Chicago Checklist

Photo courtesy of Time Out New YorkTwo Chicago expats are up for Time Out New York's Joke of the Year -- vote now for David Angelo or Kumail Nanjiani (or both!). They are joined by formidable competition in the form of Zach Galifianakis, Sean Patton, Chelsea Peretti, Taylor Williamson, Erik Bergstrom, Brent Weinbach and Aziz Ansari.

Speaking of Time Out, Chicago Time Out comedy editor Jason Heidemann gives his (mostly) tongue-in-cheek "Comedy Predictions for 2010". Do you have any predictions of your own?

Nick Vatterott has some pointers for people dreaming of standing up for the first time. Check out his detailed blog post, if you're one of these folks.

Paul F. Tompkins talks to Chicago Public Radio's WBEZ about using social media to convince him to perform at various cities in the country. The successful Chicago effort was headed by Chicago Underground Comedy co-producer Dan Telfer (Tompkins is still looking for the perfect venue here in CHI, and has not set a date yet.)

2009 was a pretty good year for both Mike Bridenstine and Matt Braunger, judging from their recent "2009 Round-Ups". Best of luck for 2010, everyone!

--Kristy Mangel

Chicago Checklist

The comedy video short contest "So You Think You Can Funny?" will be judged by a panel of Second City alum, including Fred Willard, Rachel Dratch, Jeff Garlin and Mick Napier. The top three winning shorts will receive a prize package centered around Second City's 50th anniversary celebration, including two VIP tickets to the Second City's 50th Anniversary Festival. Vote for your favorite comedic short now through November 27. (via)

Don't miss the Red Eye feature on comics Deon Cole, Erica Watson, and Hannibal Buress, who are "redefining the term 'black comic.'" (via)

And the Chicago Tribune asked a number of local improvisers, including Susan Messing, Emily Candini, Lyndsay Hailey, Jet Eveleth, and Natalie Sullivan, "Are funny women intimidating?" (via)

Yet another CHI expat on the ol' Letterman television program! How about it, Kumail Nanjiani, superstar in progress:

--Kristy Mangel