CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS:
Matt Braunger released his new album Doug on October 6.
Subhah Agarwal’s released her new album Dog Show on October 7.
There’s a new theater in town! Scott Whitehair opened the Jekot Theater upstairs at Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons (3905 N. Lincoln). Up next on October 16: Jimmy Carrane’s hit show World’s Greatest Dad(?).
Sarah Sherman was a guest on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday, October 4. Watch here.
Samantha Irby‘s new book Quietly Hostile will be released on May 16, 2023.
Second City alum Joan Rivers will become an action figure in May 2023 along with Bill Hicks and Lenny Bruce.
On October 1, Molly Kearney became Saturday Night Live‘s first non-binary cast member.
Beloved Oak Park-born comedian and Second City alum Judy Tenuta passed away on October 6 at age 72 after a battle with ovarian cancer. She called herself “the Aphrodite of the Accordion” and was as original and vibrant as that sounds and beyond. She toured early on with George Carlin, helped fuel the 1980s standup renaissance and was consistently a favorite of fans and fellow comedians.
TICKET ALERTS:
October 21-22: Dan Telfer at Lincoln Lodge
October 21-22: Damon Williams and Tony Sculfield at Riddles
October 22: Jeff Garlin in conversation with Mark Bazer at Northwestern University. A Chicago Humanities Festival event.
October 23: Ben Noble and Kellye Howard “All In Comedy Showcase”, with comedians from in and outside of the disability, chronic illness, and mental illness communities in Chicago at Laugh Factory.
October 27: Adam Burke Album Recording at the Newport Theater hosted by Lele Mason with Sean Flannery, Bobcat Goldthwait and Chelsea Hood.
October 31: Halloween TORNADO at The Hideout
November 4-5: Jerrod Carmichael‘s “Ari Told Me I Lack Focus” at Steppenwolf
November 7: Andy Borowitz at Fine Arts Building
November 10-12: Pete Holmes at The Den Theatre
November 16-17: David Cross at The Hideout (tickets selling out fast)
November 17-19: Maria Bamford at The Den Theatre
December 2-3: Mo Amer at The Den Theatre
December 29-31: John Oliver at The Chicago Theatre
December 30-31: Cameron Esposito at The Den Theatre
THIS WEEK AT:
Zanies Chicago: Shane Todd, Matty Chymbor, Super 6 Showcase, Rich Guzzi, Aaron Weber, Calvin Evans, Skyler Higley
Zanies Rosemont: Cindy Kaza, Rich Guzzi, Hannah Berner, Paul Farahvar
The Improv: Adam Ferrara
PLUS HERE ARE fourteen more great shows of the hundreds in Chicago this week. You may notice that I’m no longer on ChicagoNow.com. The Tribune’s new owner, Alden Global Capital, deleted ChicagoNow with no warning in late August. I’m getting my bearings as an independent site. Thank you so much for being with me here. Thank you to the Chicago comedy community for making this blog possible no matter what and for making the world better one laugh at a time. Don’t forget to confirm all details before leaving home!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
Early Bird Special Comedy Showcase at Laugh Factory, 7:00 p.m. Steven Springer hosts Jimmy Carrane, Joe Nuccio, Chevy Debbie, Dave Sinker, Ken Sevara, John Petlicki. Comedians with substantial hilarious and profound life experience.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 10
Daood Naimyar at The Hideout, 8:00 p.m. This Afghan-American comedian tried not to be different, “but failed at every encounter.” It’s paid off- he now has 150,000+ followers on TikTok and a hit album, Pier 69: Junior Varsity.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11
Bobcat Goldthwait at Lincoln Lodge, 7:30 p.m. “Still working on new shit.”
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 8:00 p.m. Lineup will be announced closer to the show, but it’s always excellent.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13
Iliza Shlesinger at Park West, 7:00 p.m. Britt Julious talks with the award-winning comedian about her new essay collection All Things Aside: Absolutely Correct Opinions. A Chicago Humanities Festival event.
Chris Rock at The Chicago Theatre, 8:00 p.m. Through Sunday, October 16. Follow link for all show times.
Stacked at The Newport Theater, 8:00 p.m. Improv showcase featuring four Chicago ensembles.
Stand Up or Die Comedy Showcase at Reggies, 8:30 p.m. Drew Loryn, Adam Burke, Kristen Toomey and special guests.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14
The Sklar Brothers and Daniel Van Kirk at The Den Theatre, 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Comedy double feature. Podcast recording and late night standup set. If you want to attend both shows, follow the link for coupon for $5 off each.
Just Nesh at Arie Crown Theater, 8:00 p.m. The Sweetest Day comedy event with Just Nesh, Jess Hilarious, Rickey Smiley, B. Simone, Blaq Ron, Darren Brand, Money Bag Mafia. Friday and Saturday night.
Garfield Ridge Comedy Jam at European Chalet/Mayors Mansion, 7:30 p.m. Jesnaira Baez, Anthony Bonazzo, Ken Flores and Brooks Sullivan. Special guest DJ Edlo.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 15
Fem Com Punch Up Show at Lincoln Lodge, 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s up and coming female comedians.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16
Jimmy Carrane at Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons, 3:30 p.m. His hit show World’s Greatest Dad(?) re-launched for 2022. Jimmy was kind enough to speak with me here.
Paul Farahvar at Zanies Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. Paul Farahvar is an award-winning, nationally touring headliner and content creator. He hosts the podcast Singles Only (SWSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 Chicago Reader) and produces hit shows at Laugh Factory. He was kind enough to speak with me here.