RECOMMENDED

A sure sign of a comedian who’s not all that self-centered or too neurotic: the ones that can make fun of themselves just as mercilessly as they would a celebrity. L.A.-based comedian Mike Bridenstine, who’s done a fine job poking fun at Pamela Anderson and Eminem (through his semi-internet meme “Every Eminem Song Ever,” which mostly only features the words “8 Mile,” “Detroit,” “Haley,” and “Mom”) has also found a plethora of ways to tie a variety of subjects to his somewhat pathetic state of existence, like gaining excess weight, being a Cubs fan and even Terrell Owens’ rumored attempted suicide. “The cool part about it, his publicist went on and said, ‘There’s no way T.O. tried to kill himself. T.O. has twenty-five million reasons not to commit suicide,’” he says. “I’m watching like, ‘That’s awesome. I was just at the bank; I clearly have sixty-eight reasons not to commit suicide.’”

January 2 at Lincoln Lodge, 4008 North Lincoln, (773)248-1820

RECOMMENDED

“You guys like bangs humor?” Cameron Esposito asks her audience in the midst of ripping off joke after joke about the joys of her new bangs-centered hairstyle and bangs-centered lifestyle. It’s a bit of a microcosm of Esposito’s entire act, which seems to accomplish two things: fool around with the seemingly trivial tidbits of life (like bangs, or singing the “Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers” theme song in the shower); and use little, chuckle-worthy punch lines to build up to one killer joke that ought to bring the house down (In this case, the openly gay comedian recalls when someone asked what consisted of her workout regiment: “I said, ‘nothing really,’ and then I thought about it. ‘Oh yeah, it’s banging chicks.’”). While it’s not her entire routine, her sexual orientation (and how she’s amused with people’s reaction to it) does come up through her set. “‘I just want you to protect yourself so you don’t get AIDS’” her dad once told her. “Which is super relevant to me as a gay man living in 1985.” (Andy Seifert)

December 18-19 at Lincoln Lodge. 4008 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1820.

RECOMMENDED

One of the novelties of being in a gay comedy rock band is that it immediately makes you one of the founders of gay comedy rock, so it would be apt to call New York City stand-up comedian Ben Lerman (of the now-defunct gay-rockin’ The Isotoners) the “Paul McCartney of homosexual comedy rock.” Three years removed from the Isotoners stint, Lerman’s stand-up routines are ukulele and absurdist-driven, having penned several goofy little folk songs about being attracted to Anderson Cooper (to the tune of Elvis Costello’s “Alison”), wanting an Asian baby for Christmas, and the sexual female encounters that led him to homosexuality (an Ace of Base parody called “(I Saw) Vagine”). At best, he can twist irony and satire around a melodic punch line, and at worst, he’s sort of a cooler, more homosexual-centered version of “Weird Al” Yankovic. Listen to his last record “Ukulear Winter” on his Web site for free to get a better idea of what you’re in for. (Andy Seifert)

December 18-19 at Lincoln Lodge, 4008 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1820.

RECOMMENDED

The second in a series of closing shows at the Lincoln Lodge, local favorites C.J. Sullivan, Fay Canale, Brady Novak and hilarious expatriate Kumail all make appearances. Sullivan is a comic’s comic, a master of timing, sarcasm and hard work. Regularly recording his sports Internet radio show, “Visitor’s Locker Room,” at the Lodge, it is only fitting Sullivan helps close out their season. The other large, white comic on the bill is Brady Novak. Regularly seen at the Lakeshore Theater, Novak is both uniquely funny and making his exodus to a coast later this year, so get while the getting’s good and see him before he splits. Female powerhouse Fay Canale, known for her edge, filthy mouth and swagger, is an important member of the Chicago stand-up scene, and her unpredictability makes every set an event. Rounding out this particularly solid lineup is Kumail, formerly one of Chicago’s funniest comics, having recently moved to N.Y. (Of course). (Max Minor)

At the Lincoln Lodge, 4008 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1820. This production is now closed.

RECOMMENDED

As is tradition, the Lincoln Lodge is closing its seventh season with a series of “Dwight Nights,” featuring performances by the Lodge’s most popular performers. West Side native Lil’ Rel, one of Chicago’s best- known comics, makes his appearance tonight alongside conquering hero T..J. Miller. Having been on P. Diddy’s “Bad Boys of Comedy,” “Last Comic Standing” and “Comicview,” chances are you’ve seen Lil’ Rel before and just didn’t know it. Not only important because he’s hilarious and successful, Lil’ Rel stays true to the city, hosting his own show on the side, and this is a great opportunity to see him up North. Headliner T.J. Miller makes his triumphant return, recently performing on his own sitcom and having starred in “Cloverfield.” Miller was one of the city’s hardest working comics, and his success is good for the stand-up scene. Known for his energy, it should be interesting to see how amped he’ll be in his return, juiced on his recent well-deserved success. Comedians Jessica Halem, Tyler Kroll and magician David Kovac also perform. (Max Minor)

At the Lincoln Lodge, 4008 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1820. This production is now closed.

RECOMMENDED

The beginning of the end of the Lincoln Lodge’s eighth season features a trio of local comedians as unique and different from each other as they are hilarious. Joe Killgallon, as his names suggests, is Chicago Irish, and his heritage, ruminations on sports, booze and politics, and trademark snark are reminiscent of Denis Leary, and his shock of blonde hair and ongoing struggles with vice only help contribute to the comparison. Jet Eveleth is best known as an improviser and teacher at i.O., and her talent and good looks have caused many a comedy student crush. Very funny, with a razor sharp sense of timing, Eveleth’s style promises to be a perfect fit  over at the Lodge.  Jordan Roberts is a member of Chicago comedian collective Blerds.com, serving as their resident filmmaker and his work with local legend T.J. Miller was no doubt a contributor to Miller’s recent rise to national fame. A good rule of thumb is that if a comedian is a member of Blerds, they’re talented, and Roberts is no exception. (Max Minor)

At the Lincoln Lodge, 4008 N. Lincoln, (773)248-1820.  This production is now closed.

RECOMMENDED

A major presence on the local stand up scene, comedian Prescott Tolk headlines this week at the reinvigorated Lakeshore Theater. Tolk’s wry, engaging delivery makes him easy to like, and extensive touring has given him excellent command of the microphone. Like most comics, his material deals mainly with the idiosyncracies of daily life, but his unique perspective and honed sense of sarcasm prevent any sense of cliche. Currently Tolk runs the best open mic in town at Schubas, and he is a regular at Chicago Underground Comedy and the Lincoln Lodge. As the city’s stand-up scene continues to battle obscurity, it is more important than ever to support funny, local comedians. Prescott Tolk is one of them. (Max Minor)

At the Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, (773)472-3492. This show is now closed.

The Lincoln Lodge is one of the best places to see local stand-up and variety in Chicago, but the problem is that it only runs half the year. The wait is over, however—The Lincoln Lodge takes the stage again at the Lincoln Restaurant this Friday and Saturday to start their eighth season of weekend shows. This is a good one, too: there will be a press conference where producers Thomas Lawler and Mark Geary will reveal their “special programming” for the season, a comfort food buffet, a meet-and-greet and, oh yeah, some people will get up on stage and tell jokes. Matt Dwyer, who’s been seen on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” will make his first Chicago appearance in three years, and Steve O. Harvey, Ken Barnard and Allison Lieber will perform as well. Mike O’Connell will headline the Hollywood-themed night, and also show excerpts from his festival-bound dark comedy, “The Living Wake.” It’s great to have the Lincoln back in town. (Mike Schramm)

At the Lincoln Restaurant, 4008 N. Lincoln, (773)251-1539. This show is now over.