A "VERY FUNNY" FESTIVAL: JUST FOR LAUGHS- Chicago, June 15-19

[BillBrasky]

A Whirlwind of Comedy Prepares to Descend on Chicago for a Second Year as TBS PRESENTS A "VERY FUNNY" FESTIVAL: JUST FOR LAUGHS

Ellen DeGeneres, Cedric The Entertainer, Denis Leary, Russell Peters, Greg Giraldo, Jim Norton, Aziz Ansari and Bob Odenkirk Lined Up for Festival Taking Place June 15-19, 2010, With More Exciting Talent to be Announced Soon

Tickets Go on Sale at 10 a.m. (CT) March 29 for Week-Long Event, A Co-Production of Comedy Giants TBS and Montreal's Just For Laughs

Five nights. Twelve venues. More than 100 comedians. The laughter is returning to Chicago this summer with the second annual edition of TBS PRESENTS A "VERY FUNNY" FESTIVAL: JUST FOR LAUGHS, scheduled to take place Tuesday, June 15 - Saturday, June 19, 2010. Ellen DeGeneres, Cedric The Entertainer, Denis Leary, Russell Peters, Greg Giraldo, Jim Norton and Aziz Ansari are among the extraordinary comic talents slated to appear. Also on the roster are the wildly popular Lucha VaVOOM show and The Not Inappropriate Show, a sketch show for kids featuring Bob Odenkirk and some of LA's hottest sketch performers. The Festival once again brings together the unprecedented comedy forces of TBS and Montreal's Just For Laughs. Tickets for Festival performances will go on sale at 10 a.m. (CT) Monday, March 29, with additional programming to be announced soon.

TBS will give viewers around the country a chance to get in on the fun by presenting three television specials from the event. Leading the pack will be Ellen's Somewhat Special, Emmy-winner Ellen DeGeneres' fourth variety show for TBS, which will be taped Wednesday, June 16, at The Chicago Theatre. Cedric The Entertainer will host Cedric The Entertainer's Urban Circus (working title), which will also tape at The Chicago Theatre Friday, June 18. A third show being taped for TBS will be announced at a later date.

Denis Leary brings The Rescue Me Comedy Tour to The Chicago Theatre on Saturday, June 19. Russell Peters' The Green Card Tour is set for Saturday, June 19 at the Rosemont Theatre. The Nasty Show hosted by Greg Giraldo with special guest Jim Norton is scheduled for two shows on Friday, June 18, at the Vic Theatre. And Aziz Ansari's The Dangerously Delicious Tour is set to perform at the Vic Theatre Thursday, June 17.

Wednesday, June 16, Park West joins the growing list of festival venues this year as it welcomes two performances of Lucha VaVOOM, an action-packed comedy and wrestling show with a touch of eye-popping burlesque and variety acts from around the globe.

Friday and Saturday afternoons, Mercury Theatre will host The Not Inappropriate Show, a sketch comedy show made especially for kids ages 6 and up, starring Bob Odenkirk, Kate Micucci and members of The Groundlings and Upright Citizen's Brigade.

"Last year, we partnered with Just For Laughs to bring the biggest names in comedy to Chicago," said Dennis Adamovich, senior vice president of brand and digital activation/general manager of festivals for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). "We're honored to be returning for a second year as we bring together a wider variety of comedic talent from some of the top names in the business, along with fresh faces and truly one-of-a-kind performances."

"We were thrilled with the response from Chicago comedy fans during the inaugural edition of the Festival last summer," said Bruce Hills, chief operating officer of Just For Laughs. "We're looking forward to our second edition, which will again be filled with the world's funniest comic stars, the best of the Chicago comedy scene and tons of surprises along the way."

In addition to In addition to The Chicago Theatre, Rosemont Theatre, Park West, the Vic Theatre and Mercury Theatre, sites slated to be home to this year's Festival include Lakeshore Theater and a roster of venues featuring grassroots programming to be announced later.

Last year's edition of TBS PRESENTS A "VERY FUNNY" FESTIVAL: JUST FOR LAUGHS proved to be a landmark event for Chicago, which is home to a rich comedy heritage that includes an abundance of improv and sketch troupes and some of the most familiar names in the business. Five nights of comedy - 67 different shows featuring more than 100 comedians - took place at various venues across the Chicago area, many of them selling out, including performances by DeGeneres, Bill Engvall, George Lopez (four shows), Jimmy Fallon, Jim Breuer and Danny Bhoy (two shows), Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, Andy Dick and Jim Jefferies. Also selling out were The Nasty Show (two shows), An All-Star Comedy Show hosted by Russell Peters and more than 10 shows in the grassroots series, including Susan Messing and The Improvised Shakespeare Company

TBS and Just For Laughs are also collaborating with the largest independent promoter in the United States, Chicago-based Jam Productions, LTD and Outback Concerts.

Beginning Monday, March 29, tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800/745-3000. Tickets for Festival events will also be available at respective venue box offices. Additional programming and ticket information for this year's edition of TBS PRESENTS A "VERY FUNNY" FESTIVAL: JUST FOR LAUGHS will be announced soon. Full schedule and festival information is available at www.justforlaughschicago.com.

TBS PRESENTS A "VERY FUNNY" FESTIVAL: JUST FOR LAUGHS

Tuesday, June 15 - Saturday, June 19

Newly Announced Shows and Talent

THE CHICAGO THEATRE

Ellen's Somewhat Special - Wednesday, June 16, at 7:30 p.m.

DeGeneres returns to The Chicago Theatre with her fourth variety show for TBS. Like last year, this spectacular will feature live music, comedy and unique specialty acts. The show, which will also air on TBS, will be produced by Telepictures Productions, with Mary Connelly, Ed Glavin and Andy Lassner, whose credits include DeGeneres' Emmy-winning talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, serving as executive producers.

Cedric The Entertainer's Urban Circus (working title) - Friday, June 18, at 8 p.m.

Cedric The Entertainer will take center stage and preside as the Ringmaster of Cedric The Entertainer's Urban Circus (working title), a comedic journey through the influences that have transformed him in to the king of comedy that he is today. The show will feature comedians, sketches, music and urban influenced visual performances all coming together to form a seamless, unexpected and hysterical evening of comedy. Cedric The Entertainer is known for his role on the Steve Harvey Show, as well his performances in such movies as Barbershop, Cadillac Records and Be Cool. Cedric The Entertainer's Urban Circus will be produced by Just For Laughs TV, with Cedric The Entertainer and Eric Rhone serving as executive producers.

The Rescue Me Comedy Tour with Denis Leary - Saturday, June 19, at 8 p.m.

The award-winning actor/comedian brings his signature cutting humor and acerbic wit to The Chicago Theatre with performances by Rescue Me's Lenny Clarke, Adam Ferrara and musical guests The Enablers, featuring the Rehab Horns. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Leary Firefighters Foundation. Leary has previously wowed audiences with his Lock N' Load and No Cure For Cancer shows, the latter of which resulted in one of the highest grossing comedy albums of all time. Leary has appeared in more than 30 feature films and stars in the FX series Rescue Me. He most recently released the bestseller Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat Loud Lazy and Stupid.

ROSEMONT THEATRE

Russell Peters - The Green Card Tour - Saturday, June 19, at 8 p.m.

The eagerly awaited return of the global comedy rockstar! Russell Peters brings his hilarious Green Card Tour to Chicago featuring all-new material, video screens and DJs.

THE VIC THEATRE

Aziz Ansari - The Dangerously Delicious Tour - Thursday, June 17, at 7 p.m.

Aziz Ansari, star of TV's Parks and Recreation, brings his Dangerously Delicious Tour to Chicago! Recently named to host the next MTV Movie Awards, the Human Giant alum has clearly established himself as one of the biggest names in comedy, with roles in hit movies like Funny People and I Love You, Man. Now he gets back to his roots with straight-up stand-up laden with his trademark left-field punches.

The Nasty Show hosted by Greg Giraldo with special guest Jim Norton - Friday, June 18, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.

This favorite from Montreal's annual Just For Laughs Festival will feature some of the funniest (and filthiest) comics around. Greg Giraldo is a former lawyer who turned to a life of comedy. He is best known as a top roaster on Comedy Central Roasts. Jim Norton is a nationally touring comedian and best-selling author who can be heard weekday mornings on the Opie & Anthony radio show on The Virus XM radio network.

PARK WEST

Lucha VaVOOM - Wednesday, June 16, at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. - 21+ only show

Lucha VaVOOM is a non-stop, action-packed scream-a-thon, where Mexican Masked wrestlers flip and fly, performing breathtaking acrobatic feats. It's good vs. evil played out in a one-fall, Lucha Libre exhibition-style match for maximum enjoyment. In between matches, the finest, handpicked burlesque acts from around the world astound the audience. Lucha VaVOOM is for audiences aged 21 and older.

MERCURY THEATRE

The Not Inappropriate Show - Friday, June 18, at 4 p.m. and Saturday, June 19, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Made especially for kids ages 6 and up, this sketch comedy show stars Bob Odenkirk and Kate Micucci, along with some of Los Angeles' hottest sketch performers. The show, which is being produced by Naomi Odenkirk, will feature a collection of specially chosen sketches and songs designed for kids who love great comedy.

[A Shot Glass of Humor]

FUCK, I hope Louis CK returns this year. I didn't get to see him during the Nasty Show shows last year, that's the only one I didn't get a chance to see!! Greg Giraldo and Jim Norton are fine, but I'm not ready to shell out the big bucks for just them.

Also, I cannot stress the Lakeshore Theater enough, it's much smaller and more intimate than the Chicago Theater or the Vic. Hopefully they get quite a few solid shows this year.

[JPSpaulding]

So far I cant wait to not go to anything this year!

Bob doing a kids sketch show? Really? How high will I have to get before attending? Details on how high I will have to get to follow? OK?

[pollymaepry]

jay, you spilled fag crap all over the pets thread in your day, don't act cool NOW.

it may actually be the only show i'll attend of the fest this year and it's a great idea.

[mib]

Regarding the The Not Inappropriate Show - anyone know what happened here? Has it been cancelled? Can't seem to find any further info, and the theater box office phone has been disconnected. If anyone knows the deal please let me know - Very interested in introducing my 9 y/o to some good comedy.
thanks!

[semisorick]

Regarding the The Not Inappropriate Show - anyone know what happened here? Has it been cancelled? Can't seem to find any further info, and the theater box office phone has been disconnected. If anyone knows the deal please let me know - Very interested in introducing my 9 y/o to some good comedy.
thanks!

I think they just haven't listed all of the shows yet, which is surprising. If you look, there are several places listed as venues (such as the iO, the Annoyance, the Music Box, etc.) that still don't have any shows on the schedule. The only places that have had their shows named are The Vic, The Chicago Theatre and the Rosemont Theatre.

[Umlaut]

I'm generally shrugging over here. Besides Aziz and Bob, I don't really care enough about anyone enough to justify a festival ticket purchase. And while I get how the Kids' Sketch Show may be a good idea, ultimately what's the point of going to see a Bob sketch show if there is no possibility of him yelling "Goddammit!"?

[mib]

Hope your right - the Mercury Theater box office number has been disconnected, so I'd hate to see the show cancelled due to lack of venue.

And agreed. the festival lineup is really weak, save for Bob and Aziz. Last year was MUCH better w/Smigel, Bob & Dave, and a couple of others. Don;t think you need a festival ticket, though (in fact, don;'t even think its offered). And the kids show w/Bob is a rare opportunity to bring your child to see something that doesn't suck.

[dan telfer]

This year is exactly on par with last year as far as finalized acts and venues. Doesn't seem too unusual to me. It's still months away.

[mib]

Thanks, Dan. And I hope there are still some acts added. I was worried, as the Not Inappropriate Show was one of the first announced (and a date of ticket sales was given). If anyone hears any updated info, please share!
Oh, and Dan, I think I saw you open for PFT last year @ Lakeshore. VERY funny set!

[JPSpaulding]

So....who knows where the CDR radio taping is taking place and when tickets go on sale???

[dan telfer]

Here's the press release regarding local performers:

(Nevermind, follow JKwac's)

[JKwac]

Try this link: http://www.theapiary.org/the-apiary/...go-festiv.html

[dan telfer]

I got a tour of the Mayne Stage theater today. It is one of the most state of the art spaces I have ever seen. It is kind of hard to fathom after you get off the Morse stop on the Red Line, which I'm pretty sure is run by spiders.

You have to see the JFL shows there. I am still trying to grasp the space I just saw. It's about as good as a comedy space can get.

[semisorick]

The CDR podcast is going to be at the Annoyance Theater and while the JFL ticket site says that tickets go on sale Saturday morning at 10 am CT, it isn't listed on Ticketmaster. Meanwhile, the other JFL shows are all slated to be on sale Saturday.

There's no mention of CDR on the Annoyance website. Anyone know where to pick up tickets for CDR?

[J.B.]

So this is the schedule for me and loti:

6/16; 10pm; Comedy Death Ray; The Annoyance Theatre
6/17; 8pm; Comedy Death-Ray; The Kinetic Playground
6/18; 9pm; Kristen Schaal & John Mulaney; Mayne Stage

and loti will be taking her dad to Da Bears thing...

Will we see you all at the CDRs, I assume?

Also... let me say the Just for Laughs website is terrible. A mess. Everyone I've spoken with about the fest agrees it's a piece of shit. Also, Wow! I haven't used ticketmaster in years and years (if I've ever used it at all, it might have been in high school)... I didn't realize how fucking terrible it is.

Well... the shows will make up for it. Can't wait to see the Mayne Stage.

[semisorick]

If anyone needs to buy a ticket for the 7pm "Da Bears Movie Dat Wasn't", send me a PM. I have an extra and figured I'd offer it here before I tried to resell it somewhere else.

[Davescotts]

Can't wait fror CDR radio

[Mandee]

I bought a ticket for CDR. It's stupid how excited I am.

[Umlaut]

Just got this e-mail from the Lincoln Lodge:

Dear Bobby,

Bonjour to all our good friends at The Lodge!

Please allow us to interrupt your summer fling of street festivals, barbecues and mediocre baseball teams to tell you about a very special event taking place next week....

On Wednesday, June 16th thru Saturday, June 19th The Lincoln Lodge is proud to host four nights of hilarious hometown comedy as TBS presents a very funny festival... Just for Laughs Chicago!
We'll be joining in the fun presenting three truly unique shows as Just for Laughs takes over the stages of all the major Chicago comedy venues for one laugh-packed week!

It's not often we'll break off from our summer retreat in The Dells to dabble with comedy in the lazy summer months so you KNOW the Chicago installment of the world renowned Just For Laughs Festival based out of Montreal has to be a big affair to get us all worked up for some summer yuks. Please read on for full details and don't forget to get your tickets quickly as these shows are already selling out fast!



Drinking Buddies with T.J. Miller

- Wednesday, June 16th at 9:00 PM

Join Chicago prodigal son T.J. Miller with special guests Kyle Kinane, Mike Bridenstine and host James Fritz for a night of loose, off-the-cuff comedy among friends. You'll feel like you're hanging out with these guys at the bar. Then, to round out the libation vibe, tune in after the evening for a rare Midwest screening of the Sundance festival sensation Successful Alcoholics, a short film by expat director Jordan Vogt-Roberts.
Get Tickets

Lights, Camera, Action, CUT: Comedic Short Films

- Thursday, June 17th at 9:00 PM

Chicago's short-film community was previously only connected via their MacBooks, but tonight we've got them under one roof. Join these comedic auteurs for a special gathering, including chats with the filmmakers, some live comedy, and, of course, the short and sweet films they make.
Hosted by the Lodge's own Cameron Esposito the evening features new work and old favorites from Daniel Kibblesmith, Tom Palazzolo, Zoran Gvojic and Jordan Vogt-Roberts and includes some special surprise guest contributions!


The Andy Kaufman Funhouse:
Featuring Andy Kaufman Award Winners and Finalists - Friday, June 18th and Saturday, June 19th at 8:00 PM


The Andy Kaufman Awards were established in 2004 as a showcase for promising, cutting-edge artists with fresh and unconventional material. (Past winners include Kristen Schaal and Reggie Watts.) It's a raucous good time, but here's the thing: it's always been held in New York. Now, for the first time ever, past Kaufman winners and finalists from the East Coast unite with hometown Kaufman alums to showcase their out-of-the-ordinary work. Come see what Andy Kaufman's legacy means to these promising young performers. Join hosts Sasha and The Noob in welcoming Harrisson Greenbaum, Mike Amato and Blaine Kneece for their first ever Chicago performances as well as local favorites Chad Briggs, Chris Condren, Jet Eveleth, Michael Lehrer and Ken Barnard!

More info here.