One for the ladies

Props to Tina Fey, but comedy is still a man's world. Lucky for us, we have people in our local scene such as Dana Buchwald who are trying to change that. Her monthly comedy showcase, "Women Stand Up! A Comedy Cabaret," is a hit at the Bryant-Lake Bowl theater. You can catch the latest show Saturday.

She started the event in November 2006 out of "frustration with comedy still being such a male-dominated world," said Buchwald, a local theater artist. For example, no women host late-night talk shows and even "The Daily Show" (of which she is a fan) has only one female correspondent.

But the performers featured in "Women Stand Up!" aren't mad -- they're funny. Every month, five women from various comedic backgrounds -- standup, sketch comedy, improv groups -- show off their skills to a packed house. Buchwald likes to mix veterans such as Maxine Jeffris and Miss Shannan with up-and-comers looking for a break.

There will be three more shows this season (second Saturday of each month). Go to www.myspace.com/ womenstandupcomedycabaret. (10 p.m. Sat. 810 W. Lake St., Mpls. $10-$14. $8 with Fringe button. 612-825-8949. www.bryantlakebowl.com)

Maxwell's update

While it was sad to hear about Maxwell's devastating Feb. 20 fire, here's some good news on the downtown bar's future. Co-owner Chris Diebold said they plan to start rebuilding immediately after ice melts inside the gutted interior (the place looked like an ice castle after the fire trucks left). So what's the best-case scenario for a new Maxwell's? Four months, Diebold said. In the meantime, a fundraiser will be held next weekend at Sally's in Stadium Village. It's $10, which gets you beer, food and a lineup of bands. All proceeds will go to helping the four tenants who lived above Maxwell's. They lost everything in the fire, Diebold said. (5 p.m. March 16, 712 Washington Av. SE., Mpls. 612-331-3231.)

High fashion

If you've never been up to Windows on Minnesota, the events center on the 50th floor of the IDS Tower, Saturday is a good chance to check it out. A fashion and rock show called Envision 2008 features local boutiques and the music of the Moon Goons and DJ Timmay (plus food and drinks). More info at www.myspace.com/envisionmpls. (9 p.m. Sat. 80 S. 8th St., Mpls. $20. Advance tickets: $15 at www.vitalculture.com)