Gallery Opens Fall Season with Outsider and Graffiti Show featuring Local Artist Steve Pollack and Photographer Cindy Kurman Barrie

The "ORNOT" Gallery (located within READY Coffee, 1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622, 773-360-7041) opens the fall gallery season with its second show, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 4, showcasing the works of two promising local artists, painter Steve Pollack and photographer Cindy Kurman Barrie. The show runs through October 31 and is being curated by Cody Davis, a READY Coffee barista, photographer and manager of the ORNOT Gallery.

Steve Pollack has been an art collector most of his life. It wasn't until he retired from his successful scrap metal business that he found the time to pursue a new passion, painting. Having free time, he finds himself literally drawn to the human form. He has studied at numerous Chicago-area painting studios and is proud to showcase his work at Ornot Gallery this fall, his first public show.

Cindy Kurman Barrie, who joins Steve Oct. 4, also is showing her art photography for the first time. An accomplished business photographer, the photo collection on display at the Ornot gallery showcases a more gritty side of her photographic work. For this showing, she will present various graffiti works and street scenes she captured during a recent trip to France, Italy and Belgium. Cindy studied photography and journalism at Kent State University and has been capturing life ever since.

Cindy calls herself "fortunate" as she has a career doing something that she loves while bringing enjoyment to others. When not taking pictures, Cindy also paints, makes jewelry, manufactures art purses and runs a successful integrated marketing and public relations firm, Kurman Communications, Inc.

 

Ornot Gallery Opening October 4
Features Contemporary Jazz Guitarist
by Lee Alec Barrie

 

Lee Alec Barrie is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose style has been compared to Larry Carlton, Chuck Loeb and other popular contemporary jazz guitarists. Barrie was professional by age 14, starting out with a teenage rock band, playing Beatles, Beach Boys and Chuck Berry tunes plus some classic R&B.

These early musical relationships lasted well into his twenties and he had the privilege of recording with Lipps Inc., a Minneapolis-based band best known most for its number one hit "Funkytown" in the late 70's. Barrie's evolution as a guitarist was accelerated when he began to experiment with a Roland guitar synthesizer, which allows his electric guitar to take on the sound of a wide range of instruments. He now has the opportunity to solo as a saxophonist, flutist, organist, violinist and many others, all while playing on the guitar. He chooses the instrument based on the style and mood of the song.
Barrie's idea for a "virtual band project"-whereby he plays solo over his pre-recorded jazz backing tracks-evolved naturally. Having taken a break from professional performances for a number of years, he became a self-taught jazz pianist, which gave him the technical and musical skills to arrange and record his own instrumental backing tracks at his home recording studio.

Art You Can Laugh At Returns to Ready Coffee's ORNOT Gallery October 2

Back by overwhelming demand, Art You Can Laugh At returns to Ready Coffee's ORNOT Gallery (1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 773-360-7041) 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 2. Hosted by resident comedian Nathyn Gibson the complimentary show will feature performances by comics Bill Cruz, Charlie Rohrer, Marlena Rodriguez, Jeff Steinbrunner, Joshua Murphy and Erica Clark. No reservations are necessary. Seating is limited to first come with plenty of standing room.


About the Performers

Bill CruzConsidered Chicago's premier queer comedian, Bill Cruz has become a pillar of the Chicago Stand-Up Comedy scene with his experience of more than 8 years. Bill Cruz is a native of Denver, Colorado (and flaming Broncos Fan) who originally moved to Chicago in 1999 upon graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder to pursue a career in Theatre. 4 years later, he started doing stand-up comedy. Starting out in small rooms, the man simply known as "The Gay Mexican" started making waves in the Chicago Comedy scene, performing at the Lincoln Lodge, Zanies Comedy Club, Chicago Underground, Laugh Factory Chicago, and numerous Mikey-O Comedy Shows. Not to be contained, Bill has spread his wings performing all across Midwest at Colleges and Clubs, and finally hitting the coasts in NY as well as LA, including appearing in OUTLAUGH: The Gay and Lesbian Comedy, the Cleveland Comedy Festival, and most recently The Just for Laugh Chicago Comedy Festival.

Charlie RohrerCharlie Rohrer dropped out of college to tell jokes. Comedy just seemed more viable than a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. He co-produces a popular showcase in Chicago called Congrats on Your Success and has performed in 100 Proof Comedy, Gilda's Laughfest, Chicago Underground Comedy and more.

Marlena RodriguezMarlena Rodriguez is a stand up comedian, improviser, and writer who was recently named one of 50 Hot Women in Comedy by AfterEllen.com. She is a Second City Comedy Studies Alumni and has worked with Just Great! A Weekly Revue, Paperweight magazine, and The Second City's Urban Twist. Marlena has performed across the country at comedy hubs, such as iO Chicago, The Lincoln Lodge, StandUp NY, Zanies, The Comedy Studio, The Del Close Marathon, and Boston's Women in Comedy Festival. She can be seen regularly at Double Feature, Chicago's monthly stand-up comedy & short film festival, at The Lincoln Lodge. Currently, Marlena is working with the Second City Touring Company performing sketch revues across the country.

Jeff SteinbrunnerJeff Steinbrunner is a Chicago based comedian who spends his time immersed in comedy, daydreaming, and ranking his favorite game shows.

As a transplant from a small Ohio town his all-American upbringing is now relived through a warped lens on stage. Dark humor is presented with warm sincerity and wild tales are dissected and shared to an audience the same way he would talk to his closest group of friends.

Blending absurd visuals, unexpected twists and a face so smiley you sort of want to punch it, Jeff works hard to make every performance as fun and memorable as possible.

Joshua MurphyJoshua Murphy is stand-up comedian and sporadic sketch writer based out of Chicago, IL. Though a young comic on the scene, he has quickly moved up in the comedy world with his personal storytelling and socio-political comedy. He was the winner of the 2010 Bloomington Comedy Festival and a performer at the inaugural Limestone Comedy Festival. He was also a writer for the very popular "Fortnightly Show." And, based on the writing of this bio, it is unnerving how comfortable he is writing in the third person.

Erica ClarkErica Clark grew up in the entertainment business, being the daughter of Mr. T. She now entertains crowds with her unique style of stand-up. Clark has performed at Jokes and Notes, Laugh Factory, and The Comedy Bar. She has also been featured in the TBS Just For Laughs festival.







About Nathyn Gibson, HostNathyn Gibson is the host of the ORNOT Gallery's Comedy Showcase: Art You Can Laugh At. Nathyn moved to Chicago last summer to pursue comedy. He also co-produces a monthly showcase in Logan Square called Black Star Comedy and is a regular performer in the A Night of Comedy series in Crown Point, Indiana. "Chicago has an amazing comedy scene, and I want to be an outlet to show what this town has to offer," said Nathyn.
Like "Art You Can Laugh At" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artyoucanlaughat. The Facebook event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/339636229504977/.

Art You Can Laugh At Returns to Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery September 18

 

 

Back by overwhelming demand, Art You Can Laugh At returns to Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery (1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 773-360-7041) 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 18.  Hosted by resident comedian Nathyn Gibson the complimentary show will feature performances by comics Matty Ryan, Charlie Vergos, Tim Barnes, Cameron Gillette, Megan Gailey and Martin Morrow. No reservations are necessary. Seating is limited to first come with plenty of standing room.

 

 

 

 

About the Performers

Matty Ryan
Matty Ryan is a Chicago classic. Born, bred, and beer-battered in an Irish neighborhood on the city’s South Side, Matty has been touring and performing throughout Chicago and beyond for the past several years. His rapid-fire delivery and deft takes on his burgeoning (and unwanted) adulthood, things he’s learned from the elderly, and the fine art of the outdoor nap have made him a favorite at showcases and clubs throughout the country. An alumnus of the Second City, Matty has appeared at Zanies, The Laugh Factory, The Improv, and the Hollywood Comedy Store. He currently co-produces The Blackout Diaries every Saturday at The Lincoln Lodge, and Parlour Car every Thursday at Bar Deville; both in Chicago. Also, please tell your parents he says hello.

Charlie Vergos
"Charlie Vergos is an easily distracted 24-year old little brother who grew up working in his family's barbecue restaurant in Memphis, TN. He began doing comedy there in 2009, until he saw something shiny and followed it to the comedy scenes of New Orleans, Cape Town, back to Memphis, and now Chicago. Charlie's energy has been described by important people as 'part-contestant on Kids' Jeopardy, part 74-year old bluesman.' His act may or may not include drawings, piano, juggling, off-brand Mad Libs, or getting lost on the way to the stage.
Charlie has performed comedy in four different countries, worked in the Onion's graphics department, served as the editorial cartoonist for two newspapers in New Orleans, opened for Sean Patton, and won a pie-eating contest in Branson, Missouri when he was in 5th grade (No hands). Oh, and he's really funny."

Tim Barnes
"Tim Barnes is a comic and writer from California who has worked with the creators of comedy centrals 'Dr. Katz' on various projects.. He currently performs all over Chicago and writes for the satirical website 'The Whiskey Journal.'

Cameron Gillette

Cameron Gillette grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, raised by excessively conservative parents and for the first 20 years of his life was very, very bored. Finally, at 20, he tried his first stand up open mic, and his consciousness was awakened. He was eventually performing regularly at the Stardome Comedy club, but quickly became frustrated with the lack of opportunities for stage time in Alabama. Along with a group of like-minded comedians, he started putting on shows at bars and coffee shops around the city. After 2 years, these shows were gaining a big following. Although Birmingham was beginning to have a comedy scene he could be proud of, he decided he wanted to pursue comedy full-time in a big city. In January of 2010 he moved to Chicago and was quickly recognized as one of the funniest up-and-comers up-and-coming. He has performed all over the city since then at places like The Lincoln Lodge, The Laugh Factory, and Comedians You Should Know.

Megan Gailey
Megan Gailey grew up in Indianapolis, the perfect town to raise a delusional upper-middle class Midwestern socialite. With a love of flirting and vacationing, it was a natural fit to leave the monotonous exercise schedule for a life of stand-up.
In the past year Gailey was a finalist in NYC’s Laughing Devil Festival, a featured performer at Just For Laughs, the Traverse City Winter Comedy Festival and selected as one of Comedy Central’s Chicago Comics to Watch. Megan was recently featured in Chicago Magazine for her comedic risk taking and amazing dresses. And she has finally performed alongside enough famous people that her older brothers no longer hate her.
Gailey is a must-have at top National Clubs like the The Laugh Factory (Chicago), Hilarities (Cleveland) and The Comedy Club (Rochester, NY). Opening for Brad Garrett, Kevin Nealon, Amy Schumer, Paul Reiser, Doug Benson, April Macie and TJ Miller. Megan also loves all the stages in Chicago, performing for fellow downtown yuppies at Comedians You Should Know and Second City, hip Northside crowds at The Lincoln Lodge, and even for crowds that should inherently hate her but wind up loving her at Mikey O’s Comedy Cantina.
A founding member of Chicago’s stand-up and sketch group "Your Funniest Friends" and co-host of the Chicago comedy podcast "Naked Sports Live" Megan works and applies makeup at a fanatical pace. She continues to search for a rich husband, just in case.

Martin Morrow
Martin Morrow is originally from Birmingham, AL where he started doing stand-up, improv, and belonged to an award winning sketch/stand-up hybrid "Tubbi and Martin". Martin has performed in clubs, colleges, and festivals all over the country including Atlanta, Austin, Cleveland, Las Vegas, and
New York and has worked with some of the top names in comedy including Eric Andre, Hannibal Buress, Kyle Cease, Judah Friedlander, Jamie Kennedy, Natasha Leggero, Tim Meadows, Tig Notaro, Sean Patton, Paul Rodriguez, Craig Shoemaker, Amy Schumer, and Baron Vaughn. Currently residing in Chicago, IL, Martin has performed in several shows with Second City as a part of their Outreach & Diversity ensemble in addition to being a Second City PUMA scholarship recipient, and has put on several one man shows at The Playground Theater and MPaact Theater, and was a season 13 cast member of the longest running independent comedy showcase the Lincoln Lodge. His work has been featured on the Huffington Post, was a finalist in the seventh season of the Impress These Apes comedy competition, and performed in the 2013 Just for Laughs Festival. Despite his accolades in comedy, Morrow is perhaps best known from his work in the 1953 Walt Disney classic Peter Pan as Peter Pan's shadow.

 

About Nathyn Gibson, Host
Nathyn Gibson is the host of the ORNOT Gallery’s Comedy Showcase: Art You Can Laugh At. Nathyn moved to Chicago last summer to pursue comedy. He also co-produces a monthly showcase in Logan Square called Black Star Comedy and is a regular performer in the A Night of Comedy series in Crown Point, Indiana. "Chicago has an amazing comedy scene, and I want to be an outlet to show what this town has to offer," said Nathyn.

Like "Art You Can Laugh At" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artyoucanlaughat. The Facebook event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/194215210756450/

KCI clients choose their best dishes for this Fall

The leaves are changing and fall is coming. Before we get to the Thanksgiving and holiday feasts, restaurants are gearing up for warm beverages, hearty dishes and the best comfort foods. Here's a roundup of what our clients have in store for you when it gets chilly outside.



Barista Lucas Black
Ready Coffee
1562 N Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
www.readycoffee.com
Phone: (773) 360-7041

Nutella latte with cinnamon $3 dinkels donuts pecan maple $2
“The sweet Nutella latte with hazelnut undertones will sooth and satisfy your taste buds on a cool day while the cinnamon provides an extra layer of spice to your palette. The pecan and maple donut is a delicious complement to a chocolatey coffee that will keep you warm from your fingers to your toes,” says Lucas Black, Barista.

“Cold and flu fighter” raw juice $8 (Emergen-c, celery, green apple, orange, lemon, ginger) with a Shot of wheatgrass $2.50. “Boost your energy and immune system with a combination of our Cold and Flue Fighter raw juice- filled with fruits and veggies to to keep you healthy, as well as a shot of wheatgrass on the side adding extra nutrients and vitamins to prepare your body for the upcoming winter! Cheers!,” says Lucas Black, Barista.

                          

__

Dobra Bielinski
Delightful Pastries
5927 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago IL 60630
www.delightfulpastries.com
Phone: (773) 545-7215

Apple cinnamon bread
“What says fall like apples and cinnamon and in a bread format? You can toast it, make French toast out of it or add caramel sauce and a scoop of ice-cream.”






__

Chef Nadia Tilkian
Waterleaf Restaurant
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
www.waterleafrestaurant.com
Phone: (630) 942-6881

Crispy Pork Shank, Braised Red Cabbage and Grain Mustard Sauce
“Perfect for fall, the pork shank is hearty comfort food”









Oyster Mushroom Crusted Halibut, Savoy Cabbage, Potato Puree, Mustard Sauce
“The halibut is only available until November and it is such an elegant dish to enjoy with the changing of the season”
                       






__

Chef Mark Grosz (Owner)
Oceanique
505 Main Street
Evanston, IL  60202
www.oceanique.com
Phone: (847) 864-3435

Duck Confit
“Our duck confit dish, with its spices of cloves and thyme, is comforting and screams fall”

Cindy Kurman & Steve Pollack show art at Ready Coffee's ORNOT Gallery - Opening October 4

Ready Coffee joins the Wicker Park Bucktown Fall Dinner Crawl October 1, 2013

Wicker Park and Bucktown are two premier neighborhood destinations for unique and delicious dining options. Fall Dinner Crawl 2013 ticketholders will be sampling cuisine from some of the best local bars and restaurants that WPB has to offer. The 2^nd Annual crawl returns on October 1^st, 2013. 

On the evening of October 1^st, foodies from near and far are invited to taste a world of flavor in just one neighborhood. The Wicker Park and Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and WPB SSA #33 present the 2^nd annual Fall Dinner Crawl, where passport-holders stroll the illuminated streets and experience the area’s top restaurants – all in one beautiful autumn evening. Guests can enjoy decadent samples from dozens of the hottest local restaurants in the course of this unique dining event. 

Tickets are now on SALE!

WPB Fall Dinner Crawl Passports(tickets) will be available for pick-up the weekend before the Crawl for your convenience. 

See Dates & Times Below

The Routes

This year we are making your choice more difficult. You will have to choose between three routes each consisting of captivating confections, elegant eateries, and truly tempting tastes. 

Make your choice: The Fork, The Knife, or the Spoon.

The Spoon

The Bedford

Prasino

The Boundary

Jerry's

Fatpour Tap Works

Takito Kitchen

Caffe Gelato

Small Bar

Pizano's Pizza & Pasta

Joe's Wine Cellar

The Smoke Daddy

 

The Fork

Antique Taco

The Savoy

Bar Bar Black Sheep

Covo

Rodan

Pint Pub & Grill

Ready Coffee

Francesca's Forno

Chop Shop

Trenchermen

 

The Knife

Lucky's Sandwich Shop

Las Palmas

Dimo's Pizza

Feast

Silver Cloud

Grass Fed

The Bluebird

Club Lucky

Riverside Café

Jane's Restaurant

Lil Guy's & My Pie

 

Free Comedy Show "Art You Can Laugh At" Returns to Ready Coffee September 4

Back by overwhelming demand, Art You Can Laugh At returns to Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery (1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 773-360-7041) 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 4.  Hosted by resident comedian Nathyn Gibson the complimentary show will feature performances by comics Laura Laureta, Rebecca O’Neal, Keith Evans, Alex Stone, Cody Melcher, and Jeff Arcuri. No reservations are necessary. Seating is limited to first come with plenty of standing room.

About the Performers

 

Lisa Laureta
Lisa Laureta engages audiences by using her character work, mixed with storytelling and classic stand up techniques. She has performed at many clubs and venues around the country and within Chicago including The Laugh Factory, Zanies, Chicago Underground Comedy and The Lincoln Lodge. Lisa is a cast member of the stand-up show “100 Proof Comedy” at Comedy Sportz and was a main cast member of “My Life is a Joke,” featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network. More information can be found on her website www.LisaLaureta.com!

 

Rebecca O’Neal

Rebecca O'Neal is a writer/editor and stand-up comic whose work can been seen in Vanity Fair Magazine and on Splitsider.com. She co-produces a weekly free BYOB showcase in Logan Square called Congrats on Your Success and is a cast member at The Lincoln Lodge.

 

Keith Evans
Keith Evans is a professional stand-up comedian and comedy producer in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area. He is one of comedy’s fastest rising stars, having performed at renowned Chicago establishments such as Zanies Comedy Club, The Abbey, UP Comedy Club, and The Comedy Shrine. In addition to his consistent performances, he also produces several shows in his home region of Northwest Indiana, including Crown Point, Valparaiso, Chesterton, and Merrillville. He is arguably the cause of comedy resurgence in the Northwest Indiana region. With his ability to create hilarity of those things we “think but do not say”, coupled with incomparable writing spawned from his imagination and drive, there is no wonder he has been able to achieve the level and quality of comedy in 3 years to what most successful comedians have admitted to taking 10 plus years to do. A combination of his unrelenting comedy and undivided stage presence makes for an unparalleled performance.

 

Alex Stone
Alex Stone is a comedian originally from Cincinnati, OH who now makes his home in Chicago, IL. Always writing and performing, Alex has written jokes for nationally touring comedians and was recently invited to take part in the Best of the Midwest Competition at the 2013 Gilda's Laughfest. Alex's other accolades include opening for Drew Hastings on his “Irked and Miffed” theatre tour, an appearance on IFC, as well as being a featured comedian on The Huffington Post's comedy page. Also, thank you for reading this.

Cody Melcher
Cody Melcher is not only a lexicographic snake-oil salesman, but a witwanton and literary gentleman. On stage, he weaves a tapestry of obscure observations and personal proclivities designed to delight and enlighten.
He is a Cast Member of 100 Proof Comedy at ComedySportz Chicago, co-produces Double-Shot Showcase, co-produces the open mic 6 + 1 @ Stage 773, has a monthly podcast, Tomefoolery, is a Senior Writer for the live late-night talk show, Talk Hard, is Head Writer for Humbug Media, and is Creative Director for theatre/media company, The Ministry of the Flightless Parrot.
He was once given the title "BEST COMEDIAN WITH AN ENCYCLOPEDIC POINT OF REFERENCE THAT ALSO INCLUDES THE FACTS BEHIND THE COTTINGLEY FAIRIES HOAX"

 

Jeff Arcuri
Jeff Arcuri is Chicago-based Comedian with a big dumb smile. Jeff has been performing in clubs and colleges around the Midwest for years. His unique brand of humor has proven him a favorite at many venues. Jeff has performed in several festivals including the Laughing Skull Festival in Atlanta, the Laughing Devil in New York, and Laughfest in Grand Rapids, MI. As a writer and actor for Second City and a regular at The Laugh Factory, Jeff is constantly surrounded by all different mediums of comedy.

 

 

About Nathyn Gibson, Host
Nathyn Gibson is the host of the ORNOT Gallery’s Comedy Showcase: Art You Can Laugh At. Nathyn moved to Chicago last summer to pursue comedy. He also co-produces a monthly showcase in Logan Square called Black Star Comedy and is a regular performer in the A Night of Comedy series in Crown Point, Indiana. "Chicago has an amazing comedy scene, and I want to be an outlet to show what this town has to offer," said Nathyn.

 

Like "Art You Can Laugh At" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artyoucanlaughat. The Facebook event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/330989050370107/

The Joke’s on You. Art You Can Laugh At Opening at Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery August 21

 

Art can be funny -- sometimes inadvertently -- but rarely do we see a show pointedly dedicated to funny art, especially at a coffee shop! But Art You Can Laugh At, hosted by resident comedian Nathyn Gibson at Ready Coffee's ORNOT Gallery (1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 773-360-7041) is set to open August 21. Packed with local and regional comedians, this is one comedy show not to miss. Get READY to revel in silliness with the sole purpose of making us guffaw and hiccup, laugh until we cry, and maybe even roll on the floor with laughter. The showcase is complimentary to boot and ORNOT Gallery plans to host similar comedic events bi-weekly with the first slated from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, August 21.

The inaugural performance will feature comics Tyler Jackson, Reena Calm, Conor Delehanty, Odinaka Ezeokoli, Katie McVay and Adam Burke. No reservations are necessary. Seating is limited to first come with plenty of standing room. Be there or be square.

About the Performers

Tyler Jackson
Writer and comedian based out of Chicago doing many other things throughout the day that prevent my death. Tyler Jackson started out doing Stand Up in Louisville, KY, where he dived head-first into the scene and quickly started putting on shows and bringing in national headliners, trying to build up the independent comedy scene. He moved to Chicago in October and is working to do shows all over the place, in hopes that his stand up will get better and better! Tyler also is a co-producer for Black Star Comedy and host a mid-day open mic called the Late Late Breakfast.

Conor Delehanty
Conor Delehanty is an up and coming comic based out of Chicago, and he performs in rooms across the Midwest. Conor's act includes a tone of voice that is as engaging as this bio and a stage presence one woman after a show described as 'tall'. Conor's biggest accomplishment as a comic thus far has been taking full advantage of the free food in the Bob and Tom green room.

Conor is a co-producer of Tuxedo Cat Comedy.
 

Odinaka Ezeokoli
I'm Odinaka.  OD if you're a syllable conservationist.  Try not to stare at my chest. One of my favorite quotes about comedy comes from Richard Pryor, "Search for the truth and the funny will come." I love that idea, easier said than done, but I still love it. I tell the story of my life as a mixed up son of Nigerian immigrants, born and raised in the American South but High Schooled in Nigeria, and try to make sense of it to myself and the world. I search for the truth in my life and in society and most of all I dig for the funny. In the words of Mr. Rogers, "Won't you be my neighbor." I'd like to leave you with another quote, this time from rapper and soulja boy protege, V.I.C., "Get silly, get silly."

Odinaka is also a co-producer of the critically acclaimed "Congrats On Your Success" showcase
 

Katie McVay
Comedian. Part-time cheesemonger. Terminally afraid. Half of Yell You Better.

Katie McVay can only be described as... Katie McVay. There's not really anyone quite like her. You've heard comedians lament loneliness before, but never with the endearing combination of anger and positivity that Katie brings to the table. Katie's inability to be anything other than the tiny firecracker she is has resulted in a quick rise to the top of the Chicago stand-up scene. After only about 18 months of leaving audiences gobsmacked with her unique brand of being extremely comfortable in her own discomfort, Katie was asked to join the elite stand-up cast at Chicago Underground Comedy. Her advice web series "Yell You Better" quickly became a YouTube hit and garnered her fans all over this great nation. Sure, Katie has opened for big stars like Tom Papa, and sure, Katie has performed at comedy festivals like Just For Laughs, but that's not what's important. What's important is the way that you see more of yourself in Katie's admittedly damaged take on life than you'd care to admit. See Katie McVay live and let her yell you better.
 

Adam Burke
Originally from the UK, Adam Burke began performing stand-up after writing a piece on comedy for a Chicago magazine. Before long, Burke became a fixture at Midwestern shows and showcases. His absurdist, verbose comedy covers not only the vagaries of life in his adopted hometown of Chicago, but also the usefulness of mammoths, dogs who study law, and the importance of gangland grammar. He has appeared on the Bob and Tom show, WGN 720 AM radio, and the Benson Interruption Podcast, and was listed as one of the Top 20 Comedians in Chicago by Comedy.com. Adam has appeared at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland OR, and as part of the Just for Laughs Chicago festival for three years running. In addition, he has opened for a wide variety of comedians including Jeff Ross, Maria Bamford, Bo Burnham, Brendon Burns, and Jake Johannsen, and Marc Maron. Adam also co-hosts the Cole's open mic and is a co-producer of Parlour Car.

 

Reena Calm
Reena Calm was made in Israel, raised near Boston, and is now thrilled to be a part of Chicago's amazing Comedy scene. She performs at venues such as The Laugh Factory, Jokes and Notes, The Second City, ComedySportz and SO many different bars. Her parents are proud. Reena has featured in the Chicago Women's Funny Festival, TBS Just For Laughs, and right now there's a hilarious festival going on in her pants. Reena currently produces and hosts the Three Dead Moose Open Mic on Sundays, 100 Proof Comedy on Mondays, and HooHA Comedy on Tuesdays. She also loves talking about herself in the third person.

 

About Nathyn Gibson, Host
Nathyn Gibson is the host of the ORNOT Gallery's Comedy Showcase: Art You Can Laugh At. Nathyn moved to Chicago last summer to pursue comedy. He also co-produces a monthly showcase in Logan Square called Black Star Comedy and is a regular performer in the A Night of Comedy series in Crown Point, Indiana. "Chicago has an amazing comedy scene, and I want to be an outlet to show what this town has to offer," said Nathyn.

Like "Art You Can Laugh At" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artyoucanlaughat. The Facebook event can be found at www.facebook.com/events/1407343499481259.


About ORNOT Gallery
READY Coffee brings to the Bucktown-Wicker Park area of Chicago a new space to feature local artists whose passion often involves controversial, poignant, and social statements.

"We are looking to be a real player in the Chicago art scene," said READY Coffee's owner, Adam Banks. "We're used to coffee shops hanging art up on the walls as a secondary attempt to 'be local', but we are focused on being local in the best sense of the word.  We are looking to really support local artists and we're not afraid of pushing the edge."

To further showcase artwork, READY Coffee has an Art-o-Mat machine, a uniquely refurbished vintage cigarette vending machine that has been converted to sell small pieces of art wrapped in cigarette boxes. The art sells for only $5. "The Art-O-Mat is the coolest machine that I have ever seen," said Banks. "There is one in the National Portrait Gallery (a Smithsonian Museum) and it's really a beautiful piece of art in and of itself." Anyone interested in providing art objects for READY's Art-o-Mat should call the store at (773) 360-7041.

Like ORNOT Gallery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ornotgallery and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ornotgallery. Interested artists should contact Cody at ornot@readycoffee.com.


About READY Coffee
READY Coffee, located at 1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. For more information, call (773) 360-7041 or visit the website at readycoffee.com, like them at www.facebook.com/readycoffee and follow them on Twitter @ReadyCoffee.