King of Comedy

At this particular moment, no one is more on top of the stand-up game than Chris Rock. Some jokesters rake more in, sell out bigger venues, write more cutting-edge material or accumulate MySpace friends at a faster rate. But at the highest intersection of critical acclaim and mainstream recognition, Rock stands alone. His hard-hitting commentaries on race and sociopolitical injustices have earned him three Grammys, three Emmys and an American Comedy Award. Meanwhile, the CW’s Everybody Hates Chris has won a handful of statues in its own right. He’s loud, he’s brash, he’s brilliant, and you’ll undoubtedly regret it if you miss Rock tonight at 8 at Starlight Theatre (4600 Starlight Road). Tickets cost $45.50 to $75.50; call 816-363-7827 for more information.

Sat., July 5, 8 p.m., 2008