Utah Phillips will be appearing at Sutter Creek Theatre today. (Courtesy photo)

Critic's Choices

"Last Woman Kicking" in Lockeford

The Women Who Kick Comedy Butt series will close the season with the "Last Woman Kicking," a female comedy contest, today.

The all-female stand-up comedy show features very different comics with different acts. It was designed by comedian Grace White as a way to spotlight funny women.

White began performing seven years ago when her daughter left home and she had the empty nest syndrome. She has opened concerts for 3 Doors Down, Jefferson Starship and Jethro Tull and has shared the stage with Father Guido Sarducci, Kevin Pollak and Will Durst. She has appeared on The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon and ABC's, "Good Morning America." White also played a role in "The Independent," a film starring Jerry Stiller and Janeane Garofalo.

Along with White, eight comedians will be competing for the top three places which will be decided by celebrity judges. A people's choice award will also be given, which includes audience participation.

Beth Schumann has performed at comedy events throughout Bay Area. She speaks about many issues baby-boomers are facing today including high stress jobs, divorce, weight gain, health problems and medication. Schumann is one of the founding members of the "Mixed Nuts: Comics on Meds" stand up comedy troupe. She has shared the stage with Rob Cantrell, James P. Connolly, Jimmy Dore, Will Durst, Tom Pecora, Dwight Slade and Harland Williams.

Actress and comedian, Grace Fraga, a native of Argentina, began performing stand-up comedy in New Orleans six years ago. She won Best Actress in a comedy nomination from the Marquee and Storer Boone Awards, and also a Big Easy Entertainment Award for Best Supporting Actress in Dalt Wonk's comedy, "Rio Seco."

Freelance reporter and occasional host for KPFA in Berkeley, Jovelyn, began her career in Seattle Washington's Comedy Underground. In 2001, Jovelyn moved to the Bay Area, where she has performed on many stages in Northern California including Simone's in Jack London Square, 5 Mile House in Grass Valley and the 9/11 fund-raiser at the Renassance Hotel in San Francisco. She also co-hosted at Kimball's East in Emeryville for a year.

Other comedians performing include Rebecca Arthur, Gayla Johnson, Tina Allen, Gail Jones and Reannie Roads.

DETAILS

WHEN: Today at 8 p.m.

WHERE: Vino Piazza, 12470 Locke Road

TICKETS: $20

INFORMATION: 727-9770

Utah Phillips in Sutter Creek

Those wishing for a taste of the great American Southwest can head on up to Sutter Creek Theatre for a performance by Utah Phillips. Through one-liners and offhand philosophical commentary, Phillips connects his viewers to American traditions and true American history. His show consists of everything from Zuni chants and anarchist anecdotes to rollicking jokes and cowboy lore. Phillips' album, "The Past Didn't Go Anywhere," is a collection of his stories set to music by Ani DiFranco and appeals to his younger audience. For his long-time audience, he released "Loafer's Glory," a collection of stories, poems and songs set to the accompaniment of Woody Guthrie. He also has released "El Capitan," and "All Used Up." His album, "The Old Time Country Songs of Utah Phillips," received a Grammy nomination as best traditional folk album of 1997.

DETAILS

WHEN: Today at 8 p.m.

WHERE: Sutter Creek Theatre, 44 Main St.

TICKETS: $23

INFORMATION: (866) 463-8659

— Compiled by Pam Bauserman