Art can be funny — sometimes inadvertently — but rarely do we see a show pointedly dedicated to funny art, especially at a coffee shop! But Art You Can Laugh At, hosted by resident comedian Nathyn Gibson at Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery (1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 773-360-7041) is set to open August 21. Packed with local and regional comedians, this is one comedy show not to miss. Get READY to revel in silliness with the sole purpose of making us guffaw and hiccup, laugh until we cry, and maybe even roll on the floor with laughter. The showcase is complimentary to boot and ORNOT Gallery plans to host similar comedic events bi-weekly with the first slated from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, August 21.
The inaugural performance will feature comics Tyler Jackson, Reena Calm, Conor Delehanty, Odinaka Ezeokoli, Katie McVay and Adam Burke. No reservations are necessary. Seating is limited to first come with plenty of standing room. Be there or be square.
About the Performers
Tyler Jackson
Writer and comedian based out of Chicago doing many other things throughout the day that prevent my death. Tyler Jackson started out doing Stand Up in Louisville, KY, where he dived head-first into the scene and quickly started putting on shows and bringing in national headliners, trying to build up the independent comedy scene. He moved to Chicago in October and is working to do shows all over the place, in hopes that his stand up will get better and better! Tyler also is a co-producer for Black Star Comedy and host a mid-day open mic called the Late Late Breakfast.
Conor Delehanty
Conor Delehanty is an up and coming comic based out of Chicago, and he performs in rooms across the Midwest. Conor’s act includes a tone of voice that is as engaging as this bio and a stage presence one woman after a show described as ‘tall’. Conor’s biggest accomplishment as a comic thus far has been taking full advantage of the free food in the Bob and Tom green room.
Conor is a co-producer of Tuxedo Cat Comedy.
Odinaka Ezeokoli
I’m Odinaka. OD if you’re a syllable conservationist. Try not to stare at my chest. One of my favorite quotes about comedy comes from Richard Pryor, “Search for the truth and the funny will come.” I love that idea, easier said than done, but I still love it. I tell the story of my life as a mixed up son of Nigerian immigrants, born and raised in the American South but High Schooled in Nigeria, and try to make sense of it to myself and the world. I search for the truth in my life and in society and most of all I dig for the funny. In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Won’t you be my neighbor.” I’d like to leave you with another quote, this time from rapper and soulja boy protege, V.I.C., “Get silly, get silly.”
Odinaka is also a co-producer of the critically acclaimed “Congrats On Your Success” showcase
Katie McVay
Comedian. Part-time cheesemonger. Terminally afraid. Half of Yell You Better.
Katie McVay can only be described as… Katie McVay. There’s not really anyone quite like her. You’ve heard comedians lament loneliness before, but never with the endearing combination of anger and positivity that Katie brings to the table. Katie’s inability to be anything other than the tiny firecracker she is has resulted in a quick rise to the top of the Chicago stand-up scene. After only about 18 months of leaving audiences gobsmacked with her unique brand of being extremely comfortable in her own discomfort, Katie was asked to join the elite stand-up cast at Chicago Underground Comedy. Her advice web series “Yell You Better” quickly became a YouTube hit and garnered her fans all over this great nation. Sure, Katie has opened for big stars like Tom Papa, and sure, Katie has performed at comedy festivals like Just For Laughs, but that’s not what’s important. What’s important is the way that you see more of yourself in Katie’s admittedly damaged take on life than you’d care to admit. See Katie McVay live and let her yell you better.
Adam Burke
Originally from the UK, Adam Burke began performing stand-up after writing a piece on comedy for a Chicago magazine. Before long, Burke became a fixture at Midwestern shows and showcases. His absurdist, verbose comedy covers not only the vagaries of life in his adopted hometown of Chicago, but also the usefulness of mammoths, dogs who study law, and the importance of gangland grammar. He has appeared on the Bob and Tom show, WGN 720 AM radio, and the Benson Interruption Podcast, and was listed as one of the Top 20 Comedians in Chicago by Comedy.com. Adam has appeared at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland OR, and as part of the Just for Laughs Chicago festival for three years running. In addition, he has opened for a wide variety of comedians including Jeff Ross, Maria Bamford, Bo Burnham, Brendon Burns, and Jake Johannsen, and Marc Maron. Adam also co-hosts the Cole’s open mic and is a co-producer of Parlour Car.
Reena Calm
Reena Calm was made in Israel, raised near Boston, and is now thrilled to be a part of Chicago’s amazing Comedy scene. She performs at venues such as The Laugh Factory, Jokes and Notes, The Second City, ComedySportz and SO many different bars. Her parents are proud. Reena has featured in the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival, TBS Just For Laughs, and right now there’s a hilarious festival going on in her pants. Reena currently produces and hosts the Three Dead Moose Open Mic on Sundays, 100 Proof Comedy on Mondays, and HooHA Comedy on Tuesdays. She also loves talking about herself in the third person.
About Nathyn Gibson, Host
Nathyn Gibson is the host of the ORNOT Gallery’s Comedy Showcase: Art You Can Laugh At. Nathyn moved to Chicago last summer to pursue comedy. He also co-produces a monthly showcase in Logan Square called Black Star Comedy and is a regular performer in the A Night of Comedy series in Crown Point, Indiana. “Chicago has an amazing comedy scene, and I want to be an outlet to show what this town has to offer,” said Nathyn.
Like “Art You Can Laugh At” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artyoucanlaughat. The Facebook event can be found at www.facebook.com/events/1407343499481259.