Veteran funnyman John Keister is best known as the host of the iconic Seattle television show Almost Live!. During its run on KING TV (1984-99) and Comedy Central, Keister received ten Emmy Awards for writing and performing. In supermarket checkout-stand magazines like People and Us Weekly, there’s always a section along the lines of “Stars: They’re Just Like Us!” Which, of course, they most definitely aren’t—only the most ridiculously egotistical celebrity (we’re lookin’ at you, J-Lo!) would have a domestic servant wipe her nose or go jogging on her behalf. But former Keister actually is quite a bit like us. He buys his Kleenex at the same Safeway where you shop, wears grass-stained Nikes, commutes via public transit, earns his keep as a schoolteacher, and even does some demo work for his girlfriend’s restaurant design enterprise. All of which makes him a revered figure in Seattle comedy circles today. Tonight, as part of the Neptune’s grand opening events, he’s joined by host Luke Burbank and fellow comics including Rylee Newton and the Ashley Judd Comedy Hour. MIKE SEELY

Mon., Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m., 2011