Check out these insider tips for 10 great can’t-miss non-headliner picks — selected by the Moontower Just For Laughs Austin Talent Producer, Colleen McGarr.

Formerly the Moontower Comedy Festival, this year the Paramount Theatre’s colossal Moontower Just For Laughs Austin festival runs April 13-24 in more than 10 venues across downtown Austin. Tip: Badges are on sale now!

Brian Simpson

Making his Moontower debut, Brian Simpson is a Marine Corps veteran who grew up in the foster care system. He has a pretty unique point of view and is a fantastic joke writer. Check out his first set on TV and his recent Netflix special.  WHEN: April 14-16 at various Moontower venues 

Janelle James

If you’re not watching “Abbott Elementary” on ABC, you should be! Comedian Janelle James plays the elementary school principal and steals every scene. An accomplished standup who has toured with Chris Rock, Janelle is not to be missed. Here’s a clip from her recent Netflix special. WHEN: April 20-23 at various Moontower venues

Ivan Decker

A Canadian comedian from Vancouver, like Jim Gaffigan, Ivan mines daily life for great observational comedy. This is his Moontower debut. Check out this recent clip. WHEN: April 14-16 at various Moontower venues

Jackie Fabulous

And she is Fabulous. A ball of sparkly fun. You may not know why you are laughing at this Moontower debutante, but you will be. Here’s a clip from her recent Tonight Show set. WHEN: April 21-23 at various Moontower venues

Zach Zucker

A graduate of École Philippe Gaulier in France (like Sasha Baron Cohen), Zach is an award-winning performer/producer based in London and Los Angeles. He is the creator of Stamptown, “a raunchy, chaotic, train wreck” of a comedy variety show. This is Zach’s Moontower debut. WHEN: Stamptown will be presented three times April 20-23

Jessica Kirson/Rachel Feinstein

Comedians do not come any stronger than this. They are two of the best club headliners in the country and besties. Performing together is very rare. They are insanely funny together and apart. Whet your appetite with this snippet of the duo. WHEN: Jessica and Rachel perform together April 22

Cat Cohen

A standup comedian and cabaret artist, Cat is a true original who is making her Moontower debut. Her new Netflix special premiered March 15th. Here’s a clip from Late Night with Seth Meyers. WHEN: April 21-23 at Parker Jazz and assorted Moontower venues

Carlos Ballarta

Based in Mexico City, Carlos is an emerging international comedy star. He already has two Netflix specials in Spanish. He will be performing in English and Spanish at the festival, and this will be his Moontower debut. WHEN: April 14-16 at various Moontower venues

Nathan Macintosh

An absolute firebrand. From Toronto and based in NYC, Nathan is hilarious. Check out this clip. WHEN: April 20-23 at various Moontower venues

Emma Willmann

A native of Maine, Emma is a rising star. Brutally honest about her life, her comedy connects with everybody. Here’s a clip of her at The Comedy Cellar. WHEN: April 20-22 at various Moontower venues

Moontower Just For Laughs Austin Festival — April 13-24

Cover photo courtesy Bells and Whistles Productions