Thurs. April 5

Truth comes out of comedy. Think back to Lenny Bruce or Richard Pryor. Think up to Chris Rock and Bobcat Goldthwait. Consider the TV guys, Bill Maher and Jon Stewart. Being a comic gives you a certain "freedom" that straight news commentators or polticians often feel they can't employ. They can use humor to illuminate a terrible situation, they can make us laugh at things we "shouldn't." Which brings us to "Banned in Boston," the annual benefit put on to raise money for Urban Improv at Avalon, Thursday April 5. There, a whole bunch of people - famous in their fields - take stabs at sketch comedy that often skewers themselves, their rivals or the city itself. You'll never hear host Natalie Jacobson in such an irreverent setting. You'll also see: Mayor Tom Menino (yes, that's him as a gumshoe in an Banned in Boston show past), second-timer Gov. Deval Patrick (do you think he'll be careful?), attorney general Martha Coakley, restauranteurs Jody Adams and Todd English, Red Sox honcho Larry Lucchino and many more. They may be saying inappropriate things. They may dress inappropriately.  Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton - a long time supporter - is usually in drag, but this year he's Borat. That's called taking a risk. Food and drink at 6, the performance starts at 7:15. Tickets: $150 or $75 if you're under 40. (Take that! AARP members. No discount for you.) We've been to several of these events. There are certainly some groaners, and some well-intentioned skits that fall flat. But, it's a hoot watching everyone try, and sometimes real zingers come out it. Like, "Did he really say that?" Yes, but in the guise of comedy, remember. It can't be held against him.

15 Lansdowne St., 617-524-7046 urbanimprov.org