Comedy: Hal Sparks

HAL SPARKS got an early start in comedy, embarking on his comic maiden voyage at the tender age of 15. He found continued showbiz success with regular character Michael Novotny on Showtime's "Queer as Folk" and joined a notable roster of hosts, including Greg Kinnear and lovely lady comic Aisha Tyler, on E's Emmy-winning "Talk Soup" before it morphed into "The Soup," its Joel McHale-helmed incarnation. Sparks brings a heaping helping of VH1-honed witty banter to Laughing Skull Lounge. Must be 18 and over. $20-$28. Thurs., Sat., 8 and 10 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 and 9 p.m. 877-523-3288. 878 Peachtree St. www.vortexcomedy.com.