In town: Wanda Sykes, Bobby Moynihan, Chris D’Elia.
At Zanies:Dan LaMorte (Live album recording on the 28th and 29th at Zanies Chicago), Sugar Sammy (Chicago and Rosemont), Kira Soltanovich (Chicago and Rosemont), Don Friesen (St. Charles).
At Riddles: Tony Roberts.
At The Improv: Adele Givens.
Ticket alerts:
March 2: Fred Armisen at Metro.
In the news: WGN TV renewed Pat Tomasulo’s Man of the People for a second season.
The 91st Oscar nominations were officially announced last week by Chicago comedian Kumail Nanjiani and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Please confirm all details before leaving home! Especially when it’s -21 later this week!
MONDAY, JANUARY 28
Trios: An Exploration of Music and Improv at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1700 N. Halsted, 7:00 p.m. A synthesis of Chicago improv and improvisational music. Improvisers: TJ Jagodowski (TJ and Dave), Emma Pope (Second City Mainstage, She the People) and Billy Bungeroth (Second City’s South Side of Heaven, Dead River Revival). Musicians will be conducted by Julie Nichols (Second City Music Director, Dead River Revival).
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29
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. Mickey Housley, Hari Rao, Manny Acosta, Abi Sanchez
9:00 p.m. Chris Trani, Raghu Adibhatla, Lucky Luciano, Justin Golak, Taneshia Rice
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30
Dave Maher Sneak Preview at Nox Arca Theatre, 4001 North Ravenswood Avenue, #405, 7:00 p.m. Right now this show is titled Dave Maher Solves Life. Dave describes it as “a high-energy confrontation with my fear of death.” In the critically acclaimed Dave Maher Coma Show, Dave told about coming back from the near-dead and surprising his many eulogists. It was a true story and one of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen. Dave is workshopping this follow-up for the next several months as he gets ready for his encore appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show will evolve and change from month to month. His perspective and comedy come from a place that most of us can only guess about and he is uniquely hilarious and insightful. Life feels much better once you’ve seen the show. I feel like he could charge a lot for this, but right now it’s free! UPDATE: Rescheduled due to winter mayhem. New date: Feb. 8.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31
Pick Up and Play Game Night at Sleeping Village Bar, 3734 W. Belmont Ave., 6:00 p.m. Sponsored by Cards Against Humanity. Games you can learn in two minutes or less, plus never-before-seen CAH cards available for test driving. Free. Follow link for reservations.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1
The Kates at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., 8:30 p.m. The Kates is Chicago’s fabulous all-women stand-up group. Created and produced by Kelsie Huff, the kates is always an evening of unforgettable diverse and hilarious voices. This show is also part of the Fillet of Solo Festival’s last week!
Wanda Sykes at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 8:00 p.m. This award-winning star of comedy, television and film is here on her “Oh Well” tour. Expect honest personal and political talk from one of the funniest comedians of our times.
You’re Being Ridiculous at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1700 North Halsted, 8:00 p.m. Funny, memorable stories will move you and linger long after the evening is over. The theme tonight: “Obsessed.” At Steppenwolf through February 3 with a different line-up each night. Tonight: Mike Blumberg, Jacoby Cochran, Vince Francone, Adrienne Gunn, Archy Jamjun, Rosamund Lannin, Jeremy Owens, and Jennifer Peepas.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2
An Evening with Bobby Moynihan at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State St., 6:00 p.m. At 6:00 you can tour the Museum’s Saturday Night Live exhibit (closing in March) and enjoy drinks and appetizers. At 7:00, Saturday Night Live alum (2008-2017) Bobby Moynihan will talk comedy with WGN’s Dean Richards. Reception follows. UPDATE 2/1: Robert Feder of The Daily Herald reported this morning that this event has been canceled due to a “sudden scheduling conflict.”
You’re Being Ridiculous at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1700 North Halsted, 8:00 p.m. Funny, memorable stories will move you and stay with you long after the evening is over. The theme: “Obsessed.” At Steppenwolf through February 3 with a different line-up each night. Tonight: Karen Clanton, Jennie Ellman, EvaFriedman, Rebecca Makkai, Jeremy Owens, Lupe Nunez, Laurel Ross, and Derek Van Barham.
Chris D’Elia at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, 8:00 p.m. Can’t find a ticket? They sold fast for this show, so he’s returning to the Chicago Theatre on July 20 and 21 due to popular demand.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3
You’re Being Ridiculous at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1700 North Halsted, 3:30 p.m. Funny, memorable stories will move you and stay with you long after the evening is over. One of the best storytelling events in Chicago. The theme: “Obsessed.” At Steppenwolf through February 3 with a different line-up each night. Tonight: Adithi Chandrashekar, Casey Coppess, Kevin Gladish, Dame Grant, Ashlee Hardgrave, Carly Oishi, Jeremy Owens, JH Palmer, and Anne Purky.