Lil Rel Gets Roasted On The Bus in Chicago

Peep this great Comedy Central clip of Chicago comedian, Lil Rel Howery (who has his own show on fox now). Lil Rel tries to reminisce about his days of taking the bus - In less than two stops he realizes that shit is overrated the moment he gets roasted by a group of teens.

Staff Editor - Ashley Lane

Interview with Filmmaker Michael Alexander

Filmmaker Michael Alexander

"Laugh Till You’re Winded" is a new in-depth, full length documentary that goes deep into Chicago’s stand up scene - from its boom in the 80’s - to the bust in the late 90's - and to its current resurgence.

Directed by Michael Alexander, the documentary takes viewers behind the scenes in candid interviews with Hannibal Buress, Jeff Garlin, Deon Cole, Judy Tenuta, Tom Dreesen, Jimmy Pardo, Kyle Kinane, Lil Rel, Chris Redd, Beth Stelling and many more monster comedians that cut their teeth in the Chicago scene.

Alexander has a long 33 year history as both a stand-up comedian and a comedy writer. His credits include writing for The Arsenio Hall Show, the Tonight show with Jay Leno, a freelance writer for George Lopez and has opened for Smoky Robinson and Gladys Knight (among others). The film will have it's exclusive premier this Monday Nov 5th.

Hannibal Buress Headlines Fundraiser @ Zanies Rosemont

On October 24th Hannibal Buress will headline Zanies in Rosemont for a fundraising event dedicated to the completion of the buzz worthy Chicago comedy documentary film, Laugh Till You're Winded, a documentary by Michael Alexander.

Laugh Till You’re Winded is a new in-depth documentary that delves into the inner workings of Chicago’s stand up scene from its boom in the 80’s - to the bust in the lates 90's - and now to its current resurgence.

Sam Norton - LIVE VR Album @ Laugh Factory!

Comedian Sam Norton, (lives in Toronto but cut his teeth in Chicago) will record the world's first comedy special EVER, to be filmed in 360-Degree, Virtual Reality right here in Chicago at the world Famous Laugh Factory - TONIGHT. Norton has been on Fox's "Laughs" and Comcast's "Trial By Laughter" and tours around the world performing comedy at top clubs around the globe. His album "White Noise", will have the distinction of being the world's first comedy special EVER, to be filmed in 360-Degree, Virtual Reality. Come be apart of entertainment history as stand-up steps into a new reality.
Laugh Factory Chicago
3175 Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-3175

The Art of Hosting

Hosting a Comedy show is an Art. Too many people think they can host, just as too many people think they can do Comedy. It is a thankless job, but it’s the most important job. You are responsible for clearing the muck ahead to make sure the Feature and Headliner have to do as little work as possible to have an attentive audience, and have a great set. You are the lone Salmon swimming upstream. Sometimes you will break them and get them on board, sometimes you won’t. But the important part is you have to try. And even if you don’t there’s this weird thing where the audience doesn’t take the Host seriously and once you leave they are completely on board with the next comic. I was first asked to Host at Zanies a few years ago. I was nervous but I was absolutely confident that I could do it. So I went in even when I wasn’t performing to watch Pat McGann. To me, he is like the Michelangelo of Hosting a show. You’re just in awe and like “Ohhh, so that’s how it’s done”

John Roy at Zanies

Bald headed comedy monster John Roy will be at Zanies for 5 exclusive shows...
Roy (a Chicago native) has been on everything from Conan to Comedy Central + he has a NEW album about to drop. Don't miss this opportunity to catch him at the legendary Zanies comedy club. Recommended.
Mon Sept 17th
Tues Sept 18th
Wed Sept 19th
Sun Sept 23rd
Mon Sept 24th
Get tickets here.

Tom Rhodes at Zanies!

Tom Rhodes is celebrating his 30th year as a stand up comedian and shows no signs of slowing down. He's got an album on iTunes, an hour special on Netflix and tours around the world performing his special brand of stand-up comedy. Rhodes has featured on Comedy Central, Showtime, had his own sitcom TV show on NBC, his own Late Night Talk show and is an all around comedy bad ass. Tom will be at Zanies all weekend (Sept 7-9th). Take advantage of a rare opportunity to see a him in action. Recommended.
Fri - Sun - Get tickets here.

Video Spot Light - Russ Williamson

Love this dude - Chicago's own Russ Williamson just wrapped up a 3 day run at Zanies - This video is a year old but its a goodie. For forty years, Zanies is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer and has booked some the most legendary comedians in America - check out a show.