Chicago Open Mics

[CJ Toledano]

8pm sign-up

[stephanieneveda]

Does anyone have any recommendations for mics on the northwest side?

[Ethmin]

just started doing open mics recently, has anyone been to Hi-Tops? It's on Wednesdays, and there's a later open mic on wednesdays that I've been going to a lot. The Loft on Lincoln, is a really fun room run by Jack Calhoun.

[KevinLee]

Does anyone have any recommendations for mics on the northwest side?

So many. I would say check out badslava.com The list on there pretty up to date, as far as I know. Also, Schubas open mic is now only the first sunday of every month.

[A Shot Glass of Humor]

I'll be guest hosting a brand new open mic at Risque Cafe in Wrigleyville, Thursday January 20th. (Every thursday onwards)
3419 N Clark St. Chicago, IL. Comics get 5-6 minutes, sign up starts around 8:15ish open mic will probably start by 9.

Special $2 PBR's for the struggling and ironically struggling, $3 Jim Beam (shots or cocktails) for the reckless, and $1 BBQ Sliders for the hungry. Plus one of Chicago's, and certainly Wrigleyville's, most extensive domestic craft beer lists

Come by early and get a set in before heading off to one of the other shows or come later whatever you feel like.

[JayRunner]

What day!? FOR THE LOVE OF COMEDY, WHAT DAY!?!

[A Shot Glass of Humor]

Thanks JayRunner, note to all open mic hosts... write the day the open mic is... people might need that information.

[KateS]

Hi everyone, new to the thread. Wondering if anyone knows if Lucky Number Grill on Fridays is still happening? If so, what time's good to sign up/what time does is start? Also I've read the older posts in this thread and wondering if anyone knows of any new mics that have popped up recently? Thanks!

[JayRunner]

Hey Kate, as far as I know Lucky Number is still happening, with sign up around 9 if you'd like a good slot.

There are a lot of good mics earlier in the week if you're available. The blog Comedy of Chicago just posted some of the most active rooms, if you're interested:

http://www.comedyofchicago.com/p/chi...mics-list.html

[KateS]

Thanks for the info. So far I have only been to Cole's. I will definitely check some of these out!

[A Shot Glass of Humor]

Hey Kate, I go to Lucky Number grill sometimes. It's on every Friday. Sign up starts 8;30 show gets going in between 9-9:30.

And yes, that list on Comedy of Chicago.com is a great list for all of the ACTIVE mics in Chicago.

[mike_b]

oh snap I just put it together that it's THAT Lucky Number grill. Near the train! I'm gonna check that shit out too.

[KateS]

Thanks. What are people's favorites nowadays?

[Rynunes]

Kenny Deforest

[Meg27]

So I know that you have to pay your dues and people aren't going to be necessarily friendly to newcomers. But can anyone recommend an open mic that is more welcoming for beginners? I've had experiences where I was repeatedly called out or "heckled" for being unknown. And this was before I went up, so it was just based on me sitting there and watching. After awhile it gets uncomfortable and the feeling is they definitely don't want you there. I get that people don't know me, but everyone has to start somewhere. So anyone know where that would be or have recommendations on how to handle this other than continuing to show up and be respectful of the other comics?

[dan telfer]

Cole's on Wednesdays.

[mike_b]

So I know that you have to pay your dues and people aren't going to be necessarily friendly to newcomers. But can anyone recommend an open mic that is more welcoming for beginners? I've had experiences where I was repeatedly called out or "heckled" for being unknown. And this was before I went up, so it was just based on me sitting there and watching. After awhile it gets uncomfortable and the feeling is they definitely don't want you there. I get that people don't know me, but everyone has to start somewhere. So anyone know where that would be or have recommendations on how to handle this other than continuing to show up and be respectful of the other comics?

Admittedly I've had limited experience, but I've never seen that happen. I'd recommend going somewhere else.

[A Shot Glass of Humor]

Yeah I try to hit the Chicago mics as much as I can and I've rarely seen that happened. Best bet if it's truly bothering you is again, to go somewhere else. Generally, I've seen newer comics at all the mics but if you want to go to places that might have more newer comics I would suggest Edge Comedy Club's thursday open mic as well as 7-10 Lounge which is Tuesdays.

I have been heckled in the past onstage from comics just harmless fun stuff. And sometimes the host mangles my name. I never really cared because I was more focused on trying to get my material out there. So while you can go to just those mics, I wouldn't try and limit yourself. If you have the time, try and hit all types of open mics in the city. That's one of the great things about Chicago, and I'm sure all other comics on here can agree that there is an ample selection of open mics, so many rooms, etc. Try to go to all of them. And don't worry about comics being friendly, over time you meet other comics after you see them at a lot of the same open mics and you start talking with them. And this is how it was with me personally.

[Meg27]

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it. Yeah, this wasn't heckling while I was on stage, more when I was just watching before I even went up. I didn't necessarily take it personally as I know I couldn't have possibly done anything to provoke it as all I did was watch attentively. It's not like I was pissing people off by talking through their sets or anything. It just makes for a weird vibe and is really off putting.

[JKwac]

If you don't mind, may I ask where this happened? Because like everyone else, I feel like that's pretty out of the ordinary behavior.