Visitors in town: Yvonne Orji, Lewis Black, Chaunte Wayans, Sklar Brothers, Chris Tucker, Sean Hayes.
At Zanies: Chris Kattan (Rosemont), Bobby Slayton (Chicago), Jayson Cross (Chicago), Sugar Sammy (Chicago, Rosemont), Tim Dillon (Chicago, Rosemont), Tuesday Ten Showcase (Rosemont).
At The Improv: Jamie Kennedy, Carlos Mencia.
At Riddles: Diane Corder Birthday with Foolish, Stan Da Man, Chaunte Wayans
Ticket alert: Carol Burnett at The Chicago Theatre on May 8.
Chicago comedians in the news:
Joey Villagomez appears on Bill Burr Presents: The Ringers on Comedy Central tonight at 10:00 p.m.
Damon Williams is filming a new stand-up comedy series, Laugh Tonight with Damon Williams for the Urbanflix Network. The show features multicultural comedy, an international ensemble and Chicago’s favorites.
Last week on Conan, Pete Holmes revealed how an audience encounter almost got him shot by the Secret Service.
Kumail Nanjiani appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Conan.
Following is the Spotlight for the next ten days. Please confirm ALL details before leaving home!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31
Live Comedy with J.T. and Friends at Hidden Pearl Coffee, McHenry, 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Fabulous line-up featuring Michele Krajecki and headliner Dobie Maxwell. Hosted by J.T. Newton.
Comedy Date Night Featuring Just Nesh and Friends at The Forge, Joliet, 8:00 p.m. Taneshia (Just Nesh) Rice is a nationally touring headliner and one of Chicago’s fastest rising stars. She has appeared on Comedy Central and HBO.
Cards Against Humanity at Theater on the Lake, 8:00 p.m. Improv comedy based on Cards Against Humanity hosted by the creators themselves. Audience members pitch ideas and may be rewarded or ridiculed.
Joey Villagomez Event at Timothy O’Toole’s, 8:00 p.m. “Comedians You Should Know” hosts a show and viewing party for Joey Villagomez’s appearance on Bill Burr Presents: The Ringers on Comedy Central tonight. Blake Burkhart hosts Correy Bell, Vince Carone, Audrey Jonas, Dale McPeek and an extended set by Joey Villagomez.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
A Visit from Svengoolie at Pet Supplies Plus, Berwyn, 1:00 p.m. An opportunity to meet the world famous horror host. Photos and autographs included.
Live Comedy with J.T. and Friends at Hidden Pearl Coffee, McHenry, 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Fabulous line-up featuring Michele Krajecki and headliner Dobie Maxwell. Hosted by J.T. Newton.
Lewis Black at The Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, 8:00 p.m. The “It Gets Better Every Day” Tour.
State of Unfairs at The Revival, 8:00 p.m. Brand new sketch comedy about life in “The Prairie State.”
We Still Like You at Hostel Earphoria, 10:00 p.m. The sixth anniversary show!
Yvonne Orji at Lincoln Hall, 7:30 p.m. Yvonne Orji is best known as one of the stars of HBO’s Insecure with Issa Rae. People often don’t know that she got her start as a stand-up comedian. She spoke about her “worst moment” to Nina Metz recently in the Chicago Tribune.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2
BAPS Winter Showcase at The Den Theatre, 7:00 p.m. “BAPS was created to fill a void in Chicago: providing a platform for talented women of color in a typically male-dominated industry. BAPS includes everything from stand-up and solo sketches to music and storytelling.”
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Armando Diaz Experience at iO, 8:00 p.m. iO’s longest running improv show. Created by Adam McKay, Dave Koechner and Del Close.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
The Second City Black History Month Show, 8:00 p.m. A spotlight on comedy originally created by alums such as Steve Carell, Keegan-Michael Key, Tim Meadows, Stephen Colbert, Amber Ruffin, Sam Richardson and more. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through March 11.
Comedy After Dark at The Book Stall, Winnetka, 7:00 p.m. Producer and MC Richard Laible, headliner Dr. Bill Miller, and featuring Seth Davis and Sonal Aggarwal.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Psychotic Break at Shuba’s Upstairs, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s addiction and mental health-themed variety show. Comedy by Carly Ballerini, storytelling from Stirling McLaughlin and songs from Scott Nadeau. Hosted by Jenn Sodini and Dan Shapiro. Free show.
Mix Tape Comedy Valentine’s Day Show at The Tonic Room, 8:30 p.m. Stand-up by Eunji Kim, spoken word by Lawrence Binkey Tolefree, stand-up by KJ Whitehead, poetry by Spencer Tootle, musical comedy by garden boys, storytelling by Caitlin Rose Mahoney. The Master’s Collection presents soul and R&B covers. Hosted by Caitlin Rose Mahoney. Free show.
Goodman Theatre Benefit at The Palmer House, Noon Featuring the multi award-winning star of Will & Grace, Sean Hayes.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Chaunte Wayans at The Laugh Factory, 8:00 p.m. Chaunte Wayans is a comedian, writer, actor, and a member of one of the greatest comedy dynasties of all time.
Sklar Brothers at North Bar, 7:00 p.m. These brothers, dads and husbands are known for their television and Netflix appearances, writing and podcasts. Their hit podcast Dumb People Town with cohost Dan Van Kirk is under development as an animated show with Sony for You Tube Premium.
Mother Cluckers at Anderson’s Bookshop, LaGrange, 8:00 p.m. “The Mother Cluckers brings hilarity to the already hilarious situation of parenting! Come laugh with us!” Free event.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Laugh Near Neon Furniture at Jojo’s Milk Bar, 10:30 p.m. Meg Indurti hosts headliner Sohrab Forouzesh, stand-up from Vik Pandya and Kenyon Adamcik, improv from: I’m A Turtle and music by Michael Heidemann.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
D’s Mixed Nuts at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. The premiere of an exciting new comedy showcase created, produced and hosted by the fabulous Denise Medina. Tonight Denise hosts Lia Berman, Colleen Brennan, Scott Duff, Soli Santos.
Chris Tucker at The Chicago Theatre, 8:00 p.m. In addition to his comedy, Chris Tucker is known for the Rush Hour movies where he co-starred with Jackie Chan and for many other big- and small-screen appearances.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
She the People at Second City, 7:00 p.m. “We’ll bet you 72 cents on the dollar (or much, much less!) you’ll cheer for this sketch show entirely created, designed, and performed by the fearlessly funny women of The Second City!”
Improvised Valentine’s Day at Second City, 7:30 p.m. Get all the expectations over with early and laugh about it!
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