HBO’s Def Comedy Jam comedian and Houston’s own Ali is headlining today’s The Gift of Laughter show. Ali, who counts Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor among his influences, often jokes about family relationships. For example, his eight-year-old daughter often uses one of his favorite phrases, “your funky ass.” (As in, “Daddy! Your funky ass don’t hear me?”) She uses the phrase less these days since she once used it on her grandmother in church. The girl said, “Hey, Grandma…” but was cut off by her grandmother, who said, “Shhh! The pastor’s talking.” Not to be denied, the girl said, “Oh, so your funky ass can’t talk to me when the pastor’s talking?” Ali immediately took the girl outside and told her she couldn’t say “funky ass” any longer. “Why not, Daddy? You say it.” Ali said, “You do what I say, not what I do!” “But Daddy, you say ‘funky ass.’” Marcus D. Wiley, Kier Spates and Billy Sorrells are among the comedians supporting Ali. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Improv Comedy Showcase, 7620 Katy Freeway. For information, call 713-333-8800 or visit www.improvhouston.com. $20 to $30.

Thu., Dec. 23; Fri., Dec. 24, 2010

This article appears in Dec 23-29, 2010.