Comics And Villains Invade Wicker Park!
By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 10, 2010 3:00PM
Post By: Kristy Mangel
Tonight is the first installment of the new monthly stand-up showcase, Comics and Villains, housed in the upstairs of Wicker Park’s Lucky Number Grill. While there is no shortage of underground showcases in the city these days, there is, however, a dearth of them in the Wicker Park/Bucktown/Logan Square area. Comics and Villains seeks to offer traveling reprieve to these neighborhoods’ denizens wanting to partake in live performances by some of the city’s top underground comics, complete with a fiscally sound price tag.
The show is produced by newer comics Ryan Walker, Sam Norton, and Maggie Ednie, and DJ/musician Derek Dziak. Ednie says of the show’s inception, “The idea to put a show together was originally for simple, shameless self-promotion. However, when we started trying to think of ways to make our show stand out from others, we started to get really excited, and I'd say our reasons for doing it have completely changed. First of all, we get to keep all of the proceeds from the door fee, which will go to the performers. It's tough to make money doing comedy, and we're excited to be able to give local talent compensation for their work. The open mic portion is a mini-competition where an open mic comic can win--via audience applause--a chance to get a paid spot on the following month's showcase. A multi-camera, professional film crew will film the entire show. We also have trivia with prizes and giveaways, and a fantastic DJ (DJ Degrassi High) to spin tunes during and after the show. So, the seed of just wanting to get our names out there has grown into wanting to throw a killer party where attendees and comics, alike, will have a great time and want to come back--and everyone makes money.
“We want to do things that will break the mold of the typical host, comic, host, comic formula--so that every month you get something different, which in turn would hopefully bring back repeat attendees,” she says.
The inaugural Comics and Villains takes place tonight, doors at 7 p.m., open mic at 8 p.m., showcase at 9 p.m. Featuring Bill Cruz, James Fritz, Dan Polydoris, and Junior Stopka. $5 for the open mic and showcase, $7 for showcase only. Lucky Number Grill, 1931 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd floor. Drink specials: $5 PBR + Jameson Shot, $2 Well drinks; free fake mustaches for all attendees.