. He has been on sitcoms (Thunder Alley) and was a talk show sidekick (Into the Night with Rick Dees) but his career has been mostly on stage, flying under the radar. And that is where it should be because that is where he excels.

Tim Wilson-regional comedy god. Tim is one of the top comedians to appear on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom radio show. Tim’s appeal may be to southerners, but his jokes are some of the most brilliantly written of anyone working today. Listen specifically to any of his “Uncle B.S.” jokes, and you’ll see a master craftsman at work.

Mike Thompson-Lexington, KY native and member of the Hard Times Comedy Tour. Mike is new to the business but may be one of the most biting comedians of his class. Brutal, harsh and hilarious.

Keith Alberstadt-everyman. If sitcoms were still being produced in the number they were early in the ‘90s, Keith would have one today. His first appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman from a couple of months ago is what careers are made of. It should have launched him to superstardom.

Stewart Huff-another storyteller like Ron Shock. Stewart may be one of the best comedy writers America has seen since Woody Allen. He is able to pull comedy from subjects that shouldn’t be able to illicit anymore jokes. In his current act, he has a 15 minute joke about a kid taking a penguin from the zoo. Can any of the readers out there make even one joke about that?

All of these comics represent different styles, different techniques and will draw vastly different audience members. However, one thing is a constant between them all; these are five comedians you need to know.