Pass the Mike

Any open mic comic worth their weight in complimentary drinks carries with them a difficult childhood experience that- - while not so funny at the time- - turns into joke fodder for years to come. For comedian Mike Epps, this meant revisiting a one-bedroom apartment he shared with nine brothers and one sister, a place where dope dealers and prostitutes were tending to business right outside the door. Fighting for a little face time among his siblings, Epps assumed the role of class clown and eventually upgraded from a school prankster to Ice Cube’s trilogy of stoner classics, with appearances in Next Friday and Friday After Next. Now back on the comedy circuit, Epps hits up Improv Paradise Live (5700 Seminole Way, Hollywood) tonight, with shows at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets cost $34.30. Call 954-981-5653, or visit www.Improvftl.com.