Results tagged “funny”

There's a new Tumblr blog getting passed around the interwebz here in Chicago: Stranger Than Eviction, which features some harrowing, bizarre tales of, well, we'll let the blog's creator explain it.

We understand website glitches. Oh boy, do we ever. So we can understand how this little glitch happened to occur on the Tribune front page last night. Still, given what we hear about how folks around these parts tend to drive during winter weather, we think it's actually pretty appropriate.

Fed up with the Blago/Burris Circus? Need some levity to save you from the winter blahs? You're in luck because the Eighth Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival kicks off tonight. Running through Sunday, January 18, the festival features over 125 shows by over 100 different troupes from around the world. Held at Theatre Building Chicago (1275 W. Belmont), the fest features performances each night across three different stages. Each show is $12.50 and $150 gets you festival-wide pass. Check out the schedule and get planning.

Kool-Aid Man is on the loose on the North Side.

Chicagoist loves Google Maps as much as anyone and we especially love the strange scenes occasionally captured by Google's Street View shots. For whatever reason, Chicago seems to be the epicenter of getting caught in the act -- from frisky coeds in the suburbs to drug deals on the South Side.

Best-selling memoirist/essayist and frequent This American Life contributor David Sedaris has a new book, When You Are Engulfed In Flames (out today), and is visiting Chicago next week for a pair of appearances. First is an appearance at Border's in Evanston on Wednesday, June 11 where he'll be reading from and signing the new book. The store will begin passing out free wristbands for the signing portion of the event at 2 p.m. the day of the appearance. Then, on Thursday June 12, Sedaris will be doing a lecture and signing at Barbara's Bookstore's UIC location. Tickets are required for the lecture portion of the event but are free with the purchase of Engulfed. There's a limit of two tickets per person and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis as seating is limited. The signing portion of the event, however, will be open to anyone who purchases any Sedaris release from Barbara's (with proof of receipt).

Yeah, it's Monday. But turn those frowns upside-down because the 11th Annual Chicago Improv Fest kicks off tonight with a performance by Scheer & McBrayer, a team composed of, well, Paul Scheer (MTV's Human Giant, Best Week Ever) and Jack McBrayer (30 Rock, Talladega Nights). What they lack in name originality they more than make up for when they bring the funny. But the fun doesn't stop there: shows will continue all week at a number of venues throughout the city, featuring cast members of 30 Rock, madTV, The Colbert Report, and more. Chicago is, of course, famous for its comedy and improv scene, so now is as good a time as any to check out the renowned Improv Fest.

Chicagoist thought players from New York would have some pretty thick skin, but apparently that's not the case for Mets relief pitcher Joe Smith. While shagging balls during batting practice prior to a game earlier this week, the bleacher bums' taunts -- already in drunken top form and it's only April -- got to him enough that he actually responded. And did so by telling the fans that "[they] ain't sh!t!" and rubbing in their face that he's the one in the big leagues.

As a rule, SketchFest organizers don't meddle with the artistic product. But last night we couldn’t help wondering if the troupes were ordered to do pet humor. In three of the four shows we saw Friday, performers became felines for laughs. For the other, a monologist drank like a gerbil. Team Submarine and Brick even used the same “distracted by a laser pointer” gag. A minor complaint, as Friday night treated us to plenty of original material.

The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival kicked off last night and continues through January 13, a smörgåsbord of comedy stylings from 99 troupes from across the U.S. and Canada. Intrepid performers leave the comfort of California and Texas, brave delays at O’Hare, and risk negative comments on their MySpace pages—all to entertain you. Organizers estimate 10,000 of you attended last year’s event and, with fest favorites like Elephant Larry, Canadian Content, Cool Table, and Big News returning, this year’s crowds will likely be just as huge.