"I'm The Gay Tupac"

We are primarily a comedy promotion website... and so we were slightly conflicted about posting on the Jussie Smollett situation. But so MANY Chicago comedians were dubious about it - and said as much regarding the whole ordeal on social media, we felt it might be relevant. A lot of comics referenced this video of Jussie on stage after the "attack" where he compared himself to Tupac Shakur - check it out & judge for yourself how sincere/organic it feels to you.

Have a Plan!

You may know me. You may not. Or you may be asking “Why the hell should I read an article by Anthony Bonazzo? Who’s he?” That may be precisely why you should.

I'm a comedian. I’ve been around a microphone for a long time. I work hard & I love the Chicago comedy scene but I'm not out every single night performing comedy in the conventional sense.

I am also not a new comic who’s only been doing this for three months, trying to give you unsolicited advice on performing stand-up.

I just like to try and help people if I can. That's really it in a nutshell. Helping people is actually my full time job during the day as a Personal Trainer. Maybe you’ll let this digest, or maybe you’ll pass it off. Either way my intention is for it to be helpful.

Rachael O'Brien (Special Event) at Zanies!

Yo! - Rachael O'Brien will headline a special TWO night only event at the legendary Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago. O'Brien has performed with Jeff Ross, Heather McDonald, and Ron White. She also performs at stand-up clubs all over the country including The Hollywood Improv, The Ice House, The Comedy Store, Gotham NY and many more. Monday & Tuesday night ONLY - recommended!

Unacknowledged - Trailer

So the stupidest government shutdown in american history continues which could lead to millions of evictions and thousands of TSA agents calling out sick. - So... We will choose to fall down a rabbit hole of black budgets and secret space programs (see Monday's post) which allegedly burns through trillions of untraceable tax dollars - because well, why the hell not?

Enjoy.

The Bridge Comedy Showcase (NYC)

Just found out about this - so if you're in Chicago it's a bit late - but if you're in NYC - CHECK IT OUT. A bunch of former Chicago monsters who now live in New York City come together for a night of top notch stand-up. Some of the biggest names that got their start in Chicago - will be in this insane showcase, with a few NYC surprise guest drop ins.

Featuring:
Jeff Arcuri
Amy Shanker
Soni Denis
Rebecca O’Neal
Tom Thakkar
Josh Johnson
Matteo Lane

It all takes place at the iconic New York Comedy Club (east Village location) If you're a fan of comedy and you are in NYC - you should be there.

Russ Williamson and Joe List @ Zanies this Week!

Joe List

Two outstanding comedians will headline at Zanies this week. Both shows are recommended!

Russ Williamson (Jan 15-16) has played Chicago's biggest rooms and works with comedy's biggest names. You may have seen him on the NBC show Chicago Fire or the USA network show Sirens. Russ was just named Best of the MidWest at Gilda's LaughFest. Russ Williamson is well on his way to becoming a household name, and once you see him perform you'll know why. 

JOE LIST (Jan 17-19) has been featured on The Late Show with David Letterman as well as multiple appearances on Conan. He’s featured in Season 2 of The Netflix Series “The Stand Ups”. In 2015 List was a finalist on NBC's Last Comic Standing and had his own Half Hour comedy special on Comedy Central. His albums 'So Far No Good' and 'Are You Mad at Me?' can be heard regularly on Sirius Radio. List is also the co-host of his own popular weekly podcast 'Tuesdays with Stories'. When not headlining comedy clubs all over North America, List is a regular at the Comedy Cellar in New York City.

Get your tix here.

Follow the rabbit hole...

Well fuck it... As long as the stupidest government shutdown in american history keeps going and financially bludgeoning millions of Americans - we are gonna continue to dive down the rabbit hole of black budgets and secret space programs (see Monday's post) which allegedly burn through trillions of stolen & untraceable tax dollars. Let's keep going down this rabbit hole shall we?

Des Bishop at Zanies (Jan 9-12th)

Des Bishop headlines at Zanies (Jan 9-12th) this week! Bishop is a massive star in Ireland - his multiple TV shows have propelled him into national stardom which allows him to tour all over the world performing comedy. Do not miss this global star on stage at the legendary Zanies Chicago - Recommended Highly.