Visitors in town: Quincy Jones and Bianca Del Rio. Pablo Francisco is at The Improv. At Zanies: Kristen Key, Vir Das, Dan Soder, and Jim Flannigan.
Ticket alerts:
March 24: Screening of Paradox followed by a Q&A with writer Daryl Hannah and the film’s star, Neil Young.
April 7-8: Jeff Garlin at Zanies in Chicago and Rosemont
April 20-21: Arsenio Hall at Zanies in Rosemont
Following is this week’s spotlight, just a fraction of all the one-of-a-kind comedy excellence happening around Chicago this week. Please check the “Directory” (above) for more and please always confirm all details!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Comedy Night at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., 8:00 p.m. Presented by Troy Pryor and MiHiChi. Hosted by T- Murph. Sounds By DJ Chante. Special Musical Performance by Sa’Rayah from NBC’s The Voice. Featuring Lele Mason and Em Brown. Starring Calvin Evans.
The Armando Diaz Experience at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. Tonight’s guest monologist is Kathleen Rooney, author of the magnificent national bestseller, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20
The Comedy Bowl at Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W. Diversey Pkwy., 8:00 p.m. An evening of comedy, music and trivia contests produced and hosted by Mona Aburmishan.
Top Ten Tuesdays at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. Lainie Lenertz, Paul Farahvar, Tim McLaughlin, Abi Sanchez, Jonah Jurkens and more TBA.
9:30 p.m. Reena Calm, Adam Burke, Dale McPeek, Joe Fernandez and more TBA.
Generation Latinx with Ebony Essence Jet at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:00 p.m. A comedy and music variety show featuring Latino/a performers. Tonight also features a special appearance from Ebony Essence Jet.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Second City’s Black History Month Show at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Cast: Andy Bolduc, Terrance Carey, Kiley Fitzgerald, Maya Haughton, Asia Martin, Seth Thomas, and Rob Wilson. This show is a retrospective of material created by Keegan-Michael Key (Key and Peele), Angela Shelton (Frangela), Amber Ruffin (Late Night with Seth Meyers), Dave Pompeii (The Pomp Show), Sam Richardson (Veep and Detroiters) and more.
Quincy Jones at @North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave., 9:00 p.m. Quincy Jones has appeared on Ellen, Conan, CNN, You Made it Weird with Pete Holmes, WTF with Marc Maron, and Kevin Hart’s LOL LIVE network. He also has an HBO special Burning the Light which among other things, covers his battle with terminal cancer. He is originally from Seattle and currently lives in L.A.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks, 9:30 p.m. Nationally recognized stand-up showcase. Marty DeRosa hosts Allison Dunne, Blake Burkhart, Tim McLaughlin, Mike Samp, Marilee, and Jim Flannigan.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22
The Kates at The Book Stall, 811 Elm Street Winnetka, 7:00 p.m. All women comedy showcase created and produced by Kelsie Huff. Always a one-of-a-kind evening of diverse and unforgettable comedic perspectives. Also a great way to get to know the top women of Chicago stand-up! Line-up: Wilmette native Alexandra Tsarpalas, Onicia Muller, Amy Sumpter, Eunice Jarret, Brittani Ferguson and Soli Santos. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot by calling 847-446-8880, or emailing events@thebookstall.com. Suggested donation is $10.00. All proceeds go to the performers.
The Comedy Nosh at Max and Benny’s Restaurant, 461 Waukegan Rd., Northbrook, 7:00 p.m. Dinner and show. Hosted by Ricky March. Featuring Melissa Richelle, Denise Medina, and Peter Lipsey.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23
She The People at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. “Girlfriends guide to doing it for themselves.” Cast: Alex Bellisle, Carisa Barreca, Katie Caussin, Maria Randazzo, Alexis J. Roston, and Kimberly Michelle Vaughn. Sketch starring, created and produced by the women of Second City. Follow link for more show times.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24
The Kates at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Arrive early for seats! Free show, but donations appreciated and go to performers. Tonight: Caitlin Checkeroski, Kris Simmons, Kim Morris, Eunice Jarrett, Alex Seligsohn, Stephanie Weber, and Madeleine Russell. Hosted by Alexandra Tsarpalas.
Bianca Del Rio at The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The “Blame It On Bianca” tour. Bianca Del Rio is a comedian, actor, award-winning costume designer, and winner of the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Early show is sold out.
Two Queens One Mic at The Revival, 1160 E 55th St., 9:30 p.m. Stand-up and sketch by two of Chicago’s top comedians, Brandi Denise and Kellye Howard.
Classy Comedy Cabaret at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., 10:00 p.m. Featuring Chris Higgins, Sabeen Sadiq, Lyssa Laird, and Rene Valdiviezo. Headliner: Ed Towns. Hosted by John McCombs.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Julia Sweeney at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 6:00 p.m. Julia Sweeney’s new solo show is “Older and Wider.” Get tickets in advance (they sell out) – only a few more shows!
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