Chicago comedians in the news:

Janice Rodriguez and Colleen Brennan announced the second season of their podcast Defending Indiana following a very successful debut.

The innovative, ingenious Chicago comedian Steve Gadlin will appear on You Bet Your Life with Jay Leno on WFLD on Wednesday, Sept. 22.

Brian Babylon, the Prince of Bronzeville, is now the late night host on Tavis Smiley’s Los Angeles radio station KBLA.

“Trevor Noah Presents Josh Johnson’s #Hashtag” was named one of the “best comedy specials of 2021 (so far)” by Vulture. Josh Johnson is currently on tour with Trevor Noah. They will appear at the United Center on November 20.

The North Shore Record confirmed rumors that the former Wilmette Baker’s Square will indeed become the newest Murray Bros Caddyshack Restaurant. Look for the opening in March 2022. Bill Murray and his brothers grew up in Wilmette.

Did you know that many Chicago comedy venues offer discounted tickets when you sign up for emails? You’ll also get first notice of upcoming shows. Some recommended sign-ups: Zanies, The Improv, Las Locas, Laugh Factory, Comedians You Should Know, The Comedy Shrine. Please let me know who I missed!

Following is just a small sample of all the great original comedy happening in Chicago this week. Please confirm all details! All shows are in person unless otherwise stated. Also, my constantly updating giant list of advance ticket alerts is here.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

CAMP A Comedy Show at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON AND ONLINE Livestream begins at 7:45. “CAMP was created by Tessa Orzech and the late, great Samantha Berkman. Sam was an artistic tour-de-force with an incredible spirit who left this Earth on May 17, 2021. The show is now run by Tessa, with love and gratitude for the years of creative partnership and best friendship she shared with Sam.” This iconic show, as always, has a fabulous line-up.

Chris Kattan at Zanies Chicago, 7:00 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Ladylike at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. This popular show, which very often sells out, stars “Funny Women. Gross Stories.”

Best Night Ever at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. “We guarantee you’ll have a great time with our hilarious, outrageous and diverse slate of awesome comics. There will also be changes to win some cool prizes like free drinks and SWAG if you simply tell us about your day.”

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Masters of Comedy Showcase at Zanies Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. Tim Benker hosts this rare opportunity to see master headliners Larry Reeb, Mike Toomey, John Caponera, Jeanie Doogan, and Jim Flannigan all in one night.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Happy to Be Here at Second City, 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The Second City 109th Revue.

Still Not Friday at Two Brothers Roundhouse, Aurora, 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice at Zanies Chicago, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Also Sunday at 7:00 p.m.

Stir Friday Night at Second City, 7:30 p.m. “America’s most established all-Asian comedy and improv ensemble.”

Damon Williams at Riddles, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Napoleon Dynamite: A Conversation with Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez & Jon Gries at Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, 7:30 p.m.

The Blackout Diaries at Lincoln Lodge, 10:00 p.m. The critically acclaimed show created by Sean Flannery where “standup comedians, plus ‘regular’ people (cops, firefighters, teachers, etc) tell incredible true drinking stories. Then you, the audience, can dive even deeper by asking questions.”

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Bonnie McFarlane at North Bar, 9:00 p.m. With Alex Kumin and Aaron Putnam.

Jim Jefferies at The Chicago Theatre, 7:00 p.m.

Sexy Unique Podcast at Sleeping Village, 8:00 p.m. A podcast about “people being messy on TV.”

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Slice of Comedy at Salerno’s Pizza, Oak Park, 7:00 p.m. Patti Vasquez, Paul Farahvar, Tyler Fowler, Kendall Relf, Lele Mason, Bridget Mcguire, Dane Arden, special guests and more TBA.

Deep Schwa at The Annoyance Theatre, 8:00 p.m. This famous improv group can now be seen at The Annoyance.

Customer Appreciation Comedy at Riddles, Alsip, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Robert Kane.