Weekly Top 5

Weekly Top 5 time! As always this list is subjective, based on opinions and only covers events we actually went to. So of course, we missed some shit... Feel free to send links to your favorite events. Here are the 5 best things that happened last week.

Tommy Davidson's performance at the Laugh Factory: Davidson did an amazing, almost unbelievable marathon set of 90 minutes. The entire performance seemed completely off the cuff. Davidson is a master at riffing with the crowd and appearing like he's winging it, but don't be fooled there is a master plan of material somewhere in that chaotic brain of his. The man can do impressions like no one else, his characters were spot on with hyper detail. Davidson was also super approachable, personable, cool enough to chat with folks and pose for pics after the show. Easily my favorite performance of the week.

Bob Odenkirk exclusive special sneak peak: Odenkirk, who was in town for the HOLLYWOOD SAID NO show with David Cross and Brian Posehn (I know!), also presented a special viewing of his executive produced sketch show The Birthday Boy which will be aired on the IFC Network... Odenkirk got on stage and fielded questions after the viewing as part of a Q&A segment. Was very cool to check that out...

Tony Rock's show at the Up Comedy Club: Went on Sunday to catch Tony Rock perform at Second City's signature stand-up club UP. Now if you did not know, Tony Rock is the younger brother of Chris Rock, but if you were expecting some sort of type copy cat joke experience, think again. Tony is is own man and brings a unique point of view with original material and excellent timing. Local comedians Jay Washington hosted and Davey Boy Helm (killed it!) featured.

David Drake @ Laugh Factory

 David Drake: Caught this mad man all around town last week. Comedian producer, and all around comedy stud, Drake has been putting in hard work the last couple of years and it's paying off big time. Since moving to Chicago in 2010 to study Improv at the Annoyance Theater, Drakes been named 'Best of the Midwest' by the Iowa Comedy Festival and has been featured in Chicago’s Snubfest Comedy Festival, the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, The World Series of Comedy and a shit ton of other fests too numerous to name here. You can catch Drake performing at the best showcases all over town and at the popular Three Dead Moose Open Mic he co-produces every Sunday night with Reena Calm

Davey Boy Helem Killed last week @ Up Comedy Club

The great lineups at the UP Comedy Club: Caught three shows in the last week at the Up comedy club and it gets just gets better every time. Not only does Up book some of the best national headliners in the country they make the commitment to book the best local Chicago comics as well. September's lineup was stellar and Octobers looks to be equally as good if not better. With comedians like Ian Bagg, Maz Jobrani and D.L. Hughley on the October Bill

James Allen Kamp
Editor