The downtown scene can get a bit repetitive. Sometimes it seems as if it’s the same bands, people, rap songs and drink specials night after night.

Shake things up, head to something different downtown. On the last Monday of each month, The Loft offers a stand-up comedy showcase.

On Monday, The Loft is featuring the comedian Kris Shaw, with Athens-based comedian T.J. Young hosting the event.

Young is also an actor, musician and graphic artist who lives in Athens.

Kris Shaw is an accomplished comedian who is excited for his first performance in Athens.

He has toured the United States and internationally, as well as appearing on television.

Shaw recently returned from entertaining American troops on a tour overseas in Bahrain and Djibouti.

Don’t expect a rehearsed program.

“My act is along the same theme or topics each time, but I do switch it up some,” Shaw said.

“My material can be adjusted to the type and size of crowd that I get. I do improv some if necessary, depending on what I feel like doing.”

During the show, Shaw does not tiptoe around tough subjects, nor does he think all the comedy has to be light and trivial.

“I do address racism as a major part of my show. I think that it’s crazy that we still have to put up with that kind of stuff in this day and age,” Shaw said.

“I like the audience to take something home with them that they can think about later.”

So what exactly will the audience get out of one of Shaw’s shows?

“I would like them to expect a fun time, where they can kick back, relax and forget about everyday stresses,” he said.

Shaw wants people to have fun at his shows.

“I do adult humor, but I’m not raunchy. I am black, but I don’t do a typical ‘black’ show,” Shaw said.

“Many of my fans are not what you would typically think. I tend to make fans of a lot of rednecks or country people. They like me and I like them.”

To get a taste of Shaw’s humor before the show, his MySpace page contains select clips from his performances.

Jehovah’s Witnesses, football and “American Idol’s” William Hung are just a few of the topics broached on the site.

The Loft is holding comedy nights through the fall months.