Ohmygosh.

You guys. So much is happening. This is the post wherein I explain everything that is happening, followed by some shameless self-promotion. Here we go!

Two things have always been super important to me when producing/considering/watching/participating in comedy:

1) that artists (yes, comics are artists) are recognized (and paid) for their hard work, talent and hustle

and

2) that every project I’m involved with gives back to the community in some way. Not because I’m a martyr or better than anyone, but because I think it’s important to remember that what we do is fun. If I’m going to have what should be considered an illegal amount of fun and do the things that I love to do, and maybe make a profit, I feel a responsibility to give back. There are few greater platforms for fundraising and charity than comedy, amirite?

The reason I bring these things up is because I have a show next month. A little show you may have heard of, called Atomic Comics: Masters of the Humorverse.  This show is a big deal for me. Don’t worry, I’m going to tell you why.

Since moving to Chicago, I have wanted to start a showcase. In said showcase, I have always wanted to hand-pick the best stand-up comics and performers in the city, and give them the stage to do what they do best: dominate. The comics who I chose for the first lineup are each some of my personal favorites. They are also all hardworking, committed to the work and have the talent to back it up, which are qualities that I respect and demand from everyone, especially people I’m working with. These are the kinds of people who I want my name associated with. These are the people who could easily be on our television screen next week. You can thank me later.

In addition to bangin comedy, this show will also be used as a way to give back to the community. I’ve partnered with Zealous Good, an awesome umbrella company in Chicago that acts as a liason between potential donors and organizations who need support. This time around, we are holding a book drive: anyone who donates a book will receive a raffle ticket for one of many amazing prizes that I’ve been collecting from donors, including the Gapers Block merch that is up for the scoring.

All of the profit from this show will be split amongst the comics and production team. I know, I know, why should you care, right? You should care because it is very hard to be a paid, working comic in Chicago. Chicago, the land of opportunity and training, is rarely the land of income. Don’t get me wrong – this is nobody’s fault- nobody (that I know of) is withholding payment from comics. The money just often isn’t there when it comes to local, live theater/comedy, which is devastating to me. I would love to prove that art can pay the bills, even if only one small bill. By attending and laughing all night, you get to make a difference in so many lives. Your $20 is doing so much. Kids are reading and artists are paying the rent. You should all be so proud of yourselves! Also, you’re supporting local comedy. Sure, you could go buy a Dane Cook cd on iTunes, but you chose live comedy instead. YOU’RE A HERO.

What I’m saying is, you should support this show. Not necessarily just because I’m producing it, but because this lineup is air-tight, and the cause is good. For twenty tiny dollars, you get to see SIX amazing comics and provide a child/woman in need with books. As a comedy fan, this is your opportunity to see the next big acts before the rest of the world does. I’m excited. You should be, too.

artwork and logo created by James Edwards.