When I started these calendars, I was advised to limit each post to ten shows. But if you’re a comedy fan, Chicago is a candy store. There’s something good everywhere all the time. I could never limit the list to ten. Before I know it, it’s eighteen or thirty-seven and I’m compulsively adding every show that I would want to go to, which are so so many. Before I posted last week, I thought, “This is it. This week I follow the advice! Ten.” And then oiks! I couldn’t stop at ten. I added and added. I posted. The next day I noticed I’d accidentally named one of my favorite comedians Nate and Nick even alternating right name/wrong name in the same sentence. Scream! There’s something to be said for not exhausting oneself. So. Original advice. Here are ten… ok twelve shows that caught my attention this week. There are more listings at my 101 Hot Comedy Ticket Alerts for 2021. I also started a listing of “Ticket Alerts for 2022” and will post it soon. Comedy is roaring back fast.

Ticket alerts:

Comedy Sportz is now in-person at The Den Theatre.

Nov. 24-Jan. 30: Melissa Gilbert and Dan Butler in When Harry Met Rehab

Nov. 27: Bob Jay, Michelle Krajecki and Soli Santos at The Continental Restaurant

May 7, 2022: Sasheer Zamata at The Den Theatre

Did you catch Jackie Kashian’s virtual album launch It’s a Kashian Staycation on November 15? Maria Bamford, Guy Branum and Mary Lynn Rajskub also appeared. If you missed it, it’s not too late. You can still buy a ticket at Rushtix.com and stream through Wednesday, November 17.

Following are just twelve of the fabulous, original comedy shows happening all around Chicagoland this week. Please confirm all details before leaving home.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Paul Farahvar at Zanies Chicago, 8:00 p.m. “Chicago based Comedian Paul Farahvar delights audiences with his self-deprecating dry humor, centered on being the single son of disappointed middle eastern parents.” He is also a nationally touring headliner and creator and host of Laugh Factory’s “Drink Date Laugh” and “Everyone’s a Lawyer.” He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and hosts the Podcast Singles Only (South x Southwest, Best Podcast 2021 Chicago Reader). Check out his merch! This generous comedian and lawyer donates proceeds to good causes nationwide.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Good Vibes with Teneshia “Just Nesh” Rice and the Co-Parents at the Promontory, 8:00 p.m. Laughter and live R&B. Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice was featured on Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City on Comedy Central and Def Comedy Jam. She is a nationally touring headliner and has also featured for Mike Epps, Cedric the Entertainer, Paul Mooney and the late Dick Gregory. Follow her on Instagram @JustNesh.

Katie Meiners at Mustang’s Bar & Grill, South Beloit, 8:00 p.m. With Mike Fountain and Hayden Fredriksen. Katie Meiners is a headliner and producer who appears at The Improv, The Comedy Shrine, Zanies and The Laugh Factory. She is a graduate of The Second City’s Comedy Writing Program. Free show.

The Comedy Sanctuary at The Epiphany Center, 7:30 p.m. Luca Ferro hosts Saku Yanagawa, Winslow Dumaine, John McCombs, Scott Duff
Dane Arden, Julia Stoyanova, Tyler Ross.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Woot Woot at The Annoyance, 9:30 p.m. With Lisa Beasly and Connor Gorman.

Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody at Apollo Theater, 7:00 p.m. Through January 2nd. Follow link for all show times.

David Sedaris at The Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, 7:30 p.m. We once were the final people in line at a David Sedaris reading. He’d signed probably 1,000 books and even though we were last and he’d been there for hours, he signed our eight books, wanted to know our story, drew us pictures and walked us to the parking lot. Anything could happen and it’s always a memorable time with this award-winning author.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Comedy Night at Spirit Water Brewery Distillery Taproom, Cary, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Bobby Hayes. A Funnier By the Lake Production.

Matt Braunger and Adam Burke at Schubas, 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Early show is sold out, but tickets still available for late show.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Paper Machete at Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, 3:00 p.m. Lineup TBA later in the week. The best of Chicago with visiting comedians often dropping in. A different show every time. Great atmosphere, too. Early arrival recommended.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Straight Out of Quarantine: Thanksgiving Edition at Riddles, Alsip, 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Prince T Dubb & Mojobrookzz shoot a comedy Special. “Bigger Than The Internet is about versatility It’s about killing the stigma that internet sensations can’t bring the funny to the stage. This special is about two comedians that’s touching all topics while bringing out the laughs. Get your tickets now for this Live Taping it’s a show you don’t want to miss.”

The Geezers of Comedy at The Laugh Factory, 7:00 p.m. Steven Springer hosts Sharkie, John Petlicki, Bill Brady, Harry Hickstein, Ellen Wesley, Chevy Debbie, and more TBA.