Dave Hill in Worcester

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 Worcester News

• Fifty years of Slade's Christmas golden oldie - Express & Star Express & Star · Oct 31, 2023
• Become a metal guru with Dave Hill and Phil Anselmo’s Metal Grasshopper AV Club · May 24, 2018
• Coppertops pub set to be demolished The Worcester News · Jul 6, 2016

Live Music in Worcester

Worcester's music scene has grown teeth over the past decade, moving beyond the usual regional circuit stops. The city's developed a real taste for acts that don't fit neatly into one lane — comedians who play instruments, musicians who talk between songs, people doing something that requires actual risk. That's Dave Hill's territory.

Worcester road trip to see Dave Hill?

Stay in the Elm Hill neighborhood — it's got actual character with tree-lined streets and the best local dining concentration. Book a table at Elm Tavern for elevated comfort food, then spend an afternoon at the Worcester Art Museum, which has a surprisingly strong collection that rewards a couple hours. If you want something quieter before the show, The Hanover Theatre is worth checking even if you're not catching a play — the building itself is an ornate 1904 gem. The walk from Elm Hill to the venue area is doable and keeps you off the highway entirely.