Just For Laughs Guffaws Into Town

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 16, 2010 7:30PM

TBS' annual Just For Laughs festival is back in town, having kicked off with numerous events last night. But there's still plenty more out there to catch with names both big and small, both national (Ellen, Team CoCo, Adam Carolla) and local (Susan Messing, Cook County Social Club). Of course, we're just scratching the surface so be sure to check out the full list of performances here. Here are five we've got our eye on.

Aziz Ansari - He's one of the hottest names in comedy right now thanks to his scene-stealing role in last summer's Funny People as well as his role on the hit television comedy Parks & Recreation which hit its stride in its second season. Coming off his recent special Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening and his hosting duties at the MTV Movie Awards, he's only going to get hotter so get in on his hilarious act while you can. Aziz is going all out with four shows in a two-day span; tonight's shows are sold out but as of post time, tickets are still available for both shows tomorrow night.
Aziz Ansari, Thursday June 17, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., both shows at The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, $35 via TicketMaster

Schadenfreude - Yeah, we're totally biased as we love this local sketch group. But that's because they make us laugh. And they'll be performing their new show The City That Works as part of the fest and they're bringing a long plenty of special guests, including Rhymefest. Yes, Rhymefest. As they've been all spring, Schad will be backed by funk-soul band The Jordan Years.
Schadenfreude Rent Party, Thursday June 17, 8 p.m., Martyrs, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., $10 via

Andy Kaufman Funhouse - You're probably saying, "But Andy Kaufman's (allegedly) passed on to the great beyond." Well, yes, but his spirit lives on via the Andy Kaufman awards, and annual contest founded "as a showcase for promising, cutting-edge artists with fresh and unconventional material." Past winner Reggie Watts just spent the spring opening for Conan O'Brien on his tour. For the first time ever, the contest is leaving New York and coming to Chicago for this special showcase featuring past winners and finalists which has a slew of local acts: Chad Briggs (winner of Impress These Apes season 4), Chris Condren, iO's Jet Eveleth and Michael Lehrer, Ken Barnard (a personal favorite of ours), and is hosted by local comedy duo Sasha and The Noob, runners up at the 2009 awards.
Andy Kaufman Funhouse, Friday June 18 and Saturday June 19, 8 p.m. both nights, both shows at The Lincoln Lodge, 4008 N Lincoln Ave, $15 via Brown Paper Tickets

Alone: Chicago's Best Solo Acts - Sure, the city is known for ensembles like Second City but there are plenty of amazing solo acts in this town and they're getting their due at the fest with their own showcase. Chris Witaske, Jim Fath, Kate Duffy, Katie Rich, our pal Kristen Studard, Paul Brittain, Prescott Tolk, Seth Weitberg, and Wendy Mateo all step up to the mic to make us laugh. While the big name stand ups will get the crowds, take a chance at seeing some great local talent growing and shining.
Alone: Chicago's Best Solo Acts, Friday June 18 and Saturday June 19, 10 p.m. both nights, both shows at The Playground Theater, 3209 N Halsted, $12.99 via Brown Paper Tickets

Alt Comedy (with Special Guest Patton Oswalt) - While the promotion behind this show focuses on Patton Oswalt (and understandably so because Patton is, you know, one of the finest comedy minds out there today), there's plenty of other comics that make this show worthwhile. Nerdist's Chris Hardwick, who Karl spoke to recently, the hilarious Maria Bamford (multiple Comedy Central specials), and Andy Kindler (who's appeared on everything from David Letterman to a recurring role on Everybody Loves Raymond) all appear and they're joined by the also funny John Mulaney (the SNL writer who delivered the fantastic Girl Scout Cookie business model critique) and Kyle Kinane.
Alt Comedy (with Special Guest Patton Oswalt), Saturday June 19, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., both shows at The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, $35 via TicketMaster