Case in point: HellaSecret's "Crazy Funny Asians" Friday Night Comedy Showcase, running two shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The pop-up comedy series has carved out a loyal following by doing something radical — being genuinely entertaining.

For the uninitiated, HellaSecret has built a mini-empire of underground-ish events around the Bay Area, from speakeasy bar crawls to comedy nights, all operating on the novel business model of giving people a good time and getting paid for it. No taxpayer subsidies. No DEI compliance officers reviewing the set lists. Just comedians, a crowd, and a two-drink minimum.

The "Crazy Funny Asians" showcase specifically highlights Asian American comedians, and the fact that it sells out consistently tells you everything you need to know: audiences don't need a government program to embrace diverse voices in comedy. They just need funny people and a Friday night.

This is the kind of grassroots cultural scene that makes San Francisco worth living in despite the $3,500 rents and the streets that smell like a chemistry experiment. Small operators taking risks, building brands, and creating community — all without a single line item in the city budget.

So if you're looking for something to do this Friday that doesn't involve doomscrolling or attending a Board of Supervisors meeting (same thing, really), grab tickets before they're gone. Two showtimes means twice the chances, but HellaSecret events tend to fill up fast.

The free market remains undefeated in the comedy game.