Share a Laugh With Friends at One of Algonquin's Three Comedy Shows

While Chicago already has a strong reputation for comedy, Algonquin is catching up with three local comedy venues. When you're itching for a good laugh this month, give Algonquin's fledgling comedy scene a shot instead of schlepping out to the big city.

First Friday in the Comedy Zone – Tonight!

Location: , 1611 S. Randall Road

On the first Friday of every month, Brunswick Zone XL on Randall Road will be featuring a free comedy show in the Fireside Bar and Grill. Seating starts at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Even though the show is free, the Fireside Bar and Grill will take reservations.

The show is 21+ and is a “very adult comedy show,” said Mike Horsley of Brunswick Zone XL. “We ask the comedians to keep the off color jokes to a minimum, but there is swearing and adult topics. It’s not a show for kids.

This month’s show will be headlined by James Fritz, a Chicago comedian whose album, “Deflated,” had a run as the #1 comedy album on iTunes. For a sneak peak at Fritz’s stand-up, check him out on youtube.

Comedians Megan Gailey and Mike Lebovitz will open for Fritz. Call 
(847) 658-225 for reservations. 

Neptune’s Cove at Port Edward - June 11 and 25

, 20 W. Algonquin Road

Neptune’s Cove at Port Edward Restaurant is a family friendly comedy event on the second and last Saturday of the month. Matt Sommerfield, a Crystal Lake native and Judson College grad hosts each show. Sommerfield has performed at Zanies Comedy Club – Chicago in their Rising Stars Showcase, as well as with Last Comic Standing’s Rachel Feinstein. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13.65 online and $15 at the door.

Comedians for June are:

June 11, 2011: Marty Mc Ginley

June 25, 2011: Mike Marvell

The Back Room Comedy Club, every Tuesday

, 113 South Main Street

The Back Room Comedy Club opens every Tuesday night at the Main Street Billiards and Café.

“We converted the old store room into a comedy club,” producer/comedian Rick Piccolo said, “It’s literally the back room.”

Comedy night at Main Street is set up like a gym for comedians. It’s a place for new comedians to test the waters and seasoned veterans to try out new material. Anyone can perform at Main Street, either be e-mailing coordinator Rick Piccolo at lonecomics@gmail.com or just showing up and signing up.

“We started it up partially because the town is in a state of flux. Algonquin is looking for a new identity.” Piccolo said.

Piccolo envisions The Back Room as a place where comedians can experiment without having to feel like everything’s polished.

“Who knows, maybe we’ll discover the next Seinfeld.”

The Back Room Comedy Club is open every Tuesday night at the Main Street Billiards and Café. There’s a $4 cover charge and a one drink minimum. The show is 21+.