The Lincoln Lodge is going to SPACE—in Evanston, that is. Tonight at 8pm the longest running independent showcase in the country will launch its debut show at the North Shore venue with super comedian Ben Kronberg performing for the first time in the Chicago area. The Lincoln Lodge has been an absolute breeding ground for some of the best comedians in Chicago and the country. T.J. Miller, Hannibal Buress, Kyle Kinane, Matt Braunger, Pete Holmes, Kumail Nanjiani and Cameron Esposito have all cut their teeth there.
Last year, the showcase lost its home of 14 years, amid much freaking out among fans and comics alike, but eventually moved to the Subterranean in Wicker Park where it's been packing houses. Now the show takes another big endeavor by producing a monthly show in Evanston.
Lincoln Lodge producer Ricky Gonzalez said that Todd Barry will be performing at next month's Evanston show on May 22.
"I grew up in Evanston and I have always wanted to produce and perform comedy in my hometown," Gonzalez says. "With the help of SPACE, we feel this is something Evanston and Chicago comedy fans will be super-excited about. Even though the show is technically in Evanston, we hope our Chicago fans realize it is not a far venture at all."
The inaugural Evanston show starts at 8pm on Wednesday, April 8. Tickets cost $15 for general admission and $22 for a seat in the main table section. You can purchase tickets at Lincoln Lodge's website.