RECOMMENDED
One of the rising stars in Chicago’s stronger-than-ever standup comedy scene, Prescott Tolk is not a comic who cracks the kind of jokes that make you lose your lunch, nor the kind who trades in over-the-top outrageous behavior or content. No, he’s the guy you want to hang out with at the bar, who cracks wise with inimitable wit, who has a way with wordplay that keeps you in stitches. And, after a while, you realize he’s really smart and really funny in a way you wish your real buddies were. Tolk’s releasing a CD and DVD of his work, “I Can Complain,” where he recounts his experiences as post-collegiate Chicago slacker, a guy grappling with bills, the peculiarities of city living, sexual disappointments and a general disenchantment with the way life is going so far. In other words, the life more than a few of us are living. Except he makes it more funny than sad. (Brian Hieggelke)

Prescott Tolk performs at Zanies, 1548 North Wells, on November 10 at 8:30pm and at a CD-release show at Beat Kitchen, 2100 West Belmont, on November 11 at 9:30pm.

An all-star lineup of smart asses, Chicago Underground Comedy presents a particularly inspired group of local stand-ups tonight: Adam Burke, Robert Buscemi, Ricky Carmona and Prescott Tolk. Burke is a thinking man, his dry delivery and high-minded lowbrow material give him the air of a professor, which he exploits to the fullest degree. Buscemi, recently returned from a trip to L.A., is on the cusp of big things, and his arsenal of absurdity should be seen before his inevitable exit to a Coast. High energy and a free-wheeling, fearless delivery define Carmona, one of Chicago’s best and brightest locals. Unafraid to talk race and politics, he counteracts his edge with his unique style and affability. Recent Lakeshore headliner Tolk closes out the festivities, demonstrating why he may be the most talented comic currently working in the city. (Max Minor)

At Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, (773)281-4444. 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.

RECOMMENDED

Without a doubt the best stand-up open mic in the city, “Your Sunday’s Best” is the place to see Chicago’s funniest comics for free. Located upstairs at Schubas and hosted by Prescott Tolk, the show features appearances by Hannibal, Junior Stopka, Jared Logan, Carrie Callahan, C.J. Sullivan and Tolk himself. Of course, since it is an open mic, there is some garbage, but with so much talent interspersed throughout the evening—and in comparison with the other open rooms in Chicago—this occasional helping of crap is easily forgivable. Plus, the lags in laughs allow for much needed bathroom/Schlitz breaks. With Christmas lights adorning the “stage,” a private bar and couches (plus so many funny comedians performing in one place), the rowdy atmosphere at “Your Sunday’s Best” feels like some secret comedy clubhouse you’ve finally been invited to join. (Max Minor)

At Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, (773)525-2508. This show is now closed.

RECOMMENDED

Just as “SNL” and Second City populated the last generation of stand-up comics, Web sites like Chicago’s blerds.com (short for blogs plus nerds) are cultivating a new generation of comedians, a class of comics that’s getting popular not in nightclubs and on late-night talk shows, but on YouTube and MySpace. Already, Blerds alum TJ Miller is shooting pilots in Los Angeles, and it’s a good bet that the other writers and filmmakers whose work is all over the site are soon to follow. This Friday, they take the stage at Lakeshore, showing the videos that garner the views online. Plus, sets by Jared Logan, Sean Flannery, CJ Sullivan and Prescott Tolk. (Mike Schramm)

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