The Hoodoisie is a radically politicized live “news show” that takes place on a regular basis “in a different gentrifying neighborhood” according to its founders Ricardo Gamboa, Lily Be, and Steven Beaudion. Live events usually resemble a late night talk show, but with an infusion of what Hoodoisie organizers call “block-optics,” a focus on people from Chicago’s working class communities and the issues, art, and comedy that they hold dear. This year the group published Never Normal Again, an anthology in print including writing by a diverse mix of Chicago-based radical activists, scholars, and culture makers including Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, activist and organizer Cynthia Brito Millan, and strategist Dr. Amara Enyia. To celebrate the publication, the Hoodoisie is hosting its first in-person event of the year with a book release party tonight from 6-11 PM at Pilsen’s Citlalin Gallery (2005 S. Blue Island). Gamboa and artist Charles Alexander Preston will act as hosts for the evening, which will include readings, libations, and DJ Sadie Woods. While the organizers remind us that “the revolution will not be commodified, so this is a free event,” they would still appreciate it if you RSVP through their Eventbrite. (SCJ)
Lincoln Lodge (2040 N. Milwaukee) gives the next generation of stand-ups a leg up through their Stand-Up Seminary for beginners and Punch Up “grad classes” for those with at least a year’s worth of experience on the mike. You can check out the fruits of those comedic labors tonight at 7 and 8:30 PM, when students give their best tight fives (give or take). Tickets are $5 suggested donation; for a complete schedule and information about the classes, see thelincolnlodge.com. (KR)
There must be something inherently funny about Wednesdays, or maybe mid-week is just a good time to get your laugh on, as there are several other ongoing comedy events tonight. In Lincoln Park, the Womxn Crush Wednesdays showcase of women and nonbinary comedians works its magic at the Wiener’s Circle’s (2622 N. Clark; no, really, it’s there) new patio bar. The evening of laughter and hot dogs happens every third Wednesday, and is hosted tonight by Kells Tha Komic and Alyn Dougherty. Suggested donation for this 8 PM show is $8. And tonight is also Pilsen Stand-Up night at Simone’s (960 W. 18th), which features a variety of comedians for a $5 cover; tonight includes Jayson Acevedo and Vikram Belaji. (SCJ)
Last week Gossip Wolf reminded us about Chicago indie-rock band Blinker and their debut album Adult Hits, which came out in February. Tonight you can listen to Blinker’s “earnest and occasionally wry” songs, as they play a show at Lincoln Park’s Golden Dagger, where 100 percent of all ticket sales go back to the artists who perform on their stage. The bands Porch Music and Fruit Leather open, and it all starts at 8 PM. Tickets are still available for patrons 21 and older. (SCJ)
