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Written by DUSTIN WHITE
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Friday, 08 December 2006 |
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As I’ve said in previous articles, Chicago is a great city in which to see live comedy. Many people don’t know that live comedy thrives in their own neighborhood. I wrote an article about Chicago Underground Comedy, an established and popular room in Lincoln Park, and recommended it as a place to see some great live comedy. In addition, there are other comedy rooms in the same neighborhood that remain unknown to the general public. One such room is The Bird’s Nest Comedy Showcase at 2500 N. Southport.
The Bird’s Nest Comedy Showcase started one year ago and was founded by two comics new to Chicago who wanted to create a room to showcase Chicago talent. Victor Mariner from Denver and Mike Stanley from Detroit started the room to give rookie and veteran comics a chance to test longer sets in front of audiences. Mike and Victor pride themselves on their willingness to put up any comic who can fill the 10-15 minute time slot without succumbing to the all too common nepotistic practice of putting up only friends and acquaintances.
Every Monday night you can see three or four of the best comics in Chicago do their best 10 to 15 minutes. Add to that the perk that it’s absolutely free! Unlike Chicago Underground Comedy, this room has remained unknown to most people and currently draws minimal crowds. In addition to the free live comedy, the room offers specials that include; $1 tacos and $2 PBR’s. What better way to relieve the stress of a long, boring Monday than to laugh at up-and-coming comics while enjoying cheap beer and tacos?
On the night I attended the show, it was their one year anniversary. It was a special night as 10 comics who frequent the room took the stage to perform. Finally, Mike’s and Victor’s hard work paid off, and the room was packed with friends of the comics and die-hard supporters of live comedy. Several of Chicago’s best comics took the stage including Dean Carlson, Brendan McGowan, Chuck Roth, Kevin Keenan, Daryl Amendes, Bradley Fojas, Victor Mariner, and Jeff Hansen. Headlining the show was the room’s co-founder Mike Stanley. Mike is a feature comic who plays clubs all over the nation. It would normally cost $10-$20 to see Mike in a club, but you can catch him at Bird’s Nest doing a set for free nearly every week.
The Bird’s Nest is a great room that offers a sampling of some of the best comedic talent frequenting the Chicago scene. Come and see these comics, many of whom are on their way up. The show kicks off every Monday night at 9:30 p.m. showcasing a variety of comics who display a wide range of material. The atmosphere is FUNNY, and the food and drink specials are another reason to make The Bird’s Nest a Monday night routine. Isn’t it about time you had something to look forward to on a Monday?
• "The Struggling Comic" appears exclusively in Lumino Magazine. Dustin White is a comedian/writer/actor living in Chicago. You can reach him through his Web site at www.dustinwhitecomedian.com. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
