At Zanies: Dwayne Kennedy (Chicago), The Dog and Funny Show with Doug Bass (Rosemont), Zanies Anniversary Invitational (Rosemont). St. Charles is closed for the July 4th holiday.
At Riddles: Damon Williams and friends.
Ticket alert: Arsenio Hall at The Improv Oct. 4-5.
Following is this week’s Spotlight. There is original, great comedy in Chicago every day of the year, including Independence Day (appropriately). Please confirm all details before leaving home!
MONDAY, JULY 1
Poster Child Presents: The Chosen Ones at iO, 8:00 p.m. “Chicago’s favorite POC/Queer/Disabled comedians.” With Keiter Liriano, Daniela Aguilar, Danielle Park, Huy Nguyen, Sarah-Marie Degni, Squeek Rangel, Olivia Jackson.
The Future of Comedy at The Laugh Factory, 8:00 p.m. Featuring Mike Ball, J Bell, Abi Sanchez and more TBA.
The Second City’s Improv Hour at Second City, 8:00 p.m. The world renowned Mick Napier puts his own “wildly unpredictable” stamp on classic improv games.
Monkey Wrench at The Hideout, 9:00 p.m. Arish Singh hosts Adam H. Johnson of Citations Needed.
TUESDAY, JULY 2
Windy City Live at ABC Channel 7, 11:30 a.m. This live taping is a really fun and unique Chicago experience. There’s usually a guest comedian at the table with Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini and they’re often joined by Roe Conn. Free tickets are still available for Tuesday’s show. UPDATE 7/1: Guest comedian is Chicagoan and Saturday Night Live cast member Chris Redd.
Comedy Cocktail at House of Blues Foundation Room, 6:00 p.m. Music at 6. Comedy at 7:30 with host Chris Trani and Noshod Barrow, Patrick Bolduc, Sarah Perry, Abi Sanchez and closer Big Keef. RSVP for free admission.
Cancer is Gorgeous at The Crowd Theater, 8:00 p.m. Comedian and storyteller Jonathan Euseppi met the love of his life, got married and within four months of marriage was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Cancer could have shut down his life, but he decided otherwise. “If he was going to die he promised himself he was going to look gorgeous! Through drag, makeup, and totally overhauling his wardrobe Jonathan began a journey of self love and self acceptance. Cancer is Gorgeous is the queer cancer love story you have been waiting for!” Tuesdays through the end of July.
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 9:00 p.m. Chad Weaver hosts Emily Ogle, Sonal Aggarwal, Deanna Ortiz, Dale McPeek, Sean Flannery, Brendan Scannell, Nicky Martin and the ChUC debut of Aaron Klopfer.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Second City Neighborhood Tour at Second City, 4:00 p.m. This walking tour reveals Second City alums’ stories and where they hung out.
Last Call, Chicago at The Comedy Bar, 8:00 p.m. Stand-up comedy about our hometown.
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Congrats on Your Success at Uncharted Books, 7:00 p.m. New location in Andersonville.
Algorithm Nation Or The Static Quo at Second City, 8:00 p.m. The 107th Mainstage Revue.
FRIDAY, JULY 5
She the People at Second City, 8:00 p.m. “The resistance continues.” Buy tickets soon-this show sells out in advance.
Helltrap Nightmare at The Hideout, 9:00 p.m. Chicago Magazine called it the “Best Underground Comedy Show in Chicago.”
The Comedy Collection at The Comedy Shrine, Aurora, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. With Jack Baker, Liz Greenwood and Tim Brennan.
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Late Late Breakfast at The Hideout, 2:00 p.m. Comedy + suprise games and challenges.
Pat Tomasulo at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Arlington Heights, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Early show sold out! Late show added. Sports’ funniest anchor and host of WGN TV’s late night hit, must-see comedy show Man of the People.
Two-Hour Comedy Hour at Gallery Cabaret, 7:00 p.m. Free show featuring Chicago’s stand-up talent.
World’s Greatest Dad(?) at Second City, 6:00 p.m. Jimmy Carrane became a first-time dad at age 52 at the same time his own complicated father was dying. More with Jimmy here.
The Comedy Collection at The Comedy Shrine, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. With Jack Baker, Liz Greenwood and Tim Brennan.
We Still Like You at Cards Against Humanity Theater, 10:00 p.m. “A show all about shame: admitting it, relating to it, laughing at it, and conquering it. Come hear some incredible stories from Chicago’s best comedians and storytellers. After every story you (the audience) will yell “WE STILL LIKE YOU” in exchange for hearing some deep dark secrets.” Tonight there are stories from Samantha Berkman, Rodescu Hopkins, Tyler Snodgrass, Kyle Parks and more TBA.
SUNDAY, JULY 7
Second City Improv Brunch at Second City, 12:00 p.m. Ticket includes brunch and the show.
The Roast of Pixar at Laugh Factory, 7:00 p.m. With Andy Fleming, Mandee McKelvey, Megan Stalter, Marz Timms, Gena Gephart and more TBA.
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