Three only-in-Chicago comedy festivals this week:
- Laughingstock: The Chicago Comedy Music Festival
- Corn Comedy Palooza.
- Chicago Open-Mic Festival. Interview with producer David Gavri here.
It’s a good week if you love comedy and books. This week, Chicago is a book-tour stop for Issa Rae, Rainn Wilson and Greg Schwem. Later this week, The Kates visit the Book Cellar.
Visitors this week include Jim Jefferies, W. Kamau Bell, John Roy, Eddie Brill, Robert Hines, Ashley Strand, Terry Fator, TuRae Gordon, Pete Lee, Finesse Mitchell, Reginald Ballard, duo Mike Berkson and Tim Wambach,and TruTV’s “Impractical Jokers.”
As always, there are shows you can’t see anywhere else.
Please share this calendar and support Chicago comedy.
If you have an event you would like me to include, please email me at temewring@gmail.com.
Thank you to Chicago’s comedy community. I don’t know how all this happens every single day, but somehow it does.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Issa Rae at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St., 7:00 p.m. The award-winning comedy writer, producer and author will discuss and sign her memoir, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. Interesting fact: Issa Rae considered business and law school, but decided to focus instead on her web series, Awkward Black Girl, which went on to win a Shorty Award for Best Web Show. She was also named one of “30 under 30” in entertainment by Forbes Magazine.
“Hilarity Will Hit Your Ears Tonight” at The Double Door, 1551 N. Damon, 7:00 p.m. Featuring Brandon Ruiz, Sammy Arechar , Nick Flemming, Alydar Skyy, Andrew Halter, Alex Seligsohn, Bryan Christopher.
“Is This A Thing?” at O’Shaugnessy’s, 4557 N. Ravenswood, 7:00 p.m. Live lit with Lauren Huffman of Second City Sunday Morning Stories (see below) and other storytellers. Free.
“Sadsacks and Wisecracks” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Weekly comedy showcase hosted by Natalie Jose.
“Snap Shots” featuring Kevin Naughton, At Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Host: Paul Farahvar. Featuring: Mike Alexander, Jesus (Chuy) Nunez, Tim Slagle, Jay Washington, Chris Bader, Jaime DeLeon, Laura Hugg, Ben Bergman,Tom Garland on what made them snap this week.
“100 Proof Comedy” at Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. One of Chicago’s classic stand up showcases.
“The Cricket” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. Calling out “The Moth.”
“The Armando Diaz Experience” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m.Chicago’s longest running improv show founded by Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights), Dave Koechner (Anchorman, Thank You For Not Smoking, SNL) and the actual Armando Diaz (founder of the Magnet Theater in New York).
“Wild Out Mondays” at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh. With B. Cole and Ray Lipowski.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
“Handicap This!” at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., 10:00 a.m. Two-man show by Mike Berkson and Tim Wambach. Mike has severe cerebral palsy and Tim has been his aide since 2001. They promise a comedic and a boundary-blasting presentation.
“Impractical Jokers” at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. TruTv’s public prank specialists.
“The Tuesday Ten” at Zanies, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. Headliners, rising stars, surprise guests.
Eddie Brill at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
“The Incubator” at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. A weekly improv showcase which “matches up and coming players with up and coming coaches.”
“BOSS Ladies Night” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Last performance of this all ladies comedy variety show.
104th Mainstage Revue at The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Directed by Jeff-award winning Director Ryan Bernier. Shows throughout the week.
“The Comedy Bowl” at Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W. Diversey, 8:00 p.m. Comedy and trivia showcase hosted by Mona Aburmishan.
“Chicago Underground Comedy” at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. Birth place of groundbreaking comedy.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
“Impractical Jokers” at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont, 7:00 p.m.
“Drunk Science” with Sean Flannery at The Comedy Bar, 500 M. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Sean Flannery’s drinks and high jinx stories are legendary. At “Drunk Science” you’ll find out what’s going on in the mind – literally.
“The Social Takeover” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Volunteers are invited on stage to open their social media accounts … and hand them over to comedians for the next ninety minutes.
Greg Schwem Book Tour at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m.
Eddie Brill at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
“Flabbey at the Abbey” at The Abbey, 3420 W. Grace, 8:30 p.m. Comedy showcase filmed for TV.
“Comedians You Should Know” at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:00 p.m. Six you should know.
“Brass Chuckles Comedy” at Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway, 9:00 p.m. Weekly showcase featuring stand up, improv, musical comedy, burlesque and more. Hosted by Sayjal Joshi and Tamale.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Finesse Mitchell Interview on Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio at your place, 8:15 a.m. Tune in by clicking the link and have Chicago comedy come to you! Finesse Mitchell headlines at the Improv tonight through Sunday.
Chicago Open-Mic Fest: Day 1 Check site for multiple shows and venues.
“How to Find the Funny and Make People Love You” at Afterwords Books, 23 E. Illinois St., 6:00 p.m. “Keynote speakers will touch on why Chicago became the capital of the comedy and how different local organizations have innovated over the years, through technology and other methods. They’ll also leave you with you five key lessons to help you find the funny and make people love you – at life or in work! The event will be followed by drinks and networking.” Featuring: Amy Nicole Schwartz (Cards Against Humanity), Jenn Bane (Cards Against Humanity), Landis Weidner (Co-founder of LVL Productions and Nindis Social Media) and Andy Eninger (Head of Second City’s writing program).
Finesse Mitchell at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m.Former SNL cast member and star of HBO’s 2016 series Brothers in Atlanta.
Sean Flannery at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m.
“The Love Below Comedy Show” at Beermiscuous, 2812 N. Lincoln, 8:00 p.m. Comedy with Jonathan Giles.
“Stand Up Stand Up” at The Crocodile, 1540 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:00 p.m. With Danny Kallas, Jay Washington, Dave Helem, Matt Drufke, Todd Massey. Hosted by Keith Paesel. Free show and pizza.
“N2O Presents: Gender By Us” at The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark, 8:00 p.m. Conversation-starting comedy.
Ashley Strand at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 8:00 p.m. Ashley Strand is a classically trained Shakespearian actor and an internationally touring comedian who has won multiple awards, including winner of the Hong Kong International Comedy Festival.
“Rat Pack Comedy” at The Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., 8:00 p.m. Headliner: Kelsie Huff. Featuring: Mikey Manker, Terence Hartnett, Tim Barnes, Marla Depew. Hosted by: Kahlil Wilson. Music by: Mike McCarthy.
Greg Schwem Book Tour at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m.
John Roy at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 8:00 p.m. On list of comedians who have made me laugh so hard I ended up ugly crying in front of everyone.
Chicago’s Best Stand Up at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
Eddie Brill at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
“Just Dickin’ Around” at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 8:30 p.m. “All genders showcase. The JDA showcase is “a women-run, queer-friendly showcase that provides a safe, supportive space with a positive energy for our performers and guests.” Also: free pizza!
“Barack All Night” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 9:00 p.m. The President hosts a talk show … or someone who seems to be the President.
“Parlour Car” at Bar DeVille, 701 N. Damen, 9:00 p.m. Free comedy showcase.
“The Wiggle Room” at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 9:30 p.m. Burlesque brought to you by Michelle L’amour and hosted by Adam Burke.
“Messing with a Friend” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:30 p.m. Susan Messing’s guest tonight is Detroit’s Chris Moody.
“Cook County Social Club 10th Anniversary Show” at iO Mission Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. L.A.’s CCSC returns to hometown Chicago for a limited engagement.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Rainn Wilson at The Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Ct., 11:30 a.m. Luncheon with the actor, comedian and founder of Soul Pancake who will talk about his memoir, The Bassoon King. Copies will be available for purchase and signing. Please call (630) 355-2665 for reservations. Interesting fact: Rainn Wilson attended New Trier High School in Wilmette and worked as a security guard at the Baha’i Temple.
Rainn Wilson at Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, 7:00 p.m. Rainn Wilson discusses his book. Ticket includes a copy of the book and signing.
Chicago Open-Mic Fest: Day 2 Check site for multiple venues.
“The Kates” at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s all-female comedy troupe.
“A Series of Random” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 7:30 p.m. A comedy revue by Empire’s Antoine McKay.
“Defiant Thomas Brothers” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. The reunion of the award-winning duo.
Jim Jefferies at The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, 7:30 p.m. Sold out. As of this writing, there are still tickets for Saturday’s 10:30 p.m. show.
Maz Jobrani at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, 8:00 p.m. “The Persian Pink Panther” returns to Chicago following his sold-out shows at Up Comedy Club last winter. The weather outside will be terrible. The weather inside will be beautiful. Speaking of books and comedy: I’m Not a Terrorist, But I’ve Played One on TV. He was kind enough to do an interview with me here last winter. He is also an extraordinary and effective actor. Did you see this season’s Grey’s Anatomy premiere? Maz was one of the stars and had fans (including me) sobbing with his portrayal of a traumatized single dad.
Eddie Brill at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
John Roy at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 8:00 p.m.
Finesse Mitchell at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m. Former SNL cast member and star of HBO’s 2016 series Brothers in Atlanta.
Terry Fator at Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, 8:00 p.m. The singer, comedian, ventriloquist and winner of America’s Got Talent’s second season.
“Bible Bingo” at Royal George Theater, 1641 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. The latest comedy from playwright Vicki Quade (Late Night Catechism). Audience members will play Bingo, win prizes and share religion stories. Catholicism not required.
“Title Bout Comedy Challenge” at Celtic Crown Public House, 4301 N. Western, 8:00 p.m. The challenge builds as the final round approaches. Through Nov. 20.
Sean Flannery at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
TuRae Gordon at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
“Lincoln Lodge Showcase” at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. One of Chicago’s classic showcases.
“Chicago’s Best Stand Up” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m.
Pete Lee and Adam Burke at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
“Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio” at Crosstown Pub, 1890 Mill St., Batavia, 9:00 p.m. Headliner: Marty DeRosa. Featuring Jonah Jurkens. Hosted by Deanna Ortiz with Mike Wiley.
“For Real, America?” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 9:00 p.m. One night only! “A 1 act sketch revue starring Sarah Dell’Amico & Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola directed by Second City’s e.t.c. ensemble member Lisa Beasley, the revue shows two diverse perspectives of how this country may be changing for the better or worse. With Sheedz, from the South Side of Chicago, and Dell’Amico born and raised in South Florida, these two women knew they had to work together. With diverse backgrounds, they grew to acknowledge that being poor ain’t easy but finding the humor in it came easy for these two.”
“The Boys/We Make it Worse” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 9:00 p.m. Susan Messing and Rachael Mason improvise with Norm Holly, Ryan Archibald and Craig Uhlir.
“Type One” Launch Show with Martin Morrow and Marina Franklin at Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker, 9:00 p.m. Fundraiser for diabetes research celebrating launch of web show Type 1! “Type 1 is a web series about Matt–a guy just looking for love and a solid A1C number. The show raises awareness and breaks stereotypes about what it’s like living every day with type 1 diabetes.”
Robert Hines at Riddles Comedy Club, 5055 w. 111th St., Alsip, 9:00 p.m.
Pablo Rodriguez at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m.
“Pimprov” at CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd., 10:30 p.m. This famous night of comedy features pimps improvising. Back at CIC for a limited run.
“Corn Comedy Palooza” at Corn Conservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln, 11:00 p.m. A month of sketch, stand-up and improv with comedians from all over the city.
“Soul Brother, Where Art Thou?” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 11:00 p.m. This E.T.C. 39th Revue has an earlier show at 8:00 p.m., but it’s already sold out.
“Minimum Rage” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 11:59 p.m. Last performance! “You hate your job. But until now, nobody’s cared. What would you say to your boss if you knew there would be no consequences? Come find out. Minimum Rage is your chance to finally say what you’ve always wanted to say to anyone who’s ever kept you from living your dreams. And then sit back and watch your dreams play out live in front of you.”
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Paper Machete at Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway, 3:00 p.m. Spoken word with comedians, writers, artists, actors, famous and should-be and will-be-famous.
Chicago Open Mic Fest: Day 3 Check site for multiple shows and venues.
Comedy Sportz at Comedy Sportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont, 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. For all ages. Check schedule for many shows throughout the week.
Finesse Mitchell at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00, 9:15 p.m.
“Everything is Terrible! Legends” at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln, 7:00 p.m. The “Everything is Terrible” project presents its best worst finds from the retro-horrific bygone world of VHS.
“Laughingstock: The Chicago Comedy Music Festival” at Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark, 7:00 p.m. Through Monday, November 16.
“The Two-Hour Comedy Hour” at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, 7:00 p.m. This comedy showcase turned six this week.
Eddie Brill at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 7:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m.
“A Series of Random” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 7:30 p.m. A revue by Empire’s Antoine McKay.
John Roy at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m.
Jim Jefferies at The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, 7:30 p.m. [sold out], 10:30 p.m. [as of this writing, tickets still available]
“Blackout Diaries” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Listen to comedians’ and other folks’ blackout stories. “Q and A” included.
Melissa Richelle at The Drunken Doughnut, 821 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, 8:00 p.m.
“Bible Bingo” at Royal George Theater, 1641 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m.
“Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio” at Wallace Hall, 813 LaSalle St., Ottawa, 8:00 p.m.
E.T.C.’s 39th Revue: “Soul Brother, Where Art Thou?” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.
“Whirled News Tonight” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m.
“The Kates” at The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks, MI, 8:00 p.m.
The Shark Showcase, Pilsen Breakfast and Grill, 1454 W. 18th St., 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Marcus Shark
“Shicago” at CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Tucker Millett.
TuRae Gordon at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
Robert Hines at Riddles Comedy Club, 5055 W. 111th St., Alsip, 9:00 p.m.
Pablo Rodriguez at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m.
Wyatt Cenac at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln, 10:00 p.m.
Sean Flannery at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
“Cupid Has a Heart On” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s longest running musical-comedy.
“The Yeah Buddy Awesome Time Comedy Show” at Brainstorm Comics, 1579 N. Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m. Free comedy showcase (donations accepted). With Emily Galati, Nick Rouley, Chris Damen, Mike Makings, Allison Dunne and YBAT producers Dave Losso and Jason Melton.
Pete Lee and Adam Burke at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m., 10:15 p.m.
“The Beta Test” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 11:55 p.m. Original sketch comedy from a rotating cast of performers.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
“Sunday Morning Stories” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 10:00 a.m. For new and seasoned storytellers with opportunities for storytellers-to-be. Please click here to sign up.
“Sunday Morning Stories” is followed by …
“The Sunday Morning Open Mic” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 11:00 a.m. Please click here to sign up.
“Improv Nerd” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 5:00 p.m. Jimmy Carrane interviews Ann Libera.
W. Kamau Bell at Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, 5:00 p.m. The multi award-winning comedian presents his one-man show, The W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism in About An Hour.
Laughingstock: The Chicago Comedy Music Festival” at Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark, 7:00 p.m. Through Monday, November 16.
Chicago Open-Mic Fest “Best of the Fest” at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway. Festival winners take the stage for bookers from Chicago’s top clubs and showcases. Each booker will select one comedian to receive stage time at their venue. Come support your favorites!
Reginald Ballard at Universal Entertainment Center, 11901 S. Loomis, 7:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m.
“Bust-A-Gut Sundays” at Flavor Brunch, 17575 S. Kedzie, Hazelcrest, 7:00 p.m. Tony Sco, of 106.3 and Windy City Live, just announced that he’ll be hosting this comedy showcase every Sunday. One of my favorite things is when Windy City Live starts and I see Tony Sco co-hosting.
“Soul Brother, Where Art Thou?” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m.
“The One Who Got Away” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. “An evening of songs and stories about lost love hosted and curated by William Pacholski.”
Finesse Mitchell at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m.
“Mom Genes” at The Windy City Inn, 2257 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Joe Alden McMahon as your favorite uncle. Stand Up from Elizabeth Gomez (The Riff), Martin Henn (from Madison), Danii Gallegos, Kaitlyn Grissom. And your headliner: Laura Hugg.
Comedy of Chicago Showcase at Henry’s, 18 W. Hubbard, 8:00 p.m. A showcase curated by comedyofchicago.com
Pete Lee and Adam Burke at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
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