The laughs start here

Downtown Los Angeles may be exploding with bars, restaurants and art happenings, but it hasn’t typically been a hub for live comedy -- until recently. A vibrant, tight-knit, upstart comedy scene -- largely catering to emerging comics but also featuring big names from the alt-comedy world -- is not-so-quietly kicking up dust in downtown’s Old Bank District and just beyond. With established, pre-booked sketch and stand-up shows, looser, rollicking open-mike nights and one literally underground show in a loft basement, there are plenty of places to head for laughs. Here’s a guide.

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1 Swanky Comedy Swanky Comedy

What: Stand-up comedy showcase featuring a mix of emerging and well-known comics

When: First and third Fridays of the month

Where: First & Hope Downtown Supper Club, 710 W. 1st St.

Price: $10 for show and one hors d’oeuvre

Info: (213) 617-8555; www.firstandhope.com

Next show: Friday, 10 p.m.

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2 Big Trouble Big Trouble in Little Tokyo

What: Stand-up comedy open-mike night

When: Every Tuesday

Where: Senor Fish, 422 E. 1st St.

Price: Free

Info: (213) 625-0566; www.senorfish.net

Next show: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

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3 Holy ... Holy ...

What: Stand-up comedy showcase that draws both up-and-comers and big names from the alt-comedy world

When: First and third Tuesdays of the month

Where: Downtown Independent Theater, 251 S. Main St.

Price: Free

Info: (213) 617-1033; holyfreecomedy.com

Next show: Tuesday, 9 p.m.

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4 If This Doesn’t Work If This Doesn’t Work I’m Moving Home

What: Variety comedy show

When: Every Wednesday

Where: Harlem Place Cafe, 124 W. 4th St.

Price: Free

Info: (213) 617-7006; www.harlemplacecafe.com

Next show: Wednesday, 8 p.m.

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5 Downtown Downtown Comedy Club

What: Stand-up comedy show, with occasional improv, hosted by Garrett Morris

When: Every Friday and Saturday

Where: 114 W. 5th St.

Price: $10

Info: (213) 841-3940; www.downtowncomedyclub.com

Next show: Friday, 8 p.m.

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6 Hamclown Hamclown

What: Stand-up comedy show with sketch elements featuring both established and emerging comedians

When: Fourth Thursday of every month

Where: Alexandria Hotel’s the Mezz bar, 501 S. Spring St.

Price: Free

Info: (213) 626-7484; facebook.com/hamclown

Next show: April 28, 8:30 p.m.

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7 Comedy Brewery Comedy Brewery

What: Roving stand-up comedy show featuring both new and well-known comics

When: Second Thursday of the month, to kick off Downtown Art Walk

Where: 215 W. 6th St. (Location may change, so email for info each month.)

Price: $5 (suggested donation)

Email: comedybrewery@gmail.com

Next show: April 14, 8 p.m.

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8 Trophallaxis Trophallaxis

What: Comedy and performance art open-mike night

When: Second Thursday of the month, during art walk

Where: The Hive Gallery and Studios, 729 S. Spring St.

Price: Free

Info:www.facebook.com/pages

/trophallaxis/280444566100?ref=ts

Next show: April 14, 8:00 p.m.

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deborah.vankin@latimes.com