Fillet of Solo Festival at Lifeline Theatre and Heartland Studio Theatre in Rogers Park, 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Follow link for outstanding storytelling and comedy events, including the kates, You’re Being Ridiculous, Gayco, Nestor Gomez, Stir Friday night and more.
Janelle James at Second City’s UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Janelle James has appeared on NBC Seeso’s Night Train with Wyatt Cenac, @Midnight and Uproarious on Fuse. She appeared in the Just For Laughs Montreal’s New Faces category for 2016 and was named one of 2016’s 50 Most Funny People in Brooklyn. Her comedy has also been acclaimed by The New York Times, Portland Tribune and Time Out Magazine.
Shamilton: A Chicago Class Action Musical at The Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, 7:30 p.m. The 93rd Annual Chicago Bar Association’s lampoon.
Group Improvised Comedy at Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Long form improv (20-25 minutes) by three teams of up to 10 improvisers, each based on an audience suggestion. Thursdays through Sundays. Follow link for details, show times and a great explanation of what makes improv an art form like no other.
The Capitol Steps at The North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., 8:00 p.m. Presenting the “What to expect when you’re electing tour.”
Brian Babylon at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Brian Babylon’s work include’s Comedy Central’s Why? with Hannibal Buress, NPR’s Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!, BBC Radio, The Moth StorySLAM in Chicago, Inside Amy Schumer and guest host on Windy City Live. He is a Chicagoan and is also known as “The Prince of Bronzeville.”
What A Joke Comedy Festival at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 9:00 p.m. Liz Maupin and Meredith Kachel helm the Chicago edition of this nationwide comedy festival taking place during Inauguration weekend in 32 American cities and Oxford, England. All proceeds go to the ACLU. Chicago’s Festival features Kristen Toomey, Matty Ryan, Sammy Arechar, Calvin Evans, Brandi Denise and Ghouldini. Interview with Liz and Meredith here!