One-liner jokes are the basic building blocks of modern comedy. There are no special gizmos or gadgets, just a simple, concise joke with a powerful punchline.

Comedians such as the late Mitch Hedberg, who once quipped, “I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too,” make it look easy, but hitting a perfect one-liner to get the crowd going can be a challenge for even the most seasoned comics in the business. 

Nearly five dozen Albuquerque comedians are taking on that challenge by participating in the 2nd Annual One Liner Madness competition. The competition is a fast-paced night of comedy where 64 comedians will go head-to-head in a bracket-style, single-elimination, one-liner joke tournament. 

“Kind of like March Madness, we go from 64 Comics down to one comic in 90 minutes,” says Sarah Kennedy, Co-Owner of Dry Heat Comedy Club. 

The fate of those comics will be in the hands of the audience, making things that much more nerve-racking.  

Even though the One Liner Madness competition is still new to the Land of Enchantment, it originated years ago in New York City. The show, which is a regular staple of the New York comedy scene and has run in festivals all over the country, was created by LA-based comedian, screenwriter, and producer Emily Winter who has appeared on Nickelodeon, The New York Times, NPR’s Ask Me Another, The Today Show and Netflix’s What A Joke Festival.

Dry Heat has partnered with Winter to bring the show to the Launchpad. Kennedy says her winning a 2018 One Liner Madness competition in New York helped make personal connections there.  

“Since then, we’ve become good friends with the producers of it,” says Kennedy. 

Kennedy says based on last year’s turnout, she expects space to fill up quickly. 

“Last year, it sold out, and people were pouring out into the streets,” she says.“People should get their tickets as soon as possible so that they don’t miss this year’s show.” 

Even though tickets can be purchased at the door for $20, Kennedy says the smart move is to snag one online at dryheatcomedyclub.com for $15 in order to ensure a spot in the audience before it sells out. 

Kennedy says she hopes to bring the One Liner Madness back year after year.

“Ideally, for us, we would get to do it every single year because we love getting to work with the Launchpad,” she says.