Visitors in town: Steve Solomon, Hannah Boone, Joby Saad, and David Angelo. Nick Vatterott returns to his hometown.
At Zanies: Marty DeRosa with Adam Burke (Chicago), Michael Issac (Chicago), Taylor Mason (Chicago), Pat McGann (Rosemont), Nate Weatherup (St. Charles).
At The Improv: Joey Villagomez, The Sklar Brothers.
Ticket Alert:
September 29: Hasan Minhaj at the Chicago Theatre.
Chicagoans in the News:
The Bonnie Hunt Show has been off the air since 2010, but I still feel its absence every weekday at 2:00 p.m. Now there is great news for her legions of fans! Bonnie Hunt will be co-hosting Windy City Live this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday! Tune in at 1:00 p.m. on ABC.
Super Troopers 2 will be released on DVD/Blu Ray on Tuesday, July 17 and is already available on digital download. Chicagoan Jay Chandrasekhar directed, co-wrote and co-starred. He kindly spoke with me last week – and has news about future projects and more! Please drop in again – I’ll post the interview early Tuesday.
The 2018 Emmy nominations were announced last week and Chicago comedy is everywhere. Second City has a list of nominated alums here. Chicago nominees also include Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and W. Kamau Bell (United Shades of America).
Good Day Chicago featured the Beastie Boy Tribute Band, She’s Crafty in advance of their performance at City Winery. The band includes the versatile and talented Amy Sumpter who is also a member of the kates.
Lots of Chicagoans on late night last week! Chris Redd and Lil Rel Howery were both on Conan. Kathryn Hahn and Kathy Griffin were on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Chicagoans on late night this week:
Boots Riley: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah on Monday, July 15.
Bob Odenkirk: Conan on Wednesday, July 18.
Jim Gaffigan: Watch What Happens Live and Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday, July 19.
Cast of Super Troopers 2: Last Call with Carson Daly on Friday, July 20. (Rerun from April.)
Following is this week’s Spotlight. Please don’t leave the house without confirming all details!
MONDAY, JULY 16
ClickHole Live! at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 7:00 p.m. Stories from the writers of the popular satirical site.
Marty DeRosa and Adam Burke at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Two of Chicago’s favorite top stand-ups. Tonight and tomorrow night.
The Armando Diaz Experience at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. Improv created from a featured guest’s personal story. Tonight’s guest is Maddie Cordovano “who is headed back to the mountains with her doggo” after four years at iO where she has worked as house manager, creative director of iO Comedy Network, a coach and and as a member of multiple teams at iO.
You Won! at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. “An LGBTQ variety show that puts a positive, funny spin on the inherent absurdity of competition. It features a revolving cast of comedians, improvisers, storytellers and musicians that will explore what it means to be successful. Audience members are encouraged to bring their real medals and trophies for a chance to win more trophies.”
TUESDAY, JULY 17
Comedy Cocktail at House of Blues’ Foundation Room, 329 N. Dearborn, 6:00 p.m. Produced by James Allen Kamp, creator of the most excellent comedyofchicago.com. DJ Tone-Knee kicks off the evening at 6:00 p.m. Stand-up showcases at 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. RSVP for free admission. Early arrival recommended. Seats go fast! Always a great, diverse line-up of Chicago’s top comedians and surprise drop-ins.
7:30 p.m. Chris Trani hosts Corey Wood, Ed Towns, and Joe Kilgallon.
9:00 p.m. Joe Kilgallon, Netra Netra Netra, Chris Trani, and Joey Villagomez.
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. Nicky Martin hosts ChUC alum Nick Vatterott, Marty DeRosa, Hannah Boone (NYC), Meredith Kachel, Sarah Vulpio, Derek Graff, Conor Cawley, and Caroline Twyman.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18
You Joke Like A Girl at Volumes Bookcafé, 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:15 p.m. Monthly all-women open mic and showcase created and produced by Elyse Nylin. Open mic at 7:15. Showcase begins at 8:45 with Eunji Eunji, Amy Sumpter, Molly Kearney, and Brittany Meyer.
Canoli, Latkes and Guilt at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 7:30 p.m. Steve Solomon’s first award-winning show was My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy. Through August 5. Follow link for all show times.
Comedians You Should Know Presents: Nick Vatterott at Timothy O’Tooles, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct. 7:00 p.m. Allison Dunne hosts Em Brown and Abi Sanchez with a special extended set from Nick Vatterott.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Tooles, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct. 9:30 p.m. Joe Kilgallon hosts Hannah Boone, Marty DeRosa, Allison Dunne, Bill Gevirtz, Adam Kroshus, and Taneshia Rice.
THURSDAY, JULY 19
Gaslight District at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. “The Second City e.t.c.’s 42 revue invites you along on a frenzied frolic that translates our modern world into the common language of laughter.” Three stars from the Chicago Tribune.
Clean Comedy Challenge at The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, 8:30 p.m. Comedians compete for a $500 prize. Featuring Leslie Norris Townsend, Bill Gorgo, Dobie Maxwell, James Wesley Jackson, Joby Saad, and Rocky Laporte. Thursday-Saturday. Follow link for all show times.
The Show That Works at Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 10:00 p.m. Sketches about Chicago.
FRIDAY, JULY 20
Laugh Near Minimalist Furniture: A Comedy Variety Show at Joffrey Tower, 8 E. Randolph, 7:30 p.m. Headliner: Lucas O’Neil (Comedy Central Up Next Comedian for 2018). Host: Tyler Fowler. With stand-up from Vik Pandya and Lauren Oprah Walker. Improv from I’m A Turtle. Sketch from Teen Cudi. Music from Michael Heidemann.
David Angelo at The Lincoln Lodge at Under The Gun Theatre, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. David Angelo has appeared on Comedy Central and 2 Broke Girls. He currently writes for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and was named New York’s Funniest Comedian in 2017. Tonight and Saturday night. 7/18 BREAKING NEWS: just got email from Lincoln Lodge. Special guest performance tonight from Nick Vatterott.
Clean Comedy Challenge at The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, 8:30 p.m. Comedians compete for a $500 prize. Featuring Leslie Norris Townsend, Bill Gorgo, Dobie Maxwell, James Wesley Jackson, Joby Saad, and Rocky Laporte. Through Saturday. Follow link for all show times.
Just Nesh at Riddles Comedy Club, 5055 W. 111th Street, Alsip, 8:00 p.m. Tonight and Saturday night. Taneshia Rice is a national headliner who toured with Dick Gregory. She has been featured on Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City and The Next Level on Comedy Central.
SATURDAY, JULY 21
Paper Machete at The Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, 3:00 p.m. This week’s headliners are The Sklar Brothers. Free show always has an outstanding line-up of comedy and music. Arrive early – like an hour early – for seats!
You’re Being Ridiculous at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka, 7:00 p.m. This bibilophile haven now offers the best of best worlds. An outstanding book selection and now outstanding comedy with “Comedy After Hours.” Tonight is the storytelling extravaganza You’re Being Ridiculous. Moving true stories which will also have you relating and laughing like crazy. A great evening guaranteed. I recommend signing up for the Book Stall’s newsletter because there are actually two comedy events here this week, but the first is sold out. Guarantee your place with advance notice! Get tickets for tonight as soon as you can because the last time YBR was at the Book Stall it sold out.
They Go Low, We Go Hyde at The Revival, 1160 E 55th St., 8:00 p.m. “An original sketch comedy revue written by and performed for Chicago’s South Side. The show is inspired by irritations both big and small. It explores how our individual grievances inform our collective decision making and the consequences that often result.” Directed by Briané Goodrum. Through August 18.
David Angelo at The Lincoln Lodge at Under The Gun Theatre, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. David Angelo has appeared on Comedy Central and 2 Broke Girls. He currently writes for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and was named New York’s Funniest Comedian in 2017. Tonight and Saturday night.
Just Nesh at Riddles Comedy Club, 5055 W. 111th Street, Alsip, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Taneshia Rice is a national headliner who toured with Dick Gregory. She has been featured on Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City and The Next Level on Comedy Central.
Clean Comedy Challenge at The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Comedians compete for a $500 prize. Featuring Leslie Norris Townsend, Bill Gorgo, Dobie Maxwell, James Wesley Jackson, Joby Saad, and Rocky Laporte. Tonight: the finals! Follow link for all details.
Helltrap Nightmare at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 10:00 p.m. “A Night of Comedy Horror and Noise Music Terror” named “Best Underground Comedy Show” by Chicago Magazine.
SUNDAY, JULY 22
Boomer Babes at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. The fabulous, hilarious Boom Babes! Jan Slavin and Pam Peterson scheduled tonight after their show earlier this summer sold out fast and people had to be turned away at the door. I hope Boomer Babe shows will become a regular event. Interview with Jan Slavin here.
Dave Maher at Crowd Theater, 3935 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Dave Maher is bringing his acclaimed Dave Maher Coma Show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and tonight he offers two free previews. The show previously had an extended run at the Annoyance Theatre where it repeatedly sold out. It’s an honest, hilarious, profound account of how Dave went into a month-long coma, was nearly unplugged from life support and awoke to an avalanche of Facebook eulogies by friends who had assumed the worst.
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