There's nothing that makes my heart happier than seeing young comics doing well and producing their own shows. Follow me as I walk you through the splendour that May has brought with her in This Week In Comedy...

TUES MAY 14 / HARDCORE GIRLS / BLACK SWAN / 9PM / 154 DANFORTH AVE / $5

Amber Harper-Young is putting that on a show that aims to provide a comfortable environment for new female comics to test their might. It's not an easy thing for a girl to get up there given the male-dominated open mics in Toronto. I can imagine that it's like trying to break into a boys club of sorts. Amber's booked seasoned veterans like Sandra Battaglini, Zabrina Chevannes, and Lianne Mauladin, which will show the newcomers what's possible if they stick with it. Plus, all proceeds from the event will be going to Because I Am A Girl. Everything about this makes my heart happy.

WED MAY 15 / THE COMEDY DROP / 751 LOUNGE / 751 QUEEN W / 10PM / FREE

Marito Antonio Lopez, along with Danny Mendlow and Jesse Owens, have decided to produce their own comedy show, The Comedy Drop. They've opted to start off quietly, booking Jean Paul, Monty Scott, Alex Pavone, Keith Pedro, Steph Tolev...WTF?! Good Lord. AND they got the bar to do drink specials? Damn, son. Here we have yet another group of comedic entrepeneurs giving the big guys a run for their money, and my heart's the happier for it.

WED MAY 15 / MIKE MACDONALD FUNDRAISER / REVIVAL BAR / 783 COLLEGE / $20 / 830PM

Mike Macdonald is a Canadian stand-up legend, having performed on David Letterman and Arsenio Hall. Recently, he's been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, and comedians have responded by rallying to his aid. Case in point, Teresa Cerar has put together an awesome show, which features Ben Miner, Kate Davis, Martha Chaves, Mike Wilmot, Simon Rakoff, Time Steeves, and Ron James. Of course, all proceeds go to Mike. If you're unable to attend, but still want to help, click here. My heart smiles.

FRI MAY 17 / MAY FLOWERS DEVOUR AN HOUR / FLYING BEAVER PUBARET / 488 PARLIAMENT / 7PM / $10 ADV $15 DOOR

Jeff E, Gareth Lloyd, and Megan Myke are celebrating their one year anniversary in comedy by, well, devouring an hour. Pay special attention to Jeff E. He's quite possibly the most likeable male comic in Toronto right now. Like, he's just, likeable, you know? I dunno. That might not seem like a big deal, but in a world where you only have five minutes to make a name for yourself, having the audience want to laugh because they're on your side is a crucial ingredient to a killer act. Young comics producing their own show? This makes my heart happy.

About the Author: This is Michael Jagdeo, and I refuse to write about myself in the third-person. My blog, Diary of a Stand-up Comedian, walks you through the up's and down's (they're mostly down's, really) in my quest to become a killer comic in Toronto.