august 23 

It may be just us, but, even more than rock ‘n’ roll, we find comedy that blossoms in a small club and can whither in a large venue. We remember seeing Jerry Seinfeld play the Paradise and then a huge spot in Worcester and the disconnect was jarring. One, people were coming to see a beloved TV character not a standup comic per se, and two, the spoken word just doesn’t carry as well in the big hall. Dave Chappelle may face those obstacles at the Agganis Arena at Boston University Aug. 23. Chappelle is the star of his own show on Comedy Central, has done an HBO special and helms the riotous movie, “Dave Chappelle's Block Party.’’ Chappelle – who suffered a nervous breakdown last year (is this gag material?) - is on the road mixing standup, sketch comedy and musical interludes. Tickets: $45-$60. Show: 7:30 p.m.

925 Commonwealth ave., Boston, 617-931-2000, ticketmaster.com