Is Stephen Lynch a very funny singer-songwriter? Or is he a comedian who sings? Listen to a few of Lynch’s clever, playful and hilarious songs, and the distinction becomes irrelevant. Lynch has starred in Comedy Central stand-up specials, and he’s toured concert venues (including Carnegie Hall) that generally only book musicians. He’s been nominated for a Tony (for his starring role in the stage version of The Wedding Singer), and he’s performed at some of Europe’s biggest music festivals. Like only a few other acts (most notably “Weird Al” Yankovic and Tenacious D), he’s transcended the boundary between music and comedy, building a loyal following along the way.
There’s a reason that so many of Lynch’s albums (including last year’s My Old Heart, his first release in seven years) feature live recordings as well as studio material. His shows are as lively as any stand-up comedy performance, with Lynch feeding off the audience’s rowdy energy. Like other comedians, Lynch often tries out new material in front of audiences before recording it for posterity, and like other musicians, he has certain familiar favorites that fans expect to hear at every show. However you categorize him, Lynch is a unique success.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 8 p.m. Feb. 29, starting at $46 plus tax and fee, 18+. 702.632.7600
