Comedy Edited by Kris Vire
timeout.com/chicago/comed timeout.com/chicago/comedy @krisvire @krisvire Comedy
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Laugh Factory Open Mic
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Open stable
Open-mic nights are valuable for stand-ups and fans alike. With a great one recently gone, here’s where to look next. By Kris Vire
WHEN JOKES AND Notes owner Mary Lindsey abruptly announced the closing of her Bronzeville comedy club in June, it was a blow on several levels. Jokes and Notes, the spiritual successor to All Jokes Aside, the famed South Loop club Lindsey co-owned in the 1990s, was the city’s only black-owned comedy club and one of just two dedicated comedy venues on the South Side (Hyde Park’s the Revival only just opened in 2015). It was also home to one of Chicago’s best weekly open-mic nights, where stage time was egalitarian, but audiences expected the
best of the talent in front of them. What’s left for comedy fans looking to see up-and- comers on the cheap or for aspiring comics who want to try out routines? These are among the best open-mic nights in the city.
1 Cole’s Comedy Open Mic
Since 2009, funny folks have tried new material (or tried stand-up for the first time) at Cole’s. As many as 50 people perform for a packed room of encouraging spectators each Wednesday. Sometimes big names like Hannibal Buress and Tim Meadows even drop by. Sign-up starts at 5:30pm. 2338 N Milwaukee Ave (773-276-5802, coleschicago
.blogspot.com). Wed at 9:30pm; free.
2 Alone Star Open Mic
Growing comedy destination @North Bar in Wicker Park has an open mic every Sunday night. Sign-up starts at 10pm. 1637 W North Ave (773-697-3563,
liveatnorthbar.com). Sun at 10:30pm; free.
3 Annoyance Open Mic 63 The Annoyance Theatre’s open mic
features a mix of stand-up and solo sketch performances. A dozen performers are chosen by lottery; aspirants can pick up a
lottery ticket at the box office starting at 8pm. 851 W Belmont Ave (773-697-9693,
theannoyance.com). Sat at 10:30pm; free.
4 Power Hour Open Mic One of the only Friday-night open mics
in the city, the Gallery Cabaret’s Power Hour packs the house in Bucktown. Performer sign- up begins at 6pm. 2020 N Oakley Ave (773-489-5471,
gallerycabaret.com). Fri at 7:30pm; free.
5 Laugh Factory Open Mic 6Three Dead Moose The Chicago outpost of Jamie Masada’s
comedy-club chain lets seasoned comics and newbies alike get onstage every Wednesday. Performers can sign up starting at 6pm for the following week’s show. 3175 N Broadway (773-327-3175,
laughfactory.com /clubs/chicago). Wed at 6:30pm; free.
Reena Calm and David Drake host this
popular Sunday-night open mic. It can sometimes be preempted by sports, so check the show’s Facebook page for updates. Sign- up begins at 7pm. Will’s Northwoods Inn, 3030 N Racine Ave (773-528-4400,
willsnorthwoodsinn.com). Sun at 8pm; free.
September–November 2016 Time Out Chicago
PHOTOGRAPH: SARA FREUND
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