Dave Hill in Rochester

About Dave Hill

Dave Hill is a comedian and musician from Cleveland who somehow makes it work despite—or because of—the fact that his comedy-rock songs are genuinely awkward. His appeal hinges on commitment to the bit: he'll spend four minutes on a song about how he's a "chick magnet" delivered with such sincere delusion that you're not sure if he's in on the joke. He's also legitimately talented at guitar, which makes the whole thing land differently than if he were just a punchline. Hill has appeared on shows like "Chewed Up" and built a following partly through being the guy who shows up to comedy venues and pulls out an actual instrument. His songs operate in that sweet spot between "this is dumb" and "wait, this is kind of catchy," which seems to be exactly where he wants to be. He doesn't take himself seriously, but he takes the craft of being ridiculous seriously.

His crowds are half-laughing, half-grooving. People don't know whether to clap or laugh at the end of songs. He's self-deprecating enough that the room feels in on it together, which keeps things from feeling mean-spirited. Mostly people leave having heard guitar work they didn't expect from a comedy show.

Known for Chick Magnet, Party Boobies, When My Body Meets Your Body, Craigslist

Dave Hill in Rochester News

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Live Music in Rochester

Rochester's got a scrappy DIY ethos that's produced some solid indie and alternative acts over the years. It's not a major touring hub, so when comedians or musicians with actual chops roll through, people tend to pay attention. Dave Hill's blend of humor and genuine musical ability—he's not just a comedian who plays guitar, he actually knows what he's doing—should mesh well with the city's no-bullshit sensibility.

Rochester road trip to see Dave Hill?

Stay in the Park Avenue neighborhood, where the tree-lined streets and historic homes create a genteel atmosphere without feeling stuffy. Dinner at Citrine, where the wine program is thoughtful and the kitchen respects its ingredients, sets the right tone. Before or after the show, spend an afternoon at the George Eastman Museum—the photography collection is world-class, and the house itself is a masterclass in early-20th-century design. It's the kind of place that makes you think differently about composition and light, which isn't a bad headspace before hearing Bilmuri's intricate arrangements.