Rachel Feinstein, Dave Coulier, Scott Wood, Mark Gregory and Dwayne Kennedy (originally from Chicago!) will be here this week.
Beth Stelling will be at Zanies. Her career began with Chicago Underground Comedy. Since moving to L.A., she has appeared on late night with Conan and Jimmy Kimmel, filmed a Comedy Central special and toured internationally. In December, Vulture.com named her Comedy Central special one of the ten best of 2015. Her album Simply The Beth was also one of the top ten of the year, according to Splitsider. Last week, Beth wrote publicly for the first time about her recent experience with rape and domestic abuse. One of the reasons she decided to talk about it is that “it’s unhealthy to keep this inside … my personal is my professional.” If you’re fortunate enough to get tickets to see her, you can expect much insight and honesty.
Starting Thursday, Chicago hosts the biggest sketch comedy festival in the world. Eight days, 165 groups, 186 shows! See the schedule and get your tickets here.
UPDATE 1/5: Paper Machete has announced its line-up for this Saturday and it’s fantastic. Beth Stelling is on the bill along with some of Chicago’s best and funniest writers and comedians, plus New York’s “Team Submarine” who are former Chicagoans. They are in town appearing at Sketchfest and now at Paper Machete, too. See listing below for more details. By the way, Paper Machete is free!
One more Chicago comedy note. He’s a Chicagoan and not technically a comedian, but Jerry Seinfeld thinks this person “has gotten off just enough funny lines” to be the first guest of Season 7’s Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee. Go here to see whether Jerry Seinfeld succeeds in driving off White House grounds with President Obama. This episode is called “Just Tell Him You’re The President.”
If you have an event to add, please email me at temewring@gmail.com. Thank you to the Chicago comedy community for the extraordinary calendar of events every week. This calendar is just a small fraction. Check out the wonderful, talent-packed showcases and the larger venues’ entire listings and you’ll be amazed at how much is happening here every single night of the year.
Happy 2016! Support local comedy and you’ll have your year off to a warm and happy start!
MONDAY, JANUARY 4
“Sadsacks and Wisecracks” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Weekly comedy showcase hosted by Natalie Jose. Natalie is a cast member of Chicago Underground Comedy, starred in the OWN network’s My Life is a Joke and was featured on Last Comic Standing this summer. Featuring: Kristin Toomey, Kristen Clifford, Reena Calm. Music by Kate Adams.
“Best Night Ever” at the GMan Tavern, 3740 N. Clark, 8:00 p.m. Free showcase produced by Mike Cronin, Sam McHale, Thomas Brady and Dave Losso. Tonight Dave Losso hosts Mike Bobrinskoy, Phoebe Perry, Max Friedman, Chris Schmidt, Shannon Noll, Cleveland Anderson, Sammy Arechar.
“MiHiChi” at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Michael Issac’s multimedia comedy show.
“100 Proof Comedy” at Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Always a great line-up at this weekly showcase. Check the site for who’s appearing.
“Death of the Cool” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. iO’s only spoken word showcase. Features all new, all true stories from seven of Chicago’s top improvisers. Monthly.
“iO Holiday Donation Drive: THE SHOW” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. A show featuring iO’s most successful fundraisers with a big reveal about this year’s numbers.
“Wild Out Mondays” at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
“For Real, America?” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p .m. Written by and starring Sarah Dell’Amico & Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola. “FOR REAL, AMERICA?!” is a one-act sketch revue showing two diverse perspectives of how this country is changing for better and 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. Through Fairy Tales, Cooking Shows and peaking through a Neighbors fence, they fearlessly ask audiences “For Real, America?!”
“The Tuesday Ten” at Zanies, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. “A mix of ten headliners, rising stars and surprise guests!”
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Chicagoan Dwayne Kennedy won “Best Comedian” honors at the prestigious 2002 Comedy Arts Festival and went on to appear on Seinfeld and late night with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien. He has had his own comedy specials and also was a writer for Arsenio Hall and a writer and on-air contributor for Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell. He headlines around the country. Check out this excellent interview with Dwayne Kennedy by David Gavri.
“Cocktail Comedy” at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, 8:00 p.m. No cover. Comedy showcase at House of Blues’ VIP lounge, The Foundation Room (4th floor). Presented by comedyofchicago.com
“Secrets, Lies and Alibis” at Elbo Room, 2871 N Lincoln Ave. , 8:30 p.m.Hosted by Sarah Albritton with David Drake, Sonia Denis, Elliot Lerner, character(s) by Stephanie Weber. Musical guest Evan Mills.
“Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu” at The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. This 104th Main Stage revue has been selling out fast – buy tickets early! Directed by Jeff-award winning Director Ryan Bernier. Shows throughout the week. Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones called it one of the city’s hottest theater tickets.
“Chicago Underground Comedy” at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. Birth place of groundbreaking comedy. Original comedy home of Beth Stelling, Cameron Esposito, Dan Telfer, TJ Miller, Kumail Nanjiani and many more. Come see the current extraordinary cast and the always stellar line-up.
“Sketch on the Rocks” at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 10:00 p.m. Performances by Chicago’s up-and-coming sketch groups.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6
“MINT” at MCL, 3110 N. Sheffield, 7:30 p.m. A weekly showcase of music improv. Some shows will include an end-of-show jam open to audience members.
Lincoln Lodge Showcase at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 7:30 p.m. This just in! On Wednesday nights, one of Chicago’s most famous stand-up showcases will visit one of Chicago’s most famous comedy corners! The new Revival comedy club is on the block where the Compass Players performed. The Compass Players, of course, gave birth to Second City. Lincoln Lodge has given birth to some of the most famous stand-up comedians in the country and continues to showcase Chicago’s best with those traveling through.
“Tone” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. “Tone is an improvised two act show, performed by the supremely talented Mission House Ensemble. It’s funny as hell, a little weird, and really interesting. Directed by TJ Jagodowski and and Dave Pasquesi.” And stay for TJ & Dave’s performance at 10:30 (see below)!
“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 – when that stuff is happening. The science of comedy combined with the comedy of science by a master comedian and storyteller.
“The Dave Maher Coma Show” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. You guys, remember when I was so upset because I never got to see this show before its run ended in December?! Well, guess what! Prayers and cursing have been answered because it’s now back on Wednesday AND Friday nights through February 24!
“Surprise Party” at Lilly’s Bar, 2515 N. Lincoln, 8:00 p.m. Free weekly showcase.
Pat Tomasulo at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. Did you know WGN’s morning news sports anchor is also a headlining comedian?
“JOAN” at CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. “JOAN is a collaborative variety show that cultivates a space for women to express their specific creative voice at CIC.” Hosted by: Emma Pope, Lindsey Smith, and Meghan Babbe.
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
“Comedians You Should Know” at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:00 p.m. Six you should know.
“Blind Bet Two-Year Anniversary Event” at The Pony Inn, 1638 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. Weekly showcase. Hosts: Jonah Jurkens, David Drake and Tyson Karrasch. Featuring: Marty DeRosa and Joey Villagomez. Headliner: Pat McGann. Plus: special guests and a tribute to Dan Ronan.
“TJ and Dave” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. The world-renowned improv duo.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7
CHICAGO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL! Through January 17! 165 groups! 186 shows! Follow link to schedule.
“Congrats on Your Success” at Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:00 p.m. Woo! I love comedy + bookstores!! Tonight Bill Bullock hosts this free showcase featuring Gena Gephart, David Zoe Leon, Sonia Denis, Joe Fernandez with headliner Pat McGann. Free beer from Powell’s Brew House. Donations accepted and will go to performers.
“Chicago’s Best Stand Up” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m. Chris Bader, Ricky Gonzalez, Natalie Jose, Marty DeRosa and more TBA.
9:00 p.m. Reena Calm, Sonia Denis , Kellye Howard, Marty DeRosa, Sean White and more TBA.
“Barack All Night” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 7:30 p.m. The President finally gets his chance to tell topical jokes, a monologue and conduct interviews. This is Hyde Park! It could be the real POTUS giving us a look at his next career! Whoever it is, I’ve heard he’s pretty convincing.
Adam Burke at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Voted “Best Stand-Up in Chicago” by Chicago Reader readers in 2014, Adam Burke is a repeat-must-see. His shows are always fabulous, hilarious, smart and leave you wanting more. In the past year, he has become a panelist on NPR’s Wait … Wait! Don’t Tell Me and is a perfect fit. I’m still laughing at his answers months later. His album Universal Squirrel Theory is available on Amazon. Go see him. Another reason Chicago is the best comedy destination in the world.
Rachel Feinstein at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. Rachel Feinstein has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver and The View and is now a recurring cast member on Amazon’s Red Oaks.
“The Attic: And We Back” at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. Headliners: Joel Boyd, Brandon Kieffer, Ronnie Ray, Ed Towns. Hosted by David Gavri. Four headlining sets.
Pat Tomasulo at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m.
“Blipster Life” at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, 8:00 p.m. Hip hop artist Jean Grae with comedians/TV comedy writers Felonious Munk, Dave Helem and Mitch Marchand. Music by DJ JOEYSTAYSBUSY.
“Still Not Friday” at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, 8:00 p.m. Comedy showcase. Matt Drufke hosts Angela Vela, Bobby Hill and Jordan Holmes.
Joe Machi at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Joe Machi blends an abashed delivery with non sequiturs and misdirection. The results are cerebral, bold, surprising, hilarious, on point and memorable to the max. He was a finalist on Last Comic Standing in 2014 and a finalist for the Andy Kaufman award in 2012.
“Stand Up Stand Up Presents Jeff Arcuri” at The Crocodile, 1540 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:00 p.m. Free show. Free pizza. Weekly comedy showcase acclaimed by Splitsider.com and The Chicago Tribune. Featuring Mike O’Keefe, Josh Ballew, Mikey Manker and a “super-secret special guest.” Hosted by Keith Paesel.
“Just Dickin’ Around” All Ladies Showcase at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 8:30 p.m. 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.” Enough reason to go, but also: free pizza! Tonight Krista Atkinson hosts Jayme Allen, Ali Clayton, Marla Depew, Kristen Lundberg. Free. All donations go to performers.
“Parlour Car” at Bar DeVille, 701 N. Damen, 9:00 p.m. New City naming Parlour Car “Best Comedy Night 2015” said: “The sheer variety of kickass, pre-weekend standup-comedy showcases in Chicago is impressive. Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen and Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s consistently put together solid lineups, but anyone who has been to Bar DeVille’s Parlour Car no-cover show knows they’ve been crushing it on Thursday nights. June witnessed sets by Marc Maron and Bobcat Goldthwait … in the same night.”
“PARK” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 9:00 p.m. Peter Moller is “P.” Andel Sudik is “A”. Ryan Archibald is “R”. Kevin Shang is “K”. This hour of improv combines the talents of University of Chicago students with that of Chicago’s seasoned improv vets.
“Messing with a Friend” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:30 p.m. Susan Messing improvises with another talented personality every Thursday night. I’m pretty sure at split second’s notice Susan Messing can channel every personality in creation. Magical, inspiring, dangerous, extremely fun evening you can’t have anywhere else. Makes you think about all the infinite possibilities we (just may) have within us.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
Dave Coulier interview on Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio, at your place! 8:00-8:10 a.m. Follow the link or download the app!
CHICAGO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL! Through January 17! 165 groups! 186 shows! Follow link to schedule.
“The Interview Show” at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 6:30 p.m. Tonight Mark Bazer interviews Max Temkin (Co-creator of Cards Against Humanity), Stacey Ballis (Novelist), Natalie Yvonne Moore (WBEZ reporter, author of upcoming The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation). Music by Lindsay Weinberg (Upcoming album What Do You Believe?) The Interview Show is the first Friday and “features guests from every walk of life … sharing their world views and talents in a laid-back, intimate setting.”
“The Kates” at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s all female comedy troupe. At one of Chicago’s fabulous indie bookstores. !!!
Scott Wood at The Leela Center, 620 Lee St., Des Plaines, 7:30 p.m.
“Defiant Thomas Brothers” at The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. This sketch duo has original, comedic spins where others fear to tread and always with a stratospheric level of creativity and no fear. In 2005, they had an 80-week run in Chicago and went on to take HBO’s Aspen Comedy Arts Festival by storm, returning home with the “best sketch group” award. What happened after that? No one knows. I just know that DTB were already a legend when they reunited this past September. It’s a Chicago comedy must-see. They have another Sketchfest show on Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 p.m.
“Hey Laaady” at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 8:00 p .m. A tribute to Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis every Friday and Saturday in January.
Rachel Feinstein at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
Dave Coulier at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m. Uncle Joey on Full House and a master of cartoon voices. Dave Coulier has provided voices for Scoopy Doo, the renewed Jetsons, Jim Henson’s Muppets and Robot Chicken. His stand-up has been featured on The Tonight Show, HBO and at Radio City Music Hall.
“Stir-Friday Night!” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 8:00 p.m. “An Asian American comedy party!” This Chicago-based Asian-American comedy ensemble tours nationally. Alumni include Danny Pudi from Community and Steven Yeun from The Walking Dead.
“Late Late Breakfast Presents: Roast of Donald Trump” at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 8:00 p.m. “A night of pancakes, drinks, and laughs, as our expert panel of comedians perform in character as politicians and celebrities.” With Danny Maupin, as Roastmaster Wolf Blitzer, Kaitlyn Grissom as Rachel Maddow, Alex Kumin as Ivana Trump, Andy Fleming as Chris Christie, Cleveland Anderson as Ben Carson, Mandee McKelvey as Sarah Palin, Patrick Passafiume as Jeb Bush, Kristen Toomey as Hillary Clinton, Kent Carney as Bernie Sanders and Tyler Jackson as Donald Trump. One night only.
“Chicago’s Best Stand Up” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m. Kevin Williams, Abi Sanchez, Andy Fleming, Tristan Triptow, David Drake, Reena Calm and more TBA.
10:00 p.m. AJ Lubecker, Matt Chiaramonte, Sonia Denis , Rebecca O’Neal, Dave Helem , Paul Farahvar and more TBA.
“VHS” at North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. Screening of VHS oddities with commentary. Hosted by Zach Peterson with Natalie Jose, Meredith Kachel, Peter-john Byrnes.
Mark Gregory and Marc Henderson at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Mark Gregory is an award-winning comedian fresh off his 2015 first place win at “Search For the One” comedy competition. In 2014, his first hour special One Man Two Worlds played to a sold-out audience. He is also the host of the nationally touring show, Rebirth of Comedy. Additional interesting fact: Dick Gregory is his uncle.
Marc Henderson is known for bringing clean, original comedy to any topic he tackles.
Adam Burke at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
“Lincoln Lodge Showcase” at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. “The show’s mission is to showcase Chicago’s finest up-and-coming and touring comedians and past performers include Amy Schumer, Hannibal Burress, Fred Armisen, T.J. Miller, Marc Maron, Janeane Garofalo, Natasha Leggero and Kristen Schaal.”
Beth Stelling at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. The very hilarious and honest Beth Stelling returns to her comedy hometown where she was named best stand-up in the city by the Reader in 2010. Since then, she has appeared on late night with Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel, been named “One of the Top 18 Women You Should Be Following on Twitter” by The Huffington Post and one of “12 L.A. Acts to Watch in 2013” by L.A. Weekly among many other top honors.
“The Boys. We Make it Worse” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 9:00 p.m. Improv with people who make Chicago an international destination for it: Rachael Mason, Susan Messing, Craig Uhlir, Norm Holly, Ryan Archibald.
“The Day Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert Nearly Killed Me” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 9:00 p.m. A true story back this month by popular demand.
Sammy Arechar at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m.
“3PEAT” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 10:00 p.m. “Fast-paced improv comedy from one of Chicago’s only African-American troupes.”
“Horrible Fun” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 10:30 p.m. “You know your favorite adult party card games? The terrible apple mad lib f*ucktionary incorrect against humanity game that you love so much! We love them too! When you walk in the door you get three cards that fill in the blank. During the show if you have a good card that matches the main card pulled by our judge raise your hand and come up on stage! We will do improvisation based on the combinations. Be aware this show is dirty, ridiculous, offensive, and horrible. Are you ready to be horrible with us?”
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9
CHICAGO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL! Through January 17! 165 groups! 186 shows! Follow link to schedule.
“Paper Machete” at Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway, 3:00 p.m. This fabulous weekly spoken-word showcase features comedians, actors and writers. Lots of famous names, but you don’t have to be famous to participate. If you would like to audition, be on the look-out for your opportunity at “The Mash,” which is also announced on the PM web site. This week’s line-up: Sean Flannery, Dave Helem, Sam Irby, Patrick Rowland, Beth Stelling, Team Submarine, Chad The Bird, cabaret by Wes Perry and musical guests Fatbook.
“The Second City’s Fast, Loud & Funny” at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 4:00 p.m. Second City’s comedy “in-your-face indictment of the modern condition.”
Adam Burke at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m.
Patrick O’Hara at “Mike Brown’s Night of Comedy” at Clancy’s Public House, 2542 Portage Mall, Portage, IN, 8:00 p.m. Mike Brown hosts Patrick O’Hara, Paul Sciarra Jr., Keith Evan, Marysa Mavrayks, Hunter McKee, Melissa Richelle and Miles Hendrix.
Comedy Sportz at Comedy Sportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont, 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. Classic Chicago improv show. Two teams compete based on audience suggestions to create the best comedy scenes, songs and games. For all ages. Check schedule for many shows throughout the week.
Dave Coulier at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00, 9:15 p.m.
Beth Stelling at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
Joe Machi at Zanies, MB Financial Place, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
“The Two-Hour Comedy Hour” at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, 7:00 p.m.
“Third Annual Under The Gun Improv Classic” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 7:30 p.m. Tournaments enters its second week.
Scott Wood at The Leela Center, 620 Lee St., Des Plaines, 7:30 p.m.
“Charismatic Comedy Presents Vince Acevedo” at Madison Street Theatre, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Erica Nicole Clark. Featuring Steve Rinaldi and Peter Daniel with guest star Manny Acosta.
“Chicago’s Best Stand Up” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Featuring Jonah Jurkens, Calvin Evans, Bill Bunker, Kelsie Huff, Adam Burke and more TBA.
“Saturday Eight Night” at CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. “A variety show hosted simultaneously by three comedians: Mark Denny, Meaghan Strickland, and Damian Anaya. Each week they will interview a guest, welcome a stand up comedian, explore a part of Chicago culture, and invite a friend to take part in THE CHALLENGE: A 5-10 minute comedy piece designed to push the performer outside of his or her comfort zone.”
Rachel Feinstein at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
“The Revival Hour” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 8:00 p.m. An hour of improv on the corner where The Compass Players got their start.
“Blackout Diaries” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Sean Flannery, this evening features comedians and regular folk telling their own legendary drinking stories. The audience will have a chance to ask questions. Featured on NPR, Comedy Central and in all the major Chicago papers as one of the city’s most recommended events. Saturdays. Get tickets soon – sells out fast!
Mark Gregory and Marc Henderson at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
“The Yeah Buddy Awesome Time Comedy Show” at Brainstorm Comics, 1579 N. Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m. Free comedy showcase (donations accepted).
Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio at Wallace Hall, 813 LaSalle St., Ottawa, 8:00 p.m. With Dave J, Reena Calm and headliner Jordan Holmes.
“The Nasty Show” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Featuring Natalie Jose, Drew Frees, Brandi Denise, Ali Clayton, Kellye Howard, Tristan Triptow and more TBA. Comedy/no boundaries.
Sammy Arechar at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m.
“Fackbuddies” at The Improv Den, 1333 N. Milwaukee, 10:30 p.m.
“Improv Saturday Nights” at CIC, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd., 10:30 p.m. Tonight: Orphan Alley, Papa Legba, Majority Rules.
“Dear Diarrhea” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. Improvisors confide their cringe-iest early-life diary entries.
“Clusterfuck” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 11:59 p.m. “This $2 night cap consists of the improv stylings of Destiny’s Grandchild and UNICORN. Special guests each week!”
SUNDAY, JANUARY 10
CHICAGO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL! Through January 17! 165 groups! 186 shows! Follow link to schedule.
“Sunday Morning Stories” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 10:00 a.m. For new and seasoned storytellers with opportunities for storytellers-to-be. Click here to learn how to sign up. Hosts: Kevin D’Ambrosio, Justin Flowers, Lauren Huffman, David Slattery, Billy Sullivan and Ranjit Souri who is the creator and executive producer of the show. Technical Director: Zach Stinnett
“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 learn how to sign up. Hosts: Adam Bowman, Kevin D’Ambrosio, Justin Flowers, James Knowles, Val Jencks and creator and executive producer, Sanjit Souri. Technical Director: Zach Stinnet
“The Second City’s Fast, Loud & Funny” at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 4:00 p.m. Second City’s comedy “in-your-face indictment of the modern condition.”
“Tuxedo Cat Comedy” at 1935 W. Thomas St., 7:00 p.m. Free showcase, but donations are appreciated and go to the performers. Produced by Sean White, Rebecca Fass, David Philips and Jerry Tran.
“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.
“Blipsters on Broadway” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. An alternative comedy show hosted by The Nightly Show’s Felonious Munk and Dave Helem. Expect anything: music, commentary, comedians touring through who drop in to test stuff out. All possible. The show’s mantra is “If you think you’ve seen this, you haven’t.”
Dave Coulier at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m.
Jonah Jurkens at Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., 8:00 p.m.
Beth Stelling at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
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