Chicago comedians in the news: HBO announced that Jaboukie Young-White will collaborate with Issa Rae to adapt The Gang’s All Queer: The Lives of Gay Gang Members by Vanessa R. Panfil into a half-hour series. The show follows “a closeted 20-something living in Chicago who, grieving a gang-related death, drops out of college to find closure.”
Following is just a fraction of some of the great comedy returning to Chicago. Please also check out my 101 Hot Ticket Alerts. Don’t forget to confirm all details!
TUESDAY, JUNE 15
Ladylike at The Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON “Ladylike is a storytelling show where women and non-binary performers tell their grossest stories.”
She Memes Well at the 92Y, 6:00 p.m. ONLINE Comedian and actor Quinta Brunson speaks with with Larry Wilmore about her debut essay collection, She Memes Well.
Chicago’s Best Standup at The Laugh Factory, 7:30 p.m. IN PERSON Featuring Kellye Howard, Liz Zagone, Tiny Thickemz, Sarah Perry, Paul Farahvar, Scott Duff, Hannah Boone, Victoria Vincent and more TBA.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16
Killin’ It at The Kedzie at The Kedzie Inn, 7:30 p.m. IN PERSON With one of comedy’s best, Prateek Srivastava.
Wednesdays After Work at Zanies Chicago, 6:30 p.m. IN PERSON
The Laugh More Showcase at Zanies Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Girls 5Eva at the 92 Y, 5:00 p.m. ONLINE A conversation with the cast: Meredith Scardino, Sara Bareilles, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, and Busy Philipps and TV Guide Magazine’s Damian Holbrook.
THURSDAY, JUNE 17
Comedy Tub: Aaron’s Birthday at The Kedzie Inn, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON. Sets from Darrick Jones, Laura Hugg, Chris Kladis, Aaron Burzak, Liz Greenwood, Jerry Tran and Aaron McDavis.
Happy to be Here at Second City, 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Out of the House Party at Second City, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Lena Waithe, Naomi Ackie, Alan Yang and Aziz Ansari at the 92 Y. ONLINE. 4:00 p.m. A conversation about the new season of Netflix’s Master of None including Emmy winner and Chicagoan Lena Waithe.
FRIDAY, JUNE 18
High Spirits Comedy at Spirit Water Taproom, Cary. A Funnier By The Lake Production, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON With host Bobby Hayes.
“Father Jokes Best” starring Chicago’s Joe Nuccio and featuring Mike Maxwell with host JT Newton at Grapevine Theatre, Lake Geneva, WI, 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON
The Comedy of Freds 3 & 4 with Fred Klett and Son at The Castle, Beloit, WI, 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Gary Owen at The Improv, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. IN PERSON Tonight through Sunday (Sunday only at 7.)
A Calmedy Experience at North Bar, 9:00 p.m. IN PERSON Reena Calm presents Matt Brown, Caitlin Checkeroski, Joe Fernandez, Spark Tabor.
Vince Carone at Zanies Chicago, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. IN PERSON Tonight and Saturday night.
SATURDAY, JUNE 19
Las Locas Comedy with Lalita Dee, Hilary Jimenez, Susana Rodriguez, Anna Lucero, KB Marion and host Janice V Rodriguez at DSTRKT, 7:30 p.m. In person and livestream also available.
We See You Comedy Show: Juneteenth Edition at North Bar, 8:30 p.m. IN PERSON Hosted by Ben Noble.
Love and Laughter Festival with comedians Rodney Perry, TK Kirkland, Red Grant and musical acts Bone Thugs & Harmony and Twista at Soldier Field South Lot, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON
SUNDAY, JUNE 20
Out of the House Party at Second City, 5:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Caitlin Cook at Zanies Chicago, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON
MONDAY, JUNE 21
Open Mics at Lincoln Lodge, 5:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m. IN PERSON A great way to get to know Chicago comedians and hear the comedy process even if you’re not going up yourself!
Monday Night Jam at The Comedy Shrine, Aurora, 7:30 p.m. IN PERSON Improv jam for all levels of experience.