Comedians in town: Gary Gulman, Nick Swardson, Jerrod Carmichael, George Lopez, Sam Morrill, Matt Braunger, Corey Holcomb, Sheryl Underwood, Earthquake, Dominique and Red Grant.
Tim Barnes and Scott Adsit return to their comedy hometown for the first Chicago Podcast Festival. Bob Saget and Kevin McDonald also join the Festival’s abundantly star-studded line-up. More details below.
In the news:
The Defiant Thomas Brothers’ showcased their heart-sounds on Tuesday’s WCIU’s You & Me. You can see it here.
In the wake of the election, Highland Park High School alum Brett Gelman (Eagleheart, Another Period, Aqua Teen Hunger Force) took a stand by cutting ties with Adult Swim. Citing its lack of women show runners and its far right-wing show Million Dollar Extreme Presents: World Peace, he is urging Adult Swim to speak up when content crosses the line into bigotry. Adult Swim generally takes a hands-off approach to inspire creative freedom. But in an interview with the Huffington Post, Gelman said “I’m all for free speech … [But] I am not for something that mobilizes propaganda.” His original tweet has inspired over one thousand tweets and re-tweets. He’s asking supporters to go beyond social media and take positive action of their own.
Adult Swim’s Mike Lazzo Takes to Reddit to Defend Lack of Female Creators https://t.co/fjxE8FYx7z THIS IS THE REASON I HAVE SEVERED TIES
— Brett Gelman (@brettgelman) November 14, 2016
Ticket alerts:
Tom Segura at The Vic on March 18, 2017.
Brian Regan at the Chicago Theatre on April 7, 2017.
Ali Wong at the Chicago Theatre on April 8, 2017.
Lewis Black at the Peoria Civic Center on April 27 and the Chicago Theatre on April 28.
The organizers of Ferris Fest 2016 announced the sequel: The Shermer Club: A John Hughes Festival on June 22-25, 2017. Tickets and more details here.
I split the calendar in two this week because so much is happening just in the next four days and this is just a fraction of it! Please confirm all details before heading out.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Chicago Podcast Festival at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Opening night! Lady to Lady and Bullseye (with Dwayne Kennedy, TJ and Dave, Andre Royo and musical guest Split Single.
Nick Swardson at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. Nick Swardson is known for Reno 911!, his sketch show Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time on Comedy Central and for work with Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions.
Gary Gulman at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., 8:00 p.m. The New York Times said, “Gary Gulman is finally being recognized as one of the country’s strongest comedians.” Also, one of the most verbally inventive and brilliant. His latest special It’s About Time is available on Netflix.
The e.t.c.’s 41st Revue at Second City’s e.t.c. Theater, 1608 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The new revue. Thursdays-Sundays.
Have Fun with Rebecca O’Neal at Cole’s Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:00 p.m. A new comedy showcase every third Thursday hosted by Rebecca O’Neal.
Just Dickin’ Around All Ladies Showcase at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 8:30 p.m. Open mic followed by showcase at 9:45. 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.” Free show and free pizza. Tonight is hosted by JDA producer Krista Atkinson. Featuring Marla Depew (JDA member), Liz Greenwood, Audrey Jonas and Kit Rivers. Interview with JDA here!
Chicago Podcast Festival at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, 9:00 p.m. Black Girl in Om, The Book of Ye, Roboism
Messing with a Friend at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:30 pm. This is a show where the improvisers morph from character to character before your eyes. Believable and magical at the same time. A little bit dangerous, too. Anything can happen. Susan Messing was named “Best Improviser” by the Reader and “Improviser of the Year” at the Chicago Improv Festival. Tonight’s friend is Second City alum Scott Adsit (Big Hero 6, Veep, 30 Rock).
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Chicago Podcast Festival at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. It’s All True (featuring Rhymefest), Improv Nerd (Jimmy Carrane’s FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW!) (Featuring Scott Adsit), Kevin McDonald Show (Featuring Bob Saget, Scott Adsit and Eric Johnson of The Fruit Bats).
Chicago Podcast Festival at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park West, 7:00 p.m. Nerds on Tour, Song Exploder
Chicago Podcast Festival at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. Filmspotting and Filmspotting SVU.
Chicago Podcast Festival at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 3159 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. Minority Korner and CinemaJaw
Cat Momz at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. A solo sketch show by Dani James and Steven Tobiasz.
Jerrod Carmichael at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. At 29, Jerrod Carmichael is the creator and star of one of the best sitcoms on TV, NBC’s The Carmichael Show. One of the things that makes it so great is that it tackles difficult topics and acknowledges there are no easy answers.
George Lopez at The Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., 8:00 p.m. Would love to hear his thoughts on the election.
Nick Swardson at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, 8:00 p.m. When you ask comedians who they admire, Dwayne Kennedy is one of the most oft-cited names. He was a writer and correspondent for Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell and his much anticipated album Oh no! It’s Dwayne Kennedy! was released this year. He kindly spoke with me last spring.
The Lincoln Lodge at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. The Lincoln Lodge is known for the comedians it helped launch: Cameron Esposito, Hannibal Buress and TJ Miller and more. Always high quality comedy with local and visiting performers. Dedicated to making comedy accessible and affordable.
Sam Morril at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Thru Sunday. Check site for all show times.
Chicago Podcast Festival at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park West, 9:00 p.m. Kevin Allison’s Risk! An evening of intense, personal, 100% true stories featuring Rhymefest, Rebecca Anderson, Lily Be and Karen Hewett.
Chicago Podcast Festival at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 10:00 p.m. Guys We Fucked
Chicago Podcast Festival at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 3159 N. Southport, 10:00 p.m. Your Stories and PleasureTown
Funked Up Friday at Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Finish the week and start the weekend with this party hosted by AJ Lubecker. (Interview here!)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Late Late Breakfast at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 2:00 p.m. A comedy variety and game show. Free pancakes. Donations appreciated. This week’s donations go to the A.C.L.U.
Chicago Podcast Festival at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 3159 N. Southport, 2:00 p.m. Tomefoolery (with Kelsie Huff and Rachael Mason), MBSing (with Dave Pasquesi), Chewing.
Chicago Podcast Festival at The Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. Shannon Cason’s Homemade Stories (Featuring Dame Wilburn) and Hello From the Magic Tavern (featuring Scott Adsit)
Chicago Podcast Festival at Schuba’s Tavern, 3159 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. Marty & Sarah Love Wrestling, Arguments & Grievances
Chicago Podcast Festival at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 3159 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. Random Conversations with Elizabeth, 2nd Story
Chicago Podcast Festival at The Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., 7:00 p.m. Selected Shorts: Too Hot for Radio (with Peter Sagal, Kirsten Vangsness, Justin Kirk, K. Todd Freeman and Carrie Coon)
Sam Morril at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. Thru Sunday. Check site for all show times.
Nick Swardson at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Jerrod Carmichael at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. At 29, Jerrod Carmichael is already the creator and star of one of the best sitcoms on TV, NBC’s The Carmichael Show. He tackles difficult topics and acknowledges that there are no easy answers. Usually that’s an unhappy conclusion, but Jerrod Carmichael knows where to find the laughs and absurdities and he just makes you feel less alone on this confounding planet.
Matt Braunger at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., 8:00 p.m. Matt Braunger’s was a madTV cast member and has also appeared on Conan, Comedy Central’s @midnight, Maron, Chelsea Lately and The Late Show with David Letterman. His special Big Dumb Animal is available on Netflix. Featuring Natalie Jose.
You’re Being Ridiculous at Mary’s Attic, 5446 N. Clark St., 7:30 p.m. The topic is “issues.” Featuring stories by Brooke Allen, Kelly Cassidy, Erin Diamond, Margaret Dunn, Patrick Gill, Ali Kelley, Jarrett Neal, Jeremy Owens, and Alejandra Zavala.
Chi City Jam at the Ari Crown Theater, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., 8:00 p.m. Starring Corey Holcomb, Sheryl Underwood, Earthquake, Dominique, Red Grant and Just Nesh.
Winter Stories at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 9:00 p.m. Get the season under way with improv based on true holiday stories. Saturdays through December 17.
Chicago Podcast Festival at The Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., 9:00 p.m. The Mortified Podcast (With JH Palmer, Ben Tanzer, Michael Vankerckhove), Crybabies (with Susan Messing, Rick Kogan, Sunshine Boys)
Chicago Podcast Festival at The Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport, 10:00 p.m. My Favorite Murder (sold out)
Chicago Podcast Festival at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 3159 N. Southport, 10:00 p.m. Booth One (with Charna Halpern), The Next Picture Show
Defiant Thomas Brothers at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., 10:30 p.m. Saturdays. Extended thru December. The Defiant Thomas Brothers are back!! The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones said DTB rival Key & Peele. A behind-the-scenes talk with Seth and Paul here.
Chicago Podcast Festival at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, 11:00 p.m. Open Ended, The Room Where It’s Happening (the Hamilton podcast)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Nick Swardson at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m.
Sam Morril at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.