Hannibal Talks Bombing + New shows & Hot Mics...

Every comic bombs sooner or later. That's just something that all comedians go through. Believe it or not it's actually a good thing in the long run for the performers development. Bombing helps a comedian improve as an artist and can help with self critique, it's all part of the process. Chicago's own, Hannibal Buress, arguably one of the funniest rising comedians in the game right now, talks about "The Worst I Ever Bombed" as part of "The Tonight Shows" behind the scenes web series. A pretty interesting short clip with some insight into the comedian perspectives.

"Xanadu" - Timmy Brochu Album Recording...

On Wednesday March 19th, Chicago comedian Timmy Brochu will record his first live album: "Xanadu". It's about time. The guys a real gem, well liked, respected and nobody works harder. Timmy's been performing stand-up comedy for about 8 years, but we first met in 2009, and in the 5 years since I've known Timmy he's been an absolute stalwart in the Chicago comedy scene. Not content to just be a comedian waiting for stage time to be handed to him, Timmy is also a prolific producer. He co-produced the legendary but now defunct shows Rotten Comedy (had some insanely good times at that spot) and Chi-Town Comedy, and currently co-produces two hot showcases (Stand Up Throw Down & Make Your Self At Home) and a popular Open Mic (The Mic With No Name).

For the album recording Timmy plans to perform about a 45 minute set and is chomping at the bit to get his point of view out there. Timmy had this to say about the upcoming recording. "I wanted to get my stuff out there. The way I've been writing and performing in the past year are exactly what I always had in mind for myself creatively. A lot of the newer material started to lend itself well to working with a lot of my older material and finally come to a point where I could combine them into a lot of great chunks of material. Themes began to develop, a timeline of my life and experiences emerged. I realized it was time as I've never felt stronger as a performer. I've prepared by getting it all down on paper in those chunks, and working them out as such on stages all over the city. I took notes more and listened to my recordings. I'm chomping at the bit to do this for the first time"

What's Popping...

Dang, march is looking good so far (for comedy not weather). Tons going on this week, check out what's up in the Chicago scene starting tonight...

Malort Mondays in March: CANDY LAWRENCE!!!

at The Green Door Tavern 

Joe Alden McMahon
Buddy Heeley - Host

Andy Kushnir
Tamara Lynn Chambers
Owen Black
David Yontz
Josh Johnson
CANDY LAWRENCE!!!

Tonight!

100 Proof Comedy
at ComedySportz Chicago - 929 W Belmont
POWERHOUSE LINEUP!
TONIGHT - 8PM!

FUNKY FRIDAY...

It's a great weekend for comedy, so not a lot of formalities today. Let's get right to it...

WEREWOLVES IN SPACE: A ROCK OPERA
at saki - 3716 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL.
With special guests:
Mike Lebovitz
Candy Lawrence
Tommy McNamara
Katie McVay
Jason Earl Folks
+ More!
TONIGHT - 7:30PM

DERICK LENGWENUS Album Recording

at The Comedy Bar- Chicago - 157 W. Ontario every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10 pm. 

Come watch headliner Derick Lengwenus (Second City, Montreal Fringe Festival,  Just For Laughs Festival, San Francisco Comedy Competition) record his album at The Comedy Bar!
Friday & Saturday - 8PM and 10PM!

The Chris Bader and Friends Show!
at the Laugh Factory Chicago
Chris Bader, 

Paul Farahvar, 

Dobber

Marty DeRosa

Brian Babylon 

+ More!
TONIGHT

Talking Shop with Ron Funches

Ron Funches is a kind of a big deal, although he'd never admit it. He tours around America headlining the top comedy clubs in the country, has Comedy Central specials, a featured role on NBC's new sitcom Undateable, multiple network television TV roles and appearances, (Conan, Disney etc.) and is an all around sweetheart of a dude.  The first thing I noticed about Ron when speaking with him is how humble and genuinely nice the guy was. Ron was cool enough to do a quick interview over the phone and will be at Zanies all weekend starting tonight. We talk shop about love of the craft, the irony of success, room intimacy and more... Check it out.

Comedy Of Chicago: What's your background in terms of performing comedy, how did you get started?

Ron Funches: I started doing stand up in Portland Oregon at That's little place called Harvey's Comedy Club. I just always have been a big fan of stand up, loved stand up since I was a child. I tried to do a bunch of other jobs and things and wasn't good at any of those things and so thought I should probably try the thing I love very much and was lucky enough to, and I really enjoyed doing it as well as watching it.

Interview with Dave Helem

Dave Helem

The bad news about the Chicago comedy scene is that veteran comedians eventually move away in search of better professional opportunities. That's just a realty. The good news is that there are plenty of talented comics waiting in the wings to step up to the mic (so to speak). Dave Helem is a good example of the up and coming, fresh faced, ambitious and hardworking talent that Chicago is producing right now. Dave's part of a new class of performers that's not waiting for anything to be handed to them, but instead is working to make opportunities for himself and others in the scene. He's performed at the TBS Just For Laughs Festival, produces his own showcase and is a regular at clubs like Jokes and Notes, The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Bar. Plus fe features and hosts at independent showcases and open mics all over town. Dave sat down for an interview where we discussed race, divorce, getting booked, hustling etc... Check it out.

What's Popping...

Sun is out! OK... yeah it's still cold as hell, but at least it's not snowing. Perfect opportunity to get out of your winter cave, shave (that means you too lady), dress up and and enjoy some comedy. If it's your first time here, this segment is your guide to the Chicago comedy scene with listings and links to the best shows and comedy clubs. There is usually so much going on we try to break it up with an article on Monday, which covers events during the week, and then an update on Thursday that covers the weekend. So lets get to it, lots happening this week starting tonight. NUMBER 1 on your radar should be the Just For Laughs Audition show at the The Up Comedy Club. Some real Chicago heavyweights will be throwing it down tonight... Check out what else is up this week.

Montreal Just For Laughs Audition!

@ The Up Comedy Club! - 230 W. North Ave Chicago, Il.
Mike Lebovitz

Chris Redd

Tom Brady

Liza Treyger

Marty DeRosa

Mike Lebovitz

The Puterbaugh Sisters

Alex Stone

Brian Babylon

Candy Lawrence

Danny Kallas

Adam Burke

Megan Gailey

Tonight!! - 8:30PM

Sean Patton @ The Comedy Bar

Sean Patton is one busy dude right now... International comedy festivals (JFL Montreal, Melbourne) network TV appearances, Comedy Central specials, this cat is doing it all. Patton is also is a nationally touring comedian based in New York and Los Angeles by way of New Orleans and has performed at legendary clubs like Caroline’s, The Comedy Cellar, Gotham, The Improv, The Laugh Factory and many other clubs around the Country. In short the guys a hard working beast. Starting tonight you can catch Patton all weekend long at "The Comedy Bar" - a plush club in Chicago's "River North" neighborhood. We did a quickie interview with Patton via email, check it out...

Comedy Of Chicago: You've got a Comedy Central special, multiple network TV appearances and get to travel all around the country performing stand-up. Are you living the comedians dream right now?

Sean Patton: I can't complain. I mean I could, but that would make me seem like a huge piece of shit. I am constantly beaten, tired, hungover, confused, and itchy. Which is how you should be if you love what you do.