If you’re a comedy fan in New York, you’ve probably heard of Kumail Nanjiani, Hannibal Buress and Pete Holmes. And if you’re a comedy fan in L.A., you’ve probably heard of Matt Braunger, Kyle Kinane and TJ Miller. You probably knew Hannibal was a new writer on “SNL.” You probably knew Pete Kumail and Renee Gauthier were amongst the New Faces at the Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival. Maybe, just maybe, you knew that all of these comics came out of Chicago. The comics in Chicago know it all too well. Luckily for them, this list is about none of those people.
Every article written about the Chicago stand-up scene mentions the lack of mainstream clubs, the city’s improv and sketch traditions and the emergence of independently-run shows. Then one of the aforementioned comics’ names are dropped into the article to give the scene more credibility. I guess I kind of just did that too. The bottom line is that the Chicago stand-up scene is great and has been for a while. But here’s the big question: Who’s next? And who are the best comics on the scene right now?
I asked a good number of Chicago’s comics, bookers and writers who have covered the scene for their thoughts on the matter. A huge number of names were brought up. Some names were brought up more than others. These are the people who were mentioned the most often, to the most enthusiasm, by the most people. Think of it like a BCS ranking for the current moment… but way more awesome. Here are the Top 20 Stand-Up Comedians In Chicago.
To the comics in Chicago who did not make the list, I assure you that your name was brought up several times. The scene is much kinder and gentler than I remember. And just know that, while I lived in Chicago from 2004-2007, many similar rankings came out in various publications. Times I was ranked: 0.
20. Paul Thomas
Paul would get really upset with me (and has) if I said he was a “musical comedian,” because he’s a lot more than that. He has won the Aspen Comedy Festival for sketch comedy, and he was just in Montreal with his short film. But his comedic band, Lola Balatro (much like Paul himself) is good for a hilarious new video every few months. Check out his band, his videos and his overall awesomeness at BigHeadPaul.com. I recommend “Epic Love Song” and “Rock Star.” And, if you ever see his karaoke version of “Going up the Country” by Canned Heat, you’ll have yourself a great night.
19. Ricky Carmona
Nobody fixes a bad mood quite like Ricky Carmona. He’d probably not like me saying that, but I don’t really care. And he might have been the first comic to have a great Obama joke (circa 2004). Check out Ricky’s website. You’ll inevitably decide it’s time for the percolator.
18. Dan Polydoris
When I left Chicago two years ago, Polydoris was one of the up-and-comers I knew I’d be hearing about for years. Apparently it’s panning out. Apiary writer, Kristy Mangel told me his musical bits “are bordering brilliant.” Check him out at DanPolydoris.com .
17. Michael Palascak
Palascak, who is a veteran of the Montreal Comedy Festival and Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” would probably be higher on everyone’s list if he wasn’t spending most of his time out of his parent’s basement and on the road with a full club and college schedule. See his act at MichaelPalascak.com.
16. Lil Rel
For a South Side comic to make this list comprised by North Siders, they’ve got to be pretty damn funny. Lil Rel definitely fits the description. When I asked Hannibal Buress who he thought were the funniest comics in Chicago (after a few joke answers) he said, “Lil Rel. Seriously.” Check out Lil Rel’s website here.
15. Junior Stopka
Junior is a quintessential comic’s comic, who a lot of people will think should be higher on the list. One comic I spoke with thinks Junior will be a cult star in few years. From the way a lot of people speak about Junior, I don’t doubt it. Check out Junior on MySpace.
14. Cameron Esposito
Cameron has been rising up the comedy rankings in Chicago (and nationally, on the LGBT scene) over the past few years and doing it her way. Her style and voice are incredibly unique, and she has a distinct ease and comfort on stage. And Cameron has some very serious admirers in the scene. See her great stand-up at CameronEsposito.com.
13. Mike Sheehan
Fellow comic, Adam Burke, described Sheehan as an “utter loon,” adding that “He dedicates himself completely to every set. Brilliant stuff that is also frightening in its utter divorcement from the everyday world.” That’s a fancy way of saying Sheehan is a big weirdo, but in a very good way. You can check out some of his clips on Rooftop Comedy.
12. Dan Telfer
Telfer, a self-professed nerd, has hustled his way onto the national hipster comedy scene over the past few years. But Telfer has also been performing sketch and improv in Chicago over the past decade, and his skills have landed him regular slots at the Lakeshore Theater as well as co-producing Chicago Underground Comedy, one of the best rooms in town. Check out Dan’s blog. In the spirit of full disclosure, he’s been known to lurk around the Comedy.com offices, and we love his work.
11. Danny Kallas
After he won this year’s Last Snob Standing contest, Cameron Esposito said that Kallas, “slides highly intellectual cultural observations right into your brain via a blue-collar Chicago accent so thick you don’t know what hit you.” Kallas, like Renee Gauthier is from the near-west suburb on Elmwood Park. Gautheir said of Kallas, “Make sure you say we’re from the same home town.” It won’t be long before both of them surpass, at least, Alpine Subs, Johnnie’s Beef and Armand’s Pizza as sources of local pride. Check out Danny on MySpace.
10. Beth Stelling
Chicago Underground Comedy co-producer, Elizabeth McQuern, has described Stelling as “…simply wonderful. Incredibly naturally funny… and warm and sweet to boot.” Like Cameron Esposito, Stelling is not a token female for this list. Both come via some serious local hype. Lincoln Lodge producer Mark Geary referred to her as a “stud muffin.” Stelling might also be the youngest person on this list. Check out her clips on MySpace.
9. Brendan McGowan
Local comic Sean Flannery told me that McGowan might have the best stage presence of anybody on the scene. “I think half of stand-up is living an interesting life, to soak up ideas and stories- and he’s got that part down, pat. His stories are amazing. I repeat them to friends and family- Hell, I can’t cook a steak without talking about his [joke about his dad blowing up when steaks aren't properly de-thawed.]” Brendan is also a personal favorite of mine. He’s also on MySpace.
8. Chad Briggs
As a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Briggs might end up being placed into Austin’s impressive comedy legacy, but for now, Chicago has him. A lot of people spoke highly of Briggs’ stand-up, as well as his use of characters on stage. He’s currently a favorite to win this season of Chicago’s comedy talent competition, Impress These Apes, and he’s on MySpace.
7. Mike Stanley
Lakeshore Theater’s Chris Ritter spoke very highly of Stanley, as did every comic I spoke to. He’s a road veteran and his experience shows. I’ve seen him punch crowds (and and actual people) in the face for the past five years. The guy’s a pro. Check out Mike’s MySpace page.
6. Ken Barnard
When I was in Chicago, it prided itself for its alternative comedy. Nobody is a better current example of that than Ken Barnard. Taking influence from Andy Kaufman and Steve Martin, Barnard’s performance art comedy has been a staple in the scene for years. And, he’s still only 26. In a recent profile by “TimeOut Chicago,” Barnard said, “I like being different and I like being weird. I have to be me.” Barnard finished second to alt staple Reggie Watts at the 2006 Andy Kaufman Awards, and when I toured with Ken in England, the crowds fawned over him as if he were already a superstar. Maybe he should get used to it. See his work at PerformanceComedy.com.
5. James Fritz
Not many people can follow a rant about religious conservatives with tips about pornography and still come off as immensely likable as James Fritz. He’s like your eccentric Southern friend – the guy you want to drink whiskey with while he gripes about gay rights legislation and the evils of consumerism. He likes cooler bands than you do, but he’d never make you feel bad about it. Fritz is another personal favorite of mine, and clearly everyone else in the scene. Check him out on MySpace.
4. Adam Burke
Much like James Fritz, I’d be at a loss to find many other people who have risen up the Chicago comedy rankings as quickly as Adam Burke. A few years ago, he was a mere journalist writing an article for a local magazine on the Chicago comedy scene. Fast forward to 2009 and Burke is one of the most beloved comics in the city, getting praise from every single person I spoke with. When I told Adam (who is an ex-pat of Northern Ireland and Australia) that he was going to end up towards the top of this list, he seemed surprised. He shouldn’t be. Check out his clips on Rooftop Comedy.
3. Sean Flannery
In 40 years, Sean Flannery might replace whoever the current Dos Equis pitchman is as the “World’s Most Interesting Man.” Except Dos Equis seems too highfalutin’ for him. And the Dos Equis guy never really talks about bombing job interviews because he electrocuted himself in the boss’s office. Flannery is the master of the drunken anecdote. He’s a guy who has almost killed himself countless times, to hilarious results. His insane life experiences have been woven into great stand-up pieces and even a one-man show. You can check out some of Sean’s tails of debauchery on WorldsDumbestMan.com, but don’t be fooled. He might also be the most intelligent person on this list.
2. CJ Sullivan
CJ Sullivan does not care if he’s on this stupid list or not. That’s part of his appeal. I’ve seen him perform several times in the past six years and have yet to see a bad set. CJ is impossibly quick and can make you fall on the floor laughing on or off stage. Check out CJ’s podcast with Sean Flannery (Visitor’sLockerRoom.com), particularly the archives with Chicago legend, Pat Brice.
1. Prescott Tolk
Sean Flannery told me Prescott “has one of those unique deliveries that, in the right hands (which his are), makes every joke twice as funny. And, is triply funny, when telling stories. I love hearing his stories on stage – incredible tales of absurd, risky behavior, being told in a slow, calculated voice. He’s so funny – also completely comfortable on stage.” A veteran of both the New York and Chicago comedy scenes, Prescott clearly has the utmost respect of his peers. Almost every person I talked to was quick to place him at the top of their lists, so he’s earned the top of this one. At the current moment, Prescott Tolk is the funniest comedian in Chicago. Check out his genius at PrescottTolk.com.
For more awesome comedian coverage, check out these 11 Funniest Comedians Who Attack Religion and these 17 Amazing Yearbook Photos Of Comedians.
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