Spring 2024 comedy: Our top 10 picks

Sometimes it’s hard to ignore the biggest names in comedy when they come to town. Check out Hard Rock Live’s star-studded start to 2024 in Northwest Indiana: Ron White (Jan. 20) and Tim Allen (Jan. 27) for a month, Marlon Wayans (Feb. 2) and George Lopez (Feb. 3) followed by Bill Burr (Feb. before wrapping it up with a March featuring (March 8) and Nikki Glaser (March 22).

But let’s spread the love. That’s not to say there aren’t notable names on the list below (there are), but it’s more to say that much of the excitement of going out to see stand-up is seeing someone you haven’t had the chance to see. before. As always with these lists, this top 10 is by no means definitive — Fortune Feimster’s performance at the Chicago Theater (Feb. 24) is a glaring omission, which she said on social media was “my dream.”

Still, if you’re looking for a night out to enjoy some comedy, here are 10 comics performing in the Chicago area in early 2024:

Brett Goldstein: If you know the name Brett Goldstein, he probably won an Emmy for his role as Roy Kent in “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+. But Goldstein is also an accomplished stand-up performer, having been hired in the “Ted Lasso” writers’ room before getting in front of the camera. The “Second Best Night of Your Life” tour reveals the strange and funny details of this well-known figure’s private life. 8 p.m. Jan. 18-20, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; msg.com

Ali Siddik: Ali Siddiq is a storyteller. Technically he’s a stand-up comedian and speaker, but as the title of his tour suggests, “I’ve Got a Story to Tell,” he’s more accurately a gifted storyteller. Siddiq has released two specials in 2022, “Domino Effect” on YouTube and “Unprotected Sets” on Epix, and will continue to blend insight and relatability as he takes to the Chicago stage to share his stories. Jan. 26, 7 p.m., Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; alisiddiq.com

Jesus Trejo: Jesus Trejo stars in Netflix’s “Mr. Iglesias” and NBC’s “Bring The Funny,” and in 2020 he debuted his first hour-long special, “Jesus Trejo: Stay at Home Son,” on Showtime. With “Respite,” Trejo delivers a mix of personal stories and self-deprecating humor. He’s on tour while working on new material for his next special. Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., and Jan. 26-27, 9:30 p.m., Zanies Rosemont, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont; rosemont.zanies.com. Then Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; chicago.zanies.com

Dara O’Brien: Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain is known for appearing on numerous British television shows, including hosting the satirical celebrity panel show “Mock the Week” and competing on the comedy game show “Taskmaster”. But the successful television host is also a talented stand-up and storyteller. His “So… Where were we?” Crowd work should offer a mix of observational comedy and personal stories from the past few years. 7:15 p.m. Jan. 30-31 at Heath Mainstage at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; thedentheatre.com

Vir Das: Vir Das has quite a journey and history in Chicago; You can listen to him explain it to Conan O’Brien. Getting booed on South Side stages. But with a number of stand-up specials behind him, most recently “Vir Das: Landing” streaming on Netflix, he is more than ready to perform at the Chicago Theatre. Das is one of India’s biggest stand-up comedians and a Bollywood star, and his “Mind Fool” tour gives Chicagoans a relatable show about not quite knowing how to be an adult. 7 p.m. Feb. 3, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; virdas.in

Dulce Sloan: Dulcé Sloan is no stranger to the Chicago scene, having performed at the UP Comedy Club or on your television as a correspondent for “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” HE 2020 Chicago race He’s seen almost considering moving to Chicago and making a wholesome rant about living in New York. Now you have the chance to catch him again as he brings his unique perspective to the world around him. 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. March 1-2 and 7 p.m. March 3 at Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; chicago.zanies.com

Ever Mainard: Combining spontaneous characters, humorous anecdotes and interesting attitudes on the stand-up stage, it is clear that Ever Mainard has a background in improvisation. To get a taste of what to expect, when Mainard took the stage for their solo show “Ottis,” they delved into their rural Texas upbringings, their gay identities, and the moments that shaped them into who they are today. March 10, 7 p.m., Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; chicago.zanies.com

Cat Cohen: Catherine Cohen is best known for combining stand-up comedy and cabaret-style singing. His first comedy special was “The Twist…? She’s Gorgeous” was released on Netflix in 2022, and now she’s heading to Chicago with her follow-up tour, “Come for Me.” The new autobiographical series will highlight the fast-paced comedy and musical styles of millennials prone to oversharing. 7:15 p.m. March 13-15 at Heath Mainstage at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; thedentheatre.com

Ilana Glazer: “Broad City” introduced many people to Ilana Glazer’s style of comedy. The star and creator of the Comedy Central series is embarking on a new tour this year with her comedy that explores the complexities and flaws of womanhood. If you like what Glazer does on television, the opportunity to catch him live is one not to be missed. 8 p.m. March 13, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; ilalaglazer.com

Kelsey Cook: Kelsey Cook released her first comedy film, “The Hustler,” on YouTube last year, about her relationships from her recent divorce to her new boyfriend. You may also have seen Cook perform on “The Tonight Show” in 2023. She is now embarking on her “Mark Your Territory” tour and is likely heading towards her next comedy special. March 21, 7:15 p.m., Zanies Rosemont, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont; rosemont.zanies.com. Then March 22-23, 7:00 and 9:15 p.m., Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; chicago.zanies.com

Jerald Pierce is a freelance writer.