His sets are intelligent without being pompous, brainy without shying away from what Bill Hicks called “the purple-veined dick jokes,” and full of unique observations about Chicago, relationships, day-to-day life, and statutory rape. But Adam Burke insists he’s not a rare bird in the aviary of local stand-up comedy.
The article was inspired by comedian friends complaining about a lack of opportunity in Chicago, but Burke manages to get up onstage at least three nights a week. Barroom open mikes and showcases like Hug City and Speak Easy “are a great complement to known rooms such as Chicago Underground and the Lincoln Lodge,” he says. “People are getting all these chances to become really polished. I might not see someone for six months, and then when I do they’re so much stronger.”
Thu 9/15, 8 PM, Ace Bar, 1505 W. Fullerton, 773-546-8247, standupcomedychicago.com, $5.
Tue 9/20, 9:30 PM, Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 773-281-4444, beatkitchen.com, $5.
Among the opening acts for Robert Buscemi’s “Buscemi and Friends gala”: Sun 10/2, 6 PM, Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway, 773-561-4665, annoyanceproductions.com, $10.
Opens for Tom Clark: Tue-Thu 10/25-10/27 and Sun 10/30, 8:30 PM, Fri 10/28, 8:30 and 10:30 PM, Sat 10/29, 7, 9, and 11:15 PM, $23 plus two-item minimum.
