Stand-up comic Jen Kirkman is one of the premiere voices in today's "alternative comedy" scene and performs regularly around L.A.'s hippest clubs, including Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, Largo and the Hollywood Improv. Her comedy is part observation and part confession, almost always coming from a very personal -- and very funny -- place. She cites Joan Rivers as an influence, drawing from that comedian's strength and perseverance in the "boys' club" of comedy during the '50s and '60s -- plus the fact that she's still got comedic chops. All of those qualities clearly play a role in Kirkman's comedy, too.