We've been patient as the SXSW 2012 Music and Film events were released, and finally, it's here: SXSW Comedy's stellar lineup, which really does feature some of the biggest names in the game (like Marc Maron, John Hodgman, Eugene Mirman, T.J. Miller, Todd Barry, Andres du Bouchet, the Sklar brothers and many, many more). Alongside the headliners you'll find comics you might not recognize now, but will definitely remember (Jerrod Carmichael, Brandon Wardell and Beth Stelling, to name a few).

SXSW Comedy started out as an industry-focused set of showcases; now, in its fifth year, the annually expanding lineup of shows hosted at Esther's Follies (and, this year, The Velveeta Room) is much more. As comedy events are included at no extra cost to all SXSW attendees, they tend to draw huge, diverse crowds, and in the midst of a city-wide celebration it feels less like a night at the club and more like a party with all your bestest, funniest friends.

Along with the previously announced eight live podcast recordings, you'll also be able to see a special preview from the cast of Bob's Burgers, Comedy Bang Bang live, Funny or Die presentsThe Super Serious Show and two showcases curated by UCB Comedy, All-Stars of Improv and The Best Damn Stand-up.

This year, SXSW Comedy will also host events on the Next Stage (located in the SXSW Trade Show), which will feature Austin's own Stag Comedy, a live recording of Kevin Allison's storytelling podcast RISK!, a showcase from Stand Up! Records (home of 2011 Funniest Person in Austin Andy Ritchie's album, King Ding-a-Ling) and, also presented by UCB Comedy, a live performance from the unpredictably absurd NYC-based public access gem The Chris Gethard Show.

Other special events include A Carlin Home Companion, an autobiographical show presented by Kelly Carlin (daughter of comedy legend George);Set List with Paul Provenza, where stand-ups are assigned topics as they step onstage; and Comedy Central favorite The Benson Interruption. This year, there will also be five comedy-focused panels debuting as part of the SXSW Interactive Festival.

More performers, events and details will be released as the festival gets closer (you can check sxsw.com/comedy for news).

Here's the current full list of performers:

James Adomian, Scott Aukerman, Kevin Allison, Todd Barry, Doug Benson, Mike Birbiglia, Kurt Braunohler, Jerrod Carmichael, Wyatt Cenac, Chris Cubas, Andres du Bouchet, Ian Edwards, Cameron Esposito, Matt Fulchiron, Brett Gelman, Chris Gethard, Gary Gulman, John Hodgman, Pete Holmes, Louis Katz, Martha Kelly, Robert Kelly, Kyle Kinane, Jessi Klein, Howard Kremer, Ben Kronberg, Mike Lawrence, Kristine Levine, Gabe Liedman, Mike MacRae, Marc Maron, T.J. Miller, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Nick Mullen, Larry Murphy, Aparna Nancherla, Kumail Nanjiani, Shannon O’Neill, DC Pierson, Kevin Pollack, Chip Pope, Greg Proops, Paul Provenza, Jonah Ray, Amy Schumer, Kristen Schaal, Ari Shaffir, Eliza Skinner, Jason Sklar, Randy Sklar, Dan Soder, Dan St. Germain, Beth Stelling, Ryan Stout, Nick Turner, Brooke Van Poppelen, Kulap Vilaysack, Brendon Walsh, Brandon Wardell, Reggie Watts, Joe Wengert

...and here are some details:

Shows taking place during the Film and Interactive festivals (March 10-13) will be open to those with Platinum, Gold, and Film badges. Shows during the Music festival (March 13-17) will be open to those with Platinum and Music badges and Music wristbands.