Arts Agenda - Hed case

Comedian Mitch Hedberg hates turkeys. Spreading genetic code across supermarket deli sections like a virus, turkey is found in everything: turkey sausage, turkey bacon, turkey burger. Turkey’s omnipresence inspired a telling bit of Hedberg advice: “Man, just be yourself,” he counsels from the stage, eyes perpetually downturned behind long hair and dark glasses. “You do not need to emulate the other animals. You’ve got your own thing going. I used to draaaw you,” he says, accentuating the last words as he brings his outstretched hand within his loving, longing gaze.

Sure, it’s funnier in Hedberg’s rise-and-fall upright bass-like rhythm. It’s not just the words that are important; charming a crowd is like criticizing a lover, it’s mostly about timing and delivery. But the point is, turkey isn’t the only thing people gaze favorably upon. And people seem less interested in carving into Hedberg, mostly because he does it himself.

Avoiding narratives and jumping between non sequiturs, Hedberg apologizes if his footing’s unsteady. But it’s his seeming amateurism and lack of aggression that’s endearing. His professing love for koala bear infestations and cinnamon bun incense can rarely be seen as harshing on anybody’s buzz. Watching Hedberg is like watching a down-to-earth high-as-hell roommate vocalizing sometimes-awkward wide-eyed observations of the everyday out-of-place. But back to the turkey.

Hedberg has received plenty of comedic DNA associations. Complimentary comparisons have ranged from deadpan offbeat comic Steven Wright to Jerry Seinfeld (in popularity, perhaps, not presentation). Of course, NBC and American Express haven’t exactly called, but Hedberg’s not ready to be defined by corporate association just yet anyway. The former short-order cook — with several Letterman and Comedy Central appearances, a Sundance-screened indie comedy, a bit part in Almost Famous, a self-released concert CD and another (All Encompassingly) in the works for Comedy Central — hasn’t staked out any strategic grill locations. He may be mellow, but he isn’t slacking, and he isn’t leaving the road to simmer. He’s still cooking up gourmet shows from average ingredients. Just with no turkeys. Nothing too fowl.

Mitch Hedberg performs Jan. 9-12 at The Punchline Comedy Club, 290 Hilderbrand Drive, Sandy Springs. Thurs. 8:30 p.m.; Fri. 8 and 10:30 p.m.; Sat. 7, 9 and 11 p.m.; Sun. 8 p.m. $15-$16.50. 404-252-5233. www.punchline.com.