The Chicago Improv Festival is getting into high gear for a big launch on Monday, and boy oh boy, are they packing a lot of good stuff into a week full of funny.
Several actors from 30 Rock will be joining the fun, including Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, and John Lutz, not to mention 30 Rock/Human Giant's Paul Scheer.
A new move for 2008 puts the main stage events at the Lakeshore Theatre (3175 N. Broadway, with other shows happening at iO, ComedySportz, The Second City, and elsewhere.
45 acts and ensembles from 20 cities will be gracing the stages, with a big kickoff on Monday featuring Scheer and McBrayer (whose NBC page Kenneth is one of our personal favorite characters on tv these days). Opening for them will be 13 member, all-female comedy megagroup Virgin Daiquiri.
On Tuesday night, June 3 @ 8pm, as 30 Rock’s Scott Adsit (Pete Hornberger) will duet with Chicago improv goddess Susan Messing and Annoyance Theater’s Mick Napier in Chicago improv staple “Messing With a Friend.” Also on the bill are two other well-respected Chicago duos: Bassprov and the incomparable TJ and Dave.
Other more well-known talent slated to take the various stages include MADtv alums Ike Barinholtz, Keegan-Michael Key and Frank Caeti, The Colbert Report’s Peter Grosz, Second City's Maribeth Monroe, Brian Gallivan and Marc Warzecha.
The complete list of shows and performers can be found here, and you should find yourself at several of these events, if you have any nose for comedy whatsoever. And if you're in a party, elbow-rubbing mood, pop in to any of the many parties to be hosted throughout the city - Wednesday, June 4 at 10pm at ComedySportz Chicago, Thursday, June 5 at 10pm at Lincoln Taproom, Friday, June 6 at midnight at the Annoyance Theater, Saturday, June 7 at midnight at iO Comedy Theater, and Sunday, June 8 at 10 pm at Martyr's.
New York comic Ben Lerman is in Chicago and will be performing tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30 at Hamburger Mary's on Clark in Andersonville. He'll be whipping out his ukulele for some inspired insanity (see poster) and will also be tapping some local talent, including Carrie Callahan, Cameron Esposito, and Dan Polydoris. Plus, Hamburger Mary's serves those awesome boozy slushies that go well with nachos and (finally!) hot and humid Chicago weather.
The Blewt! folks are taking Los Angeles by storm and doing a little non-Don't Spit the Water performing while there. Check out this Flickr set of Ken Barnard and Brady Novak (who is there independent of the DSTW gang) performing at a UCB show with Kyle Kinane.
Time Out Chicago's Kids in the Hall bit is up. "The conversation is flowing. A little too well—we’ve covered Canadian censorship laws, Lorne Michaels’s condescension and, of course, dressing in drag."
Schadenfreude's Justin Kaufmann has a part in the new film EGON, a dark comedy that features "guns, incest, booze, and blood," while telling a partly fancifal version of the life of Austrian artist Egon Schiele. The film is by Keith Dukavicius, who, along with Chad Wilson, directed Paul Thomas' Tighty Whiteys video. The film runs May 30-June 5 at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Justin's clip below.
There are few comedy nerds who don't know about Never Not Funny. The podcast began 110 episodes ago, stars Chicago native Jimmy Pardo and features comedy writer/producer Matt Belknap with rotating special guests that include comics such as Paul F. Tompkins, Maria Bamford, Chris Hardwick, Todd Glass, and many more.
The podcast has gone from being a fun experiment among friends to being the most popular comedy podcast since Ricky Gervais paved the way. This season, their third, it has become free for only the first 20 minutes, with a paid subscription required for the other 60-80 minutes. And it's well worth it- you can hear the best alternative comedians working talk about everything from their funniest experiences on the road to stories from their childhood to their opinions of classic rock bands and their slow descent into infinite, unlistenable solo acts (the latter being a favorite topic thanks to Mr. Pardo's obsession with the music industry). Also, paid subscribers get regular treats, like getting stupid questions asked over email read during the paid portion, and the occasional download of a live performance of a show Jimmy or Matt produces. But the best part is the rambling, off the cuff dialogue every week. Each podcast is like being a fly on the wall at the world's most hilarious lunch table.
Now you could literally become that fly, if you can provide the DNA-altering technology and transportation. This week, regular guest and longtime companion* of Jimmy's, Pat Francis, came up with an idea to auction off a guest appearance. You can watch the whole show in person and then ask the stupid question in person at the end that Pat, Jimmy, and Matt will then discuss.
The best part? It all goes to a wonderful charity, The Smile Train, who provide cleft lip and palate surgery for special children around the world.
Want to bid but can't afford the plane trip to LA? Well they won't fly you out, but you can donate your appearance to anyone who can be in the area on the day.
Chicago Underground Comedy Highlights, May 20, 2008, featuring Adam Burke, James Asmus, Robert Buscemi, Cameron Esposito, Brendan McGowan, and Ricky Carmona:
The Making of Sex And The City, featuring Mike Bridenstine and Renee Gauthier:
From iOtogo, "Sex And The Sitting: Saturday":
Mike Lee at Chicago Comedy House, with "Roomie Song":
Blewt Sings! Kristen Studard (as "A Cat") and Ken Barnard (as Nicky Mouse) Sing Meatloaf:
Schadenfreude Rent Party: Don Hall and Joe Janes:
Chicago Comedy TV Pilot Competition 2008 Promo, by Steve Delahoyde and Andy Ross:
Promoters Ordinance Still Threatens Chicago Comedy
The fight is not over yet. The musicians have made their voices heard in the matter of the proposed Promoters Ordinance which could levy crippling fees on promoters and producers of small shows, but the smaller comedy community has not, so the tabling and rewriting of the ordinance may not protect comedy's interests.
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy's Angie McMahon has created an online survey we should all take a moment to fill out. "Your comments on this survey will be presented to Mayor Daley and the City Council in early June along with the Chicago Music Commission comments."
Chicago comedian and producer Dan Telfer implores the comedy scene here to band together. "The city still has no idea how this ordinance effects comedy. It would end 'barprov,' all stand-up open mics, and 90% of the showcases in town. We have to let them know this ordinance is not designed to accommodate us at all or it will just come back on the table and get passed with the support of the music community, the only real community they're listening to, because they are so much more organized and respected than the comedy community."
Here’s a typical conversation with you on a Wednesday:
You: Hmmm, it’s Wednesday, I’m getting tired of the same old work five days a week, party on the weekend thing.
Me: Well, tire no more! Why not split up the workweek with a Free Stand up Showcase?
You: Free stand up? That sounds expensive.
ME: No you jerk; I just said it was free!
You: Okay, but where will I park?
ME: There’s parking available, and it’s two blocks from the Green line 43rd.
You: South Side? I’m a Northsider.
Me: But you have a car.
YOU: Okay, but are the comics good?
Me: Why are you being such a dick? Just come, last time I went I saw Brian Babylon, who also hosts the show.
YOU: Oh, I’ve seen him up north! He’s funny.
Me: Yeah, and I also saw “Chicago’s funniest comic of the year,” Hannibal, and some other big names like: Andy Ross, Deon Cole, Kumail, Tony Sam, and Andrew Dewitt, who tells the whitest stories ever!
YOU: I’ve heard of all these guys before, and Andrew likes to talk about ridiculous things that actually happened to him, and yes, they are white.
ME: yeah, but there are also lovely ladies like Jena Friedman and Vanessa Fraction.
You: Are they any good?
Me: Hell yeah, now shut up so you can find out where to go.
The Perfect Wave promised us Babes, Boards, and Beach Bums and that is exactly what it gave us. It planted its tongue firmly in the cheek of its genre and gave itself a woody... you know? One of those wood paneled station wagon? With surf boards on top and unruly teens hanging out of it? One of those.
This beach inspired romp gives everything you want it to: Evil Real Estate Magnet? Check. Unwanted pregnancy? Check. Knife Fight/Surf Competition? Check. It also has amazing music by Tony Mendoza and Tom Vale (who's cameo in the song "Love is A Simple Machine," like a pulley or lever, brought down the house). Under the direction of Rebecca Sohn (making her directing debut as a 16 year member of the Annoyance) the cast really shines. Sam Weiner is a G.D. scene stealer, Conner O'Malley is freakin' hilarious, and Emily Candini, mark our words, is going to be a star. Joanna Buese (beautiful voice), Gina Nicewonger (understudy of the gods), Forest Hynes (SNAX!), Adam Rubin (Karate Guy!), and Andrew Peyton (his break down after being dumped is one of the highlights) all have really silly moments.
We're torn for fave song. It could be the boys skydiving trio or the girls harmonic trio about virginity. We're also torn for fave scene: a radio interview with DJ Blond Dog and Mr. France Germany or maybe it's when the New Girl and Kip Hardburn fall in and out of love in 30 seconds. Yes, there is a beach bonfire. Yes, there is a surf montage. Yes, there is a Mystery Surfer... and we loved every second of it ... and that 2 sparkly bed sheets can become the perfect tube and that 3 orchids and some raffia can transform The Annoyance stage in to a Tiki Bar. Super Boss. Not in the least bogus.
The Perfect Wave runs every Thursday at 8pm till July 31st at the Annoyance Theater. If you are smart you will see it and maybe make a night of it. See The Perfect Wave at 8pm and stay for Messing with a Friend right after at 10:30pm. You should see every show at The Annoyance -- Chicagoland, Bodyslam, Space Future -- but see the Perfect Wave because "Summer is NOT a Fad" and guitar music and improvised dancing and clown-horning around are all f-ing sweet.
The Simpsons are in reruns now, so it’s time to see some live entertainment, and I don’t mean Jersey Boys. I’m referring to a new Sunday night venture, The Tim and Micah Project: Show. Tim and Micahhave been around the sketch and improv scene for a few years now and it’s appreciated in this Skybox venture. Tim and Micah have an avant-garde style show, including the good old avant-garde like black turtlenecks and fresh ideas.
One of the best parts of the night was the music played in between scenes, which the two of them recorded, making noises with their own mouths! I guess you had to be there, and you should, so go. The Tim and Micah Project: Show. 8pm Sundays til June 22nd. Donny’s Skybox, Second City, 1608 N. Wells. 312.337.3992. $10.00/$8.00 for students.
P.S. if you stick around, you get to see The Infinite Sundaes musical ensemble for Free!
Don't Spit The Water To Perform For Comedy Central Execs - Party With Them Tonight To Help Them Get To L.A.
Tonight, Thursday, May 22nd, from 8-10 p.m., your favorite Don't Spit the Watercharacters and comics will be at Trader Todd's singing karaoke - with you. Why? Well, Blewt! is taking Don't Spit the Water to Los Angeles on May 28 to impress execs on the Comedy Central stage, and they want to raise a little dough to help them get there.
Your admission of $40 gets you unlimited drinks and appetizers and quality hangout time with Sasha, the Noob, Timekeeper Willis, and the gang. Half of your $40 goes toward the cost of sending seven actors to Los Angeles to perform their special brand of esoteric fart jokes for bigwigs.
Trader Todd's is at 3216 N. Sheffield. Buy your tickets now to get on the guest list. All admissions include a free ticket to a future performance of Don't Spit the Water and the satisfaction of helping Chicago comedy talent take a swipe at that big brass ring.
Check out this clip of the DSTW kids on WGN earlier this week. Sasha and the Noob, Cutie Bumblesnatch, and Nicky Mouse entertain the WGN news anchors with a quick version of the game show:
If supporting your fellow performers is key to putting on a solid improv show, than consider the boys that make up the Cook County Social Club (CCSC) the Wonderbra of the Chicago improv scene.
CCSC formed in 2005 when improvisers Greg Hess, Mark Ratterman, Brendan Jennings and Bill Cochran were working in the Loop. “We used to meet for lunch and procrastinate, and somewhere in there decided to do a four-man show,” Hess says.
That four-man show started as a midnight slot at iO, performing for drunk college students, but then earned an open run in iO’s downstairs Cabaret Theater, performing for drunk Cubs fans.
What separates CCSC from the improv pack is their unwavering commitment to one another. The group is quick to make sure no member ever flounders. If one person looks stupid, the rest will take great efforts to look stupider, creating magical vignettes of genius.
“I think I speak for everyone when we first and foremost love play together,” Hess says. “It sounds a little trite, but these are my three closest friends and getting to take the stage together is what we all look forward to during the week.”
The group is also very keen on details. No gesture, no phrase, not even an accidental cough or stutter, escape the watchful eyes of the foursome, who are quick to pounce on even the most subtle element of an initiation and thoroughly tear into it like a pack of starved wolves.
Take for example a bit from a recent show in which the stocky Jennings unknowingly initiated a scene with a graceful movement of his arm. Ratterman quickly exploited this move, heightening his entrance into a John Travolta-like strut. Cochran soon followed, leaping in from the sidelines like a klutzy ballerina. Not wanting to be left out, Hess propelled the scene into absurdity by doing the worm across the stage.
“I think CCSC is really great at game play which isn't necessarily what you find at iO all the time,” Hess says. “We love to play patterns and heighten things to the absurd.”
And whereas many improv teams rely on the old standby sweep edit to end a scene, CCSC takes a nod from the likes of “Mr. Show,” seamlessly morphing from one situation to the next. For example, the four performers were jabbering over one another about Philadelphia, with Jennings coming downstage as the Liberty Bell. Immediately the group transformed the scene into an awkward date at a Taco Bell, a callback to a previous scene, sending the audience into a fit of applause.
To sum it up, the whole fluidity of a CCSC show is like having a dream about going to work that turns into a dream about mountain climbing that turns into a dream about being chased by a monster that turns into a dream about being chased by a monster on your way to work on top of a mountain.
And just how does CCSC get pumped up before one of their high-energy shows? “When we warm up, we say things like, ‘Let's destroy this show,’” Hess says. “Then we all dance like show choir girls behind iO and sing various jock jams. Last week was ‘Wild Wild West’ by William Smith.”
You can check out the hilarious absurdity of the Cook County Social Club every Tuesday at 8 pm in iO’s Cabaret Theater. The show costs $12 (free for iO students). In addition, the boys, in collaboration with Storyboard Productions, just started creating videos inspired by their scenes, which can be viewed on YouTube and Crackle.com.
Take Three Seconds To Help Chicago Comedy Band Lola Balatro Play Lollapalooza
Spoofy Chicago rock band Lola Balatro, featuring Jeff Madden, Cork Kangas, and Paul Thomas, needs your help. "There's this little music festival this year in Chicago called Lollapalooza. They have a little contest for a little performance spot that involves a little online voting. Lola Balatro would appreciate if you clicked the link and voted for them (song "I Got 2 Black Friends" is the entry). Voting goes until June 22."
And you can vote once a day! Help Chicago comedy talent land a big gig!
The beautiful weather must be luring Chicago comedy kids from dark editing bays (aka studio apartments across the city), because we could only track down two fresh Chicago comedy videos for today's post. So we're going to do something special. We're going to post those two vids, plus a little check-in with the star of the last video, Chicago-turned California comedian Kyle Kinane. Here we go.
Talkin' Funny - Season 5 - Episode 8. Sasha and the Noob welcome Chicago Public Radio host and co-author of "Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser" Jimmy Carrane:
Kyle Kinane on Last Call (second appearance, April 24, 2008)
Checking in with Kyle Kinane:
How are things in California for you Chicago comedy folks?
I think the kids are okay.
What other Chicago folks do you see or hang out with, and what shows do you like to perform at?
I see the extended family a bit. Went to the beach on Saturday and met Renee Gauthier, Becky Garcia, thethreeMikes and Klinger, then taped a Channel 101 submission with Eric Acosta and Matt Braunger that afternoon. I live with Josh Cheney so I see him milling about the living room quite a bit. I fart at him a lot and say racist things. Not sure why.
Anything I can book at the UCB is usually a guaranteed good time. Did a show last week at the lounge inside the House of Blues which turned out really well. Oh, and TV shows. I like to perform on those shows. They give you snacks and money on TV shows. Last one I did, I got a free tooth-whitening kit in my goodie bag. I don't think it worked though. It just burned my mouth. And slippers. I got free slippers.
How did the Carson Daly connection come about? Did you start doing stand up there or sketches? How did it happen that you keep getting invited back? What sorts of limitations and freedom do you have there to do your stuff?
I booked that just from doing shows around town. The booker happened to be at one and invited me to showcase for the producers, etc. They're a nice gang of folk over there and would just call me here and there for sketches after that. The last standup set I did, they called me on a Monday to perform the next day. I got that phone call in the middle of bitching about my career to Jordan Video Roberts, Mike Bridenstine, and Nate Craig. It's nice to get my ass handed to me once in a while in front of friends. They have to pre-approve a set list, but by the time they do that I've already been drinking in the dressing room thingy for an hour or so. Then I go on and try to stifle the urge to do a brand new joke about harmonicas.
Do you think most comics move to LA wanting to get into the business, like finding opportunities in TV and film? Is that what you're after? What seems to be the best way to go about that?
Nobody's moving here hoping to be a waiter for the rest of their lives. Best way? Work hard and true, as you would when pursuing anything in life.
What's a typical comedy schedule like for you in an average week, in terms of performing?
Almost every night. If I'm not booked, I'll go to watch a show. Or if I stay at home, I'll make sure I do at least one thing for the career. I had a friend who plays music who said he does at least one thing every day, whether it be emailing, calling bookers, practicing, writing, etc, to further his pursuit of music. that man's name is Eddie Money.
What's life like in a beautiful sunny place without 9 months of soul-crushing winter, like we have here? Do you think California itself has changed your personality, and your comedy?
I'm just hear to work on the pipeline. Once the project's done and I get my check, I'll be back in Chicago.
14 tons of Oreo cookies spilled across an Illinois highway on Monday. When will our nation's tragedies come to an end?
Pimprov (at right) in the Trib: "The Effects of Raw, Unapologetic Black Humor on an Unsuspecting White Audience...a slick piece of meta-improv built around a simple premise: A quintet of pimps took some improv classes at Second City and decided to moonlight. But the show was more than just flashy costumes, big hats and, in the case of ringleader Grand Finale (creator Marz Timms), a belt with a scrolling light display."
Bastion editor Elizabeth McQuern (hi, that's me!) was last Friday's Honey Shot on The Apiary, our Big Poppa in New York. Thanks to all the commenters who piled on with positive contributions.
At first when you look at the title of the show Switch Hitters, you probably think of two people taking turns having sex with one person, but the new Annoyance show, Switch Hitters, is not that.
Mort Burke and Kyle More are the brains behind this new concept of improv and stand up comedy rolled into a tight little package, ready to smoke (what’s up!). The show is on Sunday nights at 8pm at the Annoyance where you can enjoy a drink in their lounge and Mort and Kyle themselves will round you up for the show.
The first half of the show on the 11th was stand up comedy with Mort Burke, Kyle More (how did they get booked?), Mark Ratterman, Nick Vatterott, and Brady Novak. There are non-traditional segues performed by the comics themselves - for instance, Mark did a piece on waiting tables that transferred to Nick’s bit on waiting tables with the two of them on stage at the same time. It was also interesting to see the comics introduce the next comic, themselves instead of having a traditional host.
After the first half there is a short break, then the improv begins! The improv suggestions come from the stand ups' set lists, the five comics put their names in a hat, an audience member draws one, then the comic reads his or her set list or improv suggestions to be performed.
The show will continue until June 29. Future Switch Hitters are Robert Buscemi, Nathan Jansen, Stu Rase, Emily Candini, Bryce Whistle, Steve O. Harvey, Tim Paul, Cameron Esposito, Sam Weiner, Brendan McGowan, Prescott Tolk, Dave Vispoli, Mikey Manker, and Jet Eveleth. Sundays 8pm, 6 bucks, Annoyance Theatre. 4830 N Broadway. 773-561-4665.
Chicago Underground Comedy Highlights, May 6, 2008, featuring Fay Canale, The Puterbaugh Sisters, Mike and Duane, Allison Leber, Mike Wiley, and Hannibal Buress:
Talkin' Funny - Season 5 - Episode 7. Sasha and the Noob welcome Andrew DeWitt:
Blewtenanny Stand Up Showcase Highlights from May 10, 2008, featuring Featuring Bryan Bowden, Julianna Forlano, Cameron Esposito, Noah Ginex, Brady Novak:
Chicago Stand Ups in Vocalo.org Talent Show Tonight at CCPA
Hey Bastion Fans,
Remember in elementary school when you had a talent show and the only talent amongst second graders was singing, “I believe that children are our future”, and you had to do your “Get in Shape Girl” ribbon dance routine because your parents couldn’t afford tap lessons?
Well, the first Vocalo.org Talent Show is all grown up, and unlike those second graders, these guys and gals have talent. You might be saying to yourselves, “why is this posted on the Bastion?” Well, not only is this a show comprised of local musicians, dancers, and magicians, there are also a couple of folks in the stand up comedy world participating who I’m sure you’re familiar with. The line up includes the Revellettes go go dancers, Gullah Geechee, Itz Ya Boi, Ace Boogie, Real Hip Hop, Al Sharpton's Approval, Magic Superstars, I Want to Dream, Relaxation Nation, Kanare, Nile Dean, Jadiid, Xolin, In Which I Put On My Shoes, and the stand up stylings of Cindy Cornelson, Dan Telfer and Andrew DeWitt. You probably also recognize the host of the event, stand up comic, Brian Babylon.
The show will be broadcast live on May 14th at 7:00 p.m. on Vocalo 89.5 FM, and online at vocalo.org, or better yet, you probably should see everyone in person at The Chicago Center for Performing Arts at 777 N. Green St. at 7pm. Tickets are only $15 bucks ($12 for Chicago Public Radio members) for what’s sure to be a diverse entertainment experience.
The event is sponsored in part by The Onion and presented by Chicago Public Radio.
Several Chicago comedy folks are planning to attend a protest rally tomorrow morning to fight the promoters' ordinance we wrote about yesterday. You know, the one that could cripple Chicago's nightlife by requiring huge licensing fees and insurance requirements for promoters of even the tiniest of music, theater, and comedy shows?
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14th at 9:00 a.m. at 121 N. Lasalle, join your fellow supporters of Chicago's creative culture and let it be known you oppose this potentially crippling ordinance. The vote is scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. so be there to make some civilly disobedient noise and support culture and creativity in Chicago.
Check out 47th Ward Alderman Eugene Schulter's interview on Chicago Public Radio's 848 this morning, illustrating his amazing way of being armed with lots of information and yet missing the point entirely.
EDIT: The minute this post went live, we got word that the ordinance has been tabled until it can be refined for further review. Hooray!
"Chicago Music Commission board member Bruce Iglauer released the following statement:
'Chairman Schulter has decided not to report the event promoter ordinance out of his Licensing and Consumer Protection Committee. In other words, it will not be on the City Council agenda tomorrow and there will not be a vote on the bill. We are not sure when it will come out of Committee for a vote, but we hope that Chairman Schulter will wait
until he and the City have engaged the music community publicly and meaningfully so their concerns can be heard and hopefully incorporated into the eventual law. We are pleased that Chairman Schulter has responded to community concerns here, and we look forward to working with him, members of the Committee, DBA staff and other music community stakeholders to come up with a workable version of the ordinance. CMC is committed to working with the music community to responsibly engage the City in this important effort.'"
Proposed Ordinance Could Kill Chicago Comedy Scene - Protest Now
A proposed ordinance, for which there has been almost no public discourse, is going to vote on Wednesday, and could cripple Chicago's nightlife, including the comedy and music scenes.
Chapter 4-157 of Title IV of the Municipal Code of the City of Chicago (posted here in its entirety) would levy huge licensing fees on all promoters of live events, including small comedy shows like those at the Playground Theater, the Hideout, the Beat Kitchen, Schubas, the Lincoln Lodge, the Cornservatory, and pretty much everywhere else you go to see comedy throughout the city.
According to the ordinance, any event promoter would need a license from the city of Chicago (ranging in price from $500 to $2,000) and liability insurance of $300,000.
Time Out Chicago is hosting some videos from promoters explaining how this ordinance would "put them out of business."
Go here to sign the online petition, which will "be presented to the City Council and to all Chicago Aldermen prior to Wednesday’s vote."
No kidding, folks, go now and sign the online petition, or music and comedy in Chicago will no longer exist in their current form.
Edited to add: it wouldn't hurt to send an email to your alderman either, as did Chicago Underground Comedy producer Dan Telfer. Dan allowed us to reprint this letter he sent to his alderman:
Dear Mr. Tunney,
My name is Dan Telfer. I have been performing in various theater and comedy companies in Chicago for 12 years. During much of that time I have produced my own plays, sketch revues, and stand-up showcases. I have lived here my entire life.
The promoter's ordinance on the table would completely destroy 90% of the live performance in this city. It is easy for those outside our community to believe that the bigger the audience, the more important the work. However, almost all of the music and performance here is done without any sort of insurance on the producer's part, usually because the venue has their own insurance. We rely on venues to allow us rentals based on appreciation for what we do.
More importantly, there is no budget in any promoter's spreadsheet for this. It's not just that we have never had to shell out money to the city for this sort of thing, it's that there simply isn't revenue to balance it out. Many shows make just enough to pay rent, and the performers work for free. And again, I cannot possibly state this enough, when I say many I mean MANY shows. I mean that I have actively been involved in the community for a long time, and I know being incorporated or a non-profit allows for sponsors and grants. Those production companies are already asked by their renters to get insurance if they hope to perform in a space long-term. But the fight for those grants and sponsors, particularly in this desperate economy, is more work than any start-up company (comprised of a handful of people with full-time day jobs that barely pay their residential rent) can bear. This ordinance would destroy the gap between an up and coming young group of performers and a professional one with years of experience and money to spend.
We must not only stop this from being passed, we must never allow one like it again. For every $500 - $2000 bill the city earns from this, dozens of people will leave the city in frustration because their artistic outlet is banished. To do this to venues only under 500 in capacity is even more insulting. It's the sort of looking-out-for-the-rich logic that makes me fear the direction this country is going.
Please join the rest of your community on this,
Dan Telfer
Producer and Performer of Blewt Productions (blewt.com)
Company Member of Theater Oobleck (theateroobleck.com)
Producer and Performer of Chicago Underground Comedy (chicagoundergroundcomedy.com)
dantelfer@gmail.com
dan@blewt.com
dan@chicagoundergroundcomedy.com
Kindler, a frequent guest and correspondent for The Late Show with David Letterman, offers some idea of what to expect from tonight's chucklefest: “Marc Maron is a man who’s angry at himself, he’s angry at other people, he’s angry at the crowd, he’s angry at the city he lives in. Eugene’s kind of wacky. He’s off the wall. You know he has emotional problems but he’s comfortable with them. I am the anchor of the show in the sense that I’m going to drag us all to the bottom.”
Here's a recent clip of Mirman putting a comedic smack down on Scientology:
Hannibal Buress in the Tribune: "Comedian Hannibal Buress is on his way...Buress' 'Live at Gotham' set was an emphatic success, another rung up the ladder for this native of Galewood on Chicago's West Side, who appeared last fall on CBS' "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson."
"Funny Ladies" in Centerstage Chicago: "These young, up-and-coming female comedians are shaping Chicago's underground scene...Chicago has no shortage of talented, funny ladies, but you gotta know where to find 'em in the male-dominated comedy scene." The piece mentions Sarah King (whose "Good Crazy/Bad Crazy" was reviewed in TOC), Cameron Esposito, Jena Friedman, the Puterbaugh Sisters, and Fay Canale.
"Peter Deadpan" - Michael Palascak in Time Out Chicago: "Michael Palascak’s career is taking off, and fast: At last year’s Las Vegas Comedy Festival, he won a stand-up contest that secured meetings with top Los Angeles talent managers (though he admits he doesn’t know what managers 'do')..."
We also got word that Pimprov had a Tribune reporter tagging along at their show last weekend, and will be the subject of a story in the near future.
Dan Cooper (of The Gentlemen's Club), got some video of Robin Williams dropping in to the Town Hall Pub for the Entertaining Julia show this past Sunday:
"Book Club" by Collars Up, featuring Mackenzie Condon:
Hey You Millionaires: The Phone Call...(LIVE at Chicago Sketchfest 08)
Highlights from Chicago Underground Comedy, April 29, 2008, Featuring Prescott Tolk, Sean Flannery, CJ Sullivan, Dan Polydoris, Money Kids, and James Vickery:
Dan Polydoris at Chicago Underground Comedy, April 29, 2008:
Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell at The Lincoln Lodge:
The Bastion recently got a chance to chat with stand-up comedian Michael Palascak, who seems to be everywhere we turn these days. Take a break this afternoon to catch up with the frenetic activity of one of the city's power hitters.
When and how did you get started with comedy in Chicago, and was it always your plan to pursue stand-up?
The first time I ever performed stand-up comedy in the Chicagoland area was July of 2002 at Bill Brady's Barrel of Laughs Comedy Club in Oak Lawn, IL. I met some really talented comedians there -- Denise Ramsden, Brian Hicks, Ken Schultz, Brian Aldridge, Todd Glover, etc. They really helped guide me and helped me get work over the next couple years. All the shows I ever got were because of connections they made for me. That summer I also took Level A of improv at Second City.
As for was it a plan to pursue stand-up? I knew I wanted to do comedy/acting/writing -- The winter/spring of '02 down at college, I did my first play and sketch/improv show and I really enjoyed it and wanted to do it for a job. So when I came home for the summer I enrolled in the class at Second City. And then one night that summer I was at Borders and saw a book on stand-up, bought it, and did my first set a couple weeks later. And I realized that was something that I really wanted to succeed at. Then when I finished college and moved home, I realized how hard it was to get on stage as an actor/improviser -- like you had to audition and be good. But as a stand-up, you didn't have to be good. You just had to show up and you got to go on stage. And if you were a decent person, or even just not committing felonies on site, then the next time you came back, you got to do it again. And I really liked that. Like having the control to get on stage and grow as a comedian. So I realized while I may do other things, I would always try to keep getting better at stand-up.
How would you describe your style of stand-up?
I would describe my style of stand-up as "really funny."
What's a typical week's schedule of performing like for you?
Hopefully at a booked show Thurs-Saturday. And then at open mics the other nights. Or at showcases like Comedians You Should Know or Chicago Underground Comedy, if they'll have me. And then Sunday late nights there's an open mic in my living room. It's a nice non-comic my mom crowd.
What sort of representation do you have right now, and what steps did you take to get different representation?
I'm with Ambassador and Iris Talent for on-camera. I'm with Bass-Schuler for colleges. I got my on-camera agents by sending/dropping off headshots/resumes and then an audition. In the Ambassador audition, they really liked it when I performed my various farm animal noises for them, that's totally what got me in with them. And then with Iris, I had to audition with a monologue. So I put together a character monologue using my stand-up material about graduating college and it went well. Like I didn't do them as jokes as a stand-up, I did them as if it were a character in a play.
As for Bass-Schuler, my friend Stolie, a very talented singer songwriter, check out her music open mics -- www.stolie.com -- recommended me. So one of the agents and some interns came out to see me at a Mikey O Show and that went well and then they came again to Comedy Central Open Mic Fight Showcase at Zanies and brought one of the co-owners -- Chris Schuler of Bass-Schuler, and that went well. They really liked that I was funny, clean and relate-able to college kids. And they started booking shows for me a couple months later.
I just got a manager. I met a couple different managers at The Comedy Festival in Vegas in November. I stayed in contact with them and got feedback on some of my writing samples from them. Then a couple of them saw me at Gotham in March. And then when I went to LA -- as a part of winning the Lucky 21, Rachel Rusch and JP Buck from HBO set up a bunch of meetings for me with studios, casting people, and managers in L.A. -- I met with all of the managers I was interested in and picked one of them.
You've been kicking ass with the online comedy contests. Can you tell us about the Lucky 21 jackpot, that big bag of money you got, and what your secret strategy is for success with contests?
As a prize I won money, and they set up meetings for me in L.A., and I got a TV spot -- I think that was Gotham but I'm not sure. As for the money, well, according to my parents, I need to buy a new car, but I think they're biased. The one I'm driving right now works fine but I think they want it back soon.
I don't know really how I won. I think it was the result of me being really nice to people for 25 years. I know for the first round of Lucky 21, my parents voted a lot. Especially my dad. I also had a lot of help from friends and relatives and friends of friends and relatives of relatives. And then for the final round Ryan and Kevin Manno from The Manno Program at Q101 invited me to come on their radio show and promote it and that really put me over the top.
Local figures like Zanies' Bert Haas have high praise for you, and seem to expect good things from you. What would you like to do over the next, say, five years?
The next five years? Well, this Thursday May 8th I'm having a staged reading of my sitcom pilot: The Michael Palascak (Pal-a-sack) Show. The reading is at the iO Theater (ImprovOlympic) in the Del Close Theater at 7 pm. iO is at 3541 N. Clark St. in Chicago. Right by Wrigley Field but there's no Cubs game that night so parking should be available around the theater. Everyone is invited -- It's free! I'd love to hear what you guys think! And anyone coming to the reading is welcome to stay for the other improv shows at iO at 8 and 9 pm upstairs and downstairs for free, so come on out! So, yeah, one goal would be to have the reading go really really well and have it turn into a TV show on NBC in between The Office and ER or whatever medical drama exists at the time. But that's just like a short-term small goal. Five years from now I want to host a talk show on Jupiter, the planet. Ten year plan -- intergalactic. Fifteen year plan -- I want to be a really good stand-up and write novels in a house I own.
Robin Williams Chills With Chicago Comedians at Lakeshore Theater
Robin Williams was in town to make an appearance on the special Chicago set of the Ellen Degeneres Show (not "Helen," Mayor Daley), and while he was here he popped into the Lakeshore Theater Friday and Saturday night, where he performed and caught sets by Chicago comics including Hannibal Buress, Carrie Callahan, Cameron Esposito, Jena Friedman, Adam Burke, and Prescott Tolk.
Jena Friedman told us Williams also tagged along to Sunday night's Entertaining Julia show at the Town Hall Pub, where he was "mind-blowing."
Carrie Callahan reported that "I actually barely got to talk to him, but he seemed very gracious and nice. On Saturday he had an incredibly dirty set, and the audience loved it."
Prescott Tolk was impressed with Williams' trademark manic energy: "It was a big thrill to watch a standard showcase night at the Lakeshore Theater transform into a major event. As word got out that he was in the house, the theater went from a quarter full to sold out within 45 minutes. He was friendly and gracious from the moment he walked in the green room. It was great to watch him work. The guy transcends age when he steps on stage. All energy, all the time. I get the feeling that the Lakeshore will be privy to more 'pop-in' performances in the future."
According to Cameron Esposito, Williams had no entourage, hung out like any other comic, snuck behind the curtain to watch Hannibal perform, and "giggled like mad." She confirms that his Saturday set was crowd-pleasingly filthy, and said backstage he was friendly and approachable and asked Chicago's comics about the scene here. "My lovely girlfriend was with me," Esposito went on, "and she said something about a joke he made on stage, and he laughed heartily and said that was the funniest thing he had ever heard. With Robin Williams' approval, I am going to spend more time ripping off jokes from my non-comic girl."
Adam Burke was disappointed to have missed Williams on Friday night but bumped into him Saturday night, almost literally: "He arrived just as I was due to go on stage; I almost knocked him over on my way out of the dressing room. That would have been unfortunate. It was a great night for all the performers as the audience was fairly buzzing with excitement. (Unlike the night before, where apparently half the crowd were completely blindsided by his appearance, I think the cat was largely out of the bag by Saturday.) The place went nuts when he finally came out on stage and he did an electric and utterly filthy set. He confirmed my belief an audience does have to get the references in a joke to find it funny, such as the time he mentioned both Gabby Hayes and Walter Brennan in a bit about John Wayne porno movies. I'm pretty sure 90 percent of the audience had no idea who they are but they all busted a gut anyways. All in all it was a fantastic night."
Edited to add: we just heard from Hannibal on the weekend's excitement: "I actually was in the audience watching the show. I knew that Robin had performed the night before. Jena Friedman was telling him about me. He found out that my name is Hannibal and he couldn't believe that there was a comic named Hannibal and he had to see it. That's how I got to perform on the show. The crowd's energy was excellent and the show was a lot of fun. He was really complimentary and said that he enjoyed my set. It was great to watch him work. I also went to the Town Hall Pub Sunday. Watching him in a small venue like that was really exciting. "
Bill Cruz headlines and Cameron Esposito features for this special Mikey O Production, presented by Same Side of the Fence. Get out to Joes on Weed and fill the joint with your love tomorrow night! 940 W. Weed, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12.
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