Hosts
MIKE STANLEY
Originally hailing from Detroit, he’s a Windy City transplant who tours constantly, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, Stanley recently became the subject of a feature-length documentary, Salty Language, Peppered Morals, which follows him on the road to the Boston Comedy Festival and explores the intricate inner-workings of his explosive onstage persona. Don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity to catch the man in action – this high level of killer stand-up is too remarkable to sit out.
MARTY DEROSA
Marty began doing stand-up comedy in 2006 and has quickly set himself apart from his comedy peers with an amazing flair for crowd work and an uncanny knowledge of professional wrestling. A south side favorite, this Indiana native is sure to make a name for himself among the nation's comedy movers and shakers.
MATT DRUFKE
Matt Drufke began performing comedy in 2007 and since then has become a regular at Chicago's top billed venues. There is no drug in the world Drufke is more addicted to the Stand Up. He is also the host of the Midwest Comedy Showcase.
Matt Drufke began performing comedy in 2007 and since then has become a regular at Chicago's top billed venues. There is no drug in the world Drufke is more addicted to the Stand Up. He is also the host of the Midwest Comedy Showcase.
ZACH BARTZ
After making his start in stand-up in 2009, Zach has since been a finalist in The Loony Bin’s Wichita’s Funniest Comic contest, headlined a one-hour stand-up special at Coffeyville Community College, and performed around Chicago in such showcases as The Edison Park Comedy Festival and Rotten Comedy. Zach’s passion for his craft is undeniable, and he will go out of his way to make sure any project he associates himself with is the best.
RYAN BUDDS
Ryan busted into comedy by winning the "Open for Dennis Miller" comedy contest sponsored by The Loop 97.9 in Chicago. He performs frequently at the World Famous Improv in Chicago and has worked with many notable comedians including Zach Galifianakis, Christopher Titus, Greg Behrendt, and Bobcat Goldthwait, just to name a few.
JOE KILGALLON
Born and raised in Chicago, Joe Kilgallon has been performing stand-up comedy since 2006. With a background in improv and sketch writing, Joe fuses well-polished material with riffing and crowd work to construct a perfectly well-rounded act. His in-your-face style and charismatic charm help Joe paint stories drawn heavily from personal experience and his Chicago-Irish roots, making him an instant favorite and the type of comedian everyone wants to share a drink with after the show.
TONY VALLE
Influenced by Carlin, Benny Hill and the Stooges, to name a few, Valle takes you on an intimate tour of his vulnerabilities exposing his innermost fears and insecurities. Always providing a light at the end of the tunnel, the comedic road he paves to get you there is twisted and perverse. Tony’s ability to bond with his audience gives you the warm feeling that you’ve known him for years, making it a more comfortable setting to let loose and laugh till it hurts. Not only will he have you in stitches over the downfalls and tragedies that has knocked him down, he'll leave you wondering why the hell he keeps getting back up!
KENNY DEFOREST
Kenny DeForest’s comedy can be described as edgy, smart and honest, and his work ethic is often noted by his peers who have labeled him a "hustler". Since arriving in Chicago in early 2010, Kenny has been named "Favorite Newcomer of 2010" by comedyofchicago.com, performed in Ingenuity Fest’s “Best of the Fest”, and opened for Amy Schumer in addition to performing at clubs such as The Improv (Chicago), Comedy Club on State (Madison) and Hilarities (Cleveland). Kenny also runs a weekly showcase in Chicago as well as a once monthly show in his hometown, Springfield, MO. The most important thing is, Kenny has as much fun performing on stage as the audience does watching him.
JOE MCADAM
When he’s not acting as the co-host of The Late Live Show, Chicago’s late night talk show, Joe McAdam can be seen throughout the Midwest performing stand up. With a background in stand up, sketch, and video production McAdam has cultivated his own brand of irreverent and absurd humor unlike anything currently in Chicago. He’s appeared in the TBS Just For Laughs Festival in 2011 and hosts the monthly variety show, Creative Control, out of a local record store. Basically he does all the things every other comic does, but usually funnier. Oh, and sometimes he grows a beard.
SAM NORTON
Sam Norton is a comedian, and the color purple has nothing to do with what you’re about to read. Using a comedic style that’s been described as fearless, innovative, and more than just a little quirky. Sam covers the hard-hitting topics like baboons, Furbys, and the psychology of trees. Although born in Wichita, Kansas, Sam left the homestead in 2006, to traverse the world writing jokes. Several note books later he has been apart of the “HBO’s Lucky 21” contest and “The World Series of Comedy”. He has also performed with headlining acts such as Jo Koy, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jon Witherspoon, Ted Alexandro, Kevin Nealon, and Tommy Johnagin. This polychromatic jester has concocted a brilliant set list that allows him to perform across the country, captivating and distorting every stage he delights. And if those words don’t impress you… well at least he’s not purple!
