Chicago Open Mics

[frozen bear]

Figured it wouldn't be such a bad idea to set up a thread listing the open mics around town, and seeing which of these up and coming Chicago ASTers are going to be there.

Post your favorite open mics, questions, and and stories here.

I don't really know all the open mics, but I'll be going to the Edge this Wednesday. There's still an open mic at Schuba's on Sunday right? I'm going to try and make that one if I can get off work.

Dan, where did you get that list you had up here before the crash?

Maybe this (http://www.chicagoreader.com/listings/static/stand.html) will help.

[dan telfer]

Actually, I typed that up special for AST combining a few different listings.

I'd hoped to copy it and paste it elsewhere.

One of my top sadnesses with losing the old board(s) in the crash(es).

Your Sunday Best at Schuba's on Sundays is definitely the best attended in town, and the only one I make a point of going to anymore because it's the one my friends go to as well.

I've heard good things about Edge's Wednesday open mic, but I've never been. Pressure is hit or miss on Thursdays but I used to haunt it quite regularly. It's also run by "Edge". I've had a lot of fun at the Monday night open mic at the Globe Pub, but it is the roughest audience in town. Well attended, but lots of heckling, and I've had some near-fights break out near me while I waited to go up.

[frozen bear]

I'll have to check out the Globe open mic, I really need to get some experience with crowd work.

[dan telfer]

Don't go to the Globe for crowd work experience. They won't talk to you. Go to the Globe to thicken your skin and do high energy stuff.

Your Sunday Best is the best room for crowd work, because there's usually 6-10 nice non-performers sitting right up front. You won't really find that at another open mic, often because the comics scare them away with weird, angsty crowd work that amuses nobody, like "hey, you look like a whore". That shit don't fly at Schuba's. It's hosted regularly by two great comics, James Fritz and Prescott Tolk, and they set a very positive tone even if they are both occaisonal angry rant comics themselves.

[frozen bear]

I guess I mean that I could use help with both crowd work and being heckled. At this stage I'm not really sure how to tailor my routine for different crowds. Thanks for all the info, it's great to know what kind of situation I'd be getting into.

[Hated Milk Machine]

Don't go to the Globe for crowd work experience. They won't talk to you. Go to the Globe to thicken your skin and do high energy stuff.

Your Sunday Best is the best room for crowd work, because there's usually 6-10 nice non-performers sitting right up front. You won't really find that at another open mic, often because the comics scare them away with weird, angsty crowd work that amuses nobody, like "hey, you look like a whore". That shit don't fly at Schuba's. It's hosted regularly by two great comics, James Fritz and Prescott Tolk, and they set a very positive tone even if they are both occaisonal angry rant comics themselves.

*quietly scratches "hey, you look like a whore" off the top of his set list*

[bryan_champ]

Tuesday nights there is a great open mic at Wise Fool's Pub (2270 N. Lincoln) get there between 8 and 8:30pm to sign up because the list fills up fast, and if you go up toward the end of the list you are basically just telling jokes into the microphone because the crowd is gone or drunk ($1 bud lights) or gotten chatty.

Thursdays also has a great open mic at Whiskey Road (1935 N. Damen). Sign up at 8:30 show starts at 9pm. It's run by awesome chicago comic Adam Burke.

There is another open mic on Tuesday, but I cannot remember where it is at.

[frozen bear]

this isn't a real comedy open mic but, i've tried my hand there once or twice: Quencher's @ Fullerton & Western. The guy running the show and some morbidly obese drunk guy heckled me. I actually had a pretty fun time, they give you quite a bit of time because it's typically for music. A good place to be yelled at and talked over if that's your thing. Or try to win over the audience! It's on Mondays, if that endorsement compelled anyone to check it out.

[Daryl]

I made a copy of Dan's open mic list before that crash happened. I could repost it here if you guys are interested.

[dan telfer]

That would be great, Daryl!

50% of the content was on someone else's MySpace page, and they took the list down, so I couldn't recreate it as well as I did the first time.

[Daryl]

Chicago Open Mics

SUNDAY

Your Sunday Best
Schubas
3159 N. Southport
773-525-2508
9pm, 21+ FREE

MONDAY

Globe Pub
1934 W. Irving Park
773-871-3757
Every 2nd, 3rd & 4th Monday of the month
9pm (sign up at 8PM), 21+
hosted by Tony Blanco – FREE

TUESDAY

Phyllis’ Musical Inn
1800 W. Division
773-486-9862
hosted by Lee Kepraios
7:30pm (sign up at 7 PM), 21+

Silvies Lounge
1902 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago
9pm (sign up before 8:30), 21+

Jake Melnick’s
41E Superior, Chicago
10:30pm (sign up before 10), 21+

Wise Fools Pub
2270 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-929-1300
8pm (sign up at 7pm)

WEDNESDAY

Comedy Comedy
Walter Payton’s Round House
Route 25 (205 N. Broadway), Aurora, IL
Call (630) 906-2277 or email Bert at bert@comedycomedylive.com
Every other Wed 8:30pm

Hog Head McDunnas
1505 W. Fullerton, Chicago Il
773-929-0944
9pm
Apparently, this plaice is not running anymore

Big Fancy Open Mic
The Edge Comedy Club
At The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts
777 N. Green St., Chicago
8:30pm (sign up before 8:00)
All ages
www.theedgecomedyclub.com (http://www.theedgecomedyclub.com)

Barrel of Laughs
10345 S. Central
Oak Lawn, IL
708-499-2969
seneseswinery.com/comedy_club.htm
New Talent Night showcase
8pm, $5 - $10, 2 drink minimum

Cigars and Stripes
6715 W. Ogden, Berwyn, IL
708-484-1043 or cigarsandstripes.com
9pm, $3

Jokes and Notes
4641 S. King 773-373-3390
Variety Nite for spoken word, music and comedy, hosted by Tony Sculfield
7:30pm, $10, 21+

THURSDAY

Pressure Café, 6318 N. Clark St., Chicago
8:30pm (sign up before 8:00pm)
All ages – FREE

Whiskey Road
1935 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
Tel: (773) 252-8531
Various Drink Specials for Comics
Hosted by Adam Burke
9pm - Free
<O:p</O:p<O:p</O:p<O:p</O:p

[Daryl]

I think eveything is correct on the list but I'm not 100%.

[frozen bear]

Wow, i really feel like a got my ass kicked at Schuba's last night. I was certainly not at my most comfortable. The audience really listened, which was great, but then after a joke they just kept listening. It was a good experience, I can't wait to get back up there with better material and more confidence. Seems like a close knit crowd that hangs out there, I definitely felt like an outsider. But basically I've been active with stand up for a couple months really, so I kind of suck right now. Anyway, that's easily the most intimidating room I've done thus far. I'll be back though.

[CJ Toledano]

Schuba's is intimidating at first but the more and more you go, the more fun you'll have. It is a tight knit community of comedians that go but introduce yourself to some people and with time you'll be more comfortable around everyone. All my best friends are comedians and that came from bombing and doing well with the same people night after night.

Which one were you?

[KevinLee]

Thanks for that list Dan and Daryl.
Can you just show up at Schuba's?
Is it that easy,because I've been wanting to get up there since before the crash(B.C.)?

[CJ Toledano]

I'd say nowadays if you want to go up at a reasonable time to get there no later than 8:15.

[JKwac]

Yeah, Schuba's is great. CJ's right for the most part about getting there early if you want a reasonable slot (or one at all.) Although it's typically not done EXACTLY first come, first serve, it's still a reasonable system of placement.

I'm with CJ. Which one were you? I'm asking because I don't quite remember anyone bombing too badly, so I'd love to reassure you that you're probably just overanalyzing things. But boy will this be awkward if you DID indeed bomb and I'll have to eat my words. Anyway, I went up second to last, and CJ was the Asian fellow who WASN'T dressed like a roadie for Jimmy Buffett.

[frozen bear]

My name's Joe McAdam, I went up almost right in the middle of the show. Short bland looking white guy with a beard, white and blue striped shirt, did the "well traveled yet hard to impress redneck" character.

[CJ Toledano]

"Norway? More like Snore-Gay?" If so, really, really funny.

[frozen bear]

That was me, thanks. I probably am over analyzing, I just didn't commit to the material like I should have, I'll chalk that up to nerves.

[bryan_champ]

I'll be honest. I never feel like I do well at Schubas. But I like the comics and I like the pace I love the bar and I like how Prescott and Fritz strikes a great MC balance of keeping it moving and throwing in some jokes. And my avatar is a picture of me taken with a broken camera while I was performing at Schubas.

But with open mics the later I go up in the line up the worse my comedy is. I just don't have the fortitude to sit for two hours, drink a bunch of beer, listen to jokes of various degrees, and then land the dismount for a perfect 10.

Joe, I remember the snore gay bit. You didn't bomb. People liked your bits.

Tonight is Tuesday. There's a fun open mic at Wise Fools. But just like Schubas you need to get there before 8:30 or you'll be way down on the list.

[dan telfer]

Strangely, Schuba's is my fave for that same reason. I like dropping in late in an open mic lineup, so long as there is still a crowd. And Schuba's usually keeps a decent crowd pretty late.

Joe, character stuff is SUCH A HARD SELL. You really have to commit to it, it's looked at with much more skepticism.

[frozen bear]

Thanks for the support. I sound like a fucking pussy begging for encouragement on my half baked jokes. Let's just say I killed and move on.

So this is really my first month or so of actually hitting the scene (and I haven't even been to that many places due to working nights) and I'm addicted. Lots of really funny people in this city. I'm going to have to quit my job soon so I can go out every night. I'm also going to have to write a shit load of new jokes. I'm pretty sure I've told most of them already.

[Daryl]

Thanks for that list Dan and Daryl.
Can you just show up at Schuba's?
Is it that easy,because I've been wanting to get up there since before the crash(B.C.)?

Hey, your welcome Kevin, I'm just glad I saved that thing.

[bryan_champ]

Quick updates to the chicago open mic list:

<strike>The thursday open mic at Whiskey Road is no more.</strike>

My bad. The Thursday open mic at Whiskey Road will still be going on. BUT the bar is now called Chinaski's instead of Whiskey Road. Same location, same time, new name.

There's a new open mic on Wednesdays (starting tonight) at The Charleston (charleston and hoyne in bucktown). Sign up at 9pm and show starts at 9:30

also, This is the last week for the open mic at Pressure.

[Daryl]

Do any of the open mics that we've been talking about require clean material (in particular, what about Jake Melnick's?).

[dan telfer]

Cafes (as opposed to bars) have underage customers and traditional comedy clubs often have conservative policies. I know The Globe, Schuba's, Whiskey Road, Chinaski's, Sylvie's, Wise Fool's, Hog Head's, Edge, Cigars and Stripes, and the soon to be toast Pressure (a cafe) have no clean material requirements.

[frozen bear]

Anybody going to wednesday and thursday open mics? I work both nights but was wondering if someone could sign me up. I'm looking to go to the Charleston and Chinaski's because they are right by where I work. Anyway, I work until 10 but want to get up at both. If you can lend a hand I'll thank you in person. And on the internet. Thanks. (That was the internet thanks.)

[CJ Toledano]

I'll most likely be at both so I'll sign you up.

[frozen bear]

Much appreciated CJ. I'll see you Wednesday.

[frozen bear]

Actually, I just read on The Bastion that they aren't doing the Charleston open mic this week. It's going to be every other wednesday (next one on the 20th.) I guess I'll see you at Chinaski's then.

[JKwac]

Hey I left Chicago today, as I will be going back to school soon. It was real. Take it easy, Chicago.

[Daryl]

Hey guys. I'm coming to Chicago to visit some friends from Tuesday August 19th until Monday August 25 and I'm trying to get on stage as much as possible. I'm planning on checking out the open mics from Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday. If anyone wants to meet up that would be cool.

Here's a clip of me performing at Betty's in Toronto:

http://blip.tv/file/587779/ (http://blip.tv/file/587779/)

For more information I also have a Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24666110659 (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24666110659)

Let me know what you think.

[CJ Toledano]

Hey I left Chicago today, as I will be going back to school soon. It was real. Take it easy, Chicago.

This guy pooped his pants way too much while he was here. Uncool and unprofessional.

[frozen bear]

that's disappointing to hear, i had such a positive image of joe before that. always thought of him as professional and cool.

i think i just got my first taste of the filthy side of this business.

[JKwac]

Oh you want to play dirty, CJ Toledildo? Then call me Dirt Bacharach because it's about to get messy.

[frozen bear]

i have to ask a favor again. can someone sign me up for the charleston open mic tonight? i get out of work at 10:30 and just have to walk a couple blocks to get there. it would be much appreciated. again, i'm joe mcadam.

PS: does anybody know if there's a way to change my username?

[Daryl]

Hey Joe and CJ, I really liked your sets/MC'ing at The Edge on Thursday. It was nice to meet both of you. Are you guys stopping by Schubas tonight?

[frozen bear]

Unfortunately I'm working tonight, I'll probably make it to a couple later in the week though. It was great meeting you and i really enjoyed your set, I'm glad AST Chicago has so many funny people.

[CJ Toledano]

"Raw penis." That was super hilarious and fun to say. I hope you didn't mind me repeating it.

I will be at Schuba's tonight, so see you there!

[Hated Milk Machine]

I went up for the first time tonight at Schuba's, and it was really fun. Thanks, this thread, for getting my ass off the couch!

[Daryl]

I'm glad you guys liked my set on Thursday. I was first up at Schubas last night and I was leaving for Toronto early the next day so I couldn't stick around. I'm planning another trip to Chicago at some point though, so hopefully I'll get to see you all again.

[dan telfer]

Chinaski's, formerly known as Whiskey Road, is now officially dead.

[KevinLee]

I have a friend, actually he just joined AST, and he's getting ready to do his first open mic ever. His name is Erok(or HeyErok on here) and he lives in Chicago. I was wondering if you all had any suggestions of a good open mic for first timers. I told him to go to the Globe Pub because it's the only open mic I've been to up there. Any suggestions?

[frozen bear]

That's awful about Chinaski's. Do you know what happened?

The first one I tried up here was at The Edge. It's very good for beginners, it's not quite as intimidating as some other rooms. There seems to usually be a lot of people there, granted mostly comics, but that's everywhere. It attracts a pretty diverse crowd too. I would recommend it.

[stace]

Hey gang. I''m a newb to the forum and the scene.

I'll echo Frozen Bear, the Edge is newbie friendly. I think one of the reasons it's not so intimidating is that the audience is mostly comics waiting to go up, and they're pretty supportive of newbies.

Also, Dave Odd will try not to put yup up last (or first) if you're new. I say will try, because the one time I did end up going up, the luck of the draw had me going last (on a hot, hot night when the A/C wasn't working). Ugh.

Hope to see some of you at the open mics as I make my way around them.

Speaking of which, If Chinaski is done, and I read earlier in this thread that Pressure is soon to be done (if not already), does that mean there aren't any Thursday night open mics?

[dan telfer]

Basically the owner of Chinaski's decided he was making enough money without live performance that night.

Edited to add: I'm pretty sure Pressure is done. It's a shame, because I used to go every week. Including the recent attempt to have an open mic at Champions that failed, that's three recent failures to have an open mic on Thursdays. I don't know of one off the top of my head that's still happening that night.

[dan telfer]

Adam Burke (http://www.myspace.com/atburke), who co-ran Chinaski's, just posted this to MySpace:

Hi all,

This is a big thank<wbr>s to every<wbr>one who came out to the the China<wbr>ski'<wbr>s/<wbr>Whisk<wbr>ey Road open mic over the past three<wbr> month<wbr>s or so. You folks<wbr> were aweso<wbr>me- we had a ton of laugh<wbr>s and a lot of great<wbr> shows<wbr>. Unfor<wbr>tunat<wbr>ely, the propr<wbr>ietor<wbr> of the bar has decid<wbr>ed that it's not a good fit for his estab<wbr>lishm<wbr>ent. So I'm afrai<wbr>d, last Thurs<wbr>day was the last Strai<wbr>ght-<wbr>Up Stand<wbr>-Up open mic at China<wbr>ski'<wbr>s. Thank<wbr>s again<wbr>, and I hope to see you all out at anoth<wbr>er open mic real soon.


Speak<wbr>ing of which<wbr>- we still<wbr> run an open mic at Charl<wbr>eston<wbr>'s every<wbr> 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month<wbr>. That means<wbr> NO CHARL<wbr>ESTON<wbr> OPEN MIC tonig<wbr>ht, but we'<wbr>ll be back NEXT WEDNE<wbr>SDAY,<wbr> 17th SEPTE<wbr>MBER,<wbr> sign up at 8:<wbr>30PM,<wbr> show at 9PM.


Thank<wbr>s again<wbr>, and I hope to see you all soon.

[CJ Toledano]

This may be too late but tonight after CYSK, there is an open mic there at 10:45.

[frozen bear]

Is the CYSK open mic going to be on Thursday too? Every week?

[CJ Toledano]

I think it's not going to be anytime soon after last night. I believe it was just an experiment that didn't go well. CYSK is moving venues very soon too.

[A Shot Glass of Humor]

Hello, I've read a little of AST before, but I'm mainly a comedy fan and aspiring stand up. I've been trying to go to as many open mics as I can, I did go a bit in the summer mainly Edge's Big Fancy Open mic on wednes. but now I'm back in school and I got so many night classes so it's hard. But I plan on heading to schubas on sundays. Anyways, the reason I decided to finally register was because this thread seems incredibly helpful for finding open mics, especially since the bastion ended it's run. But yeah I was hoping to find a good thursday open mic and I was actually planning on heading to chinaski's but lo and behold I find out from this thread that it's over. Anyways just thought I would stop on thru hope to meet up some of you thru Schubas, maybe some others in the future.

[bryan_champ]

Two new open mics.

MONDAYS: O'Shaughnessy's Pub (4557 N. Ravenswood, corner of Ravenswood and Wilson) I think it starts at 9pm, but I always get there late. It's run by Dean Carlson and Joe Kilgallon. I went last Monday and it was a fun open mic.

THURSDAYS: US Beer Co (1801 N. Clybourn) sign up 7:30 show at 8pm. This one is run by Beth Stelling, and I have not been yet.