Our open mic shows are a BLAST, usually featuring 15 to 20 comics from all over Illinois and beyond! The show is 8 p.m. The lounge opens at 7. If you're not performing, tickets are just $5. Open mic comedy shows are an opportunity for aspiring comics to get stage time and a super-fun chance for anyone who's EVER wanted to tell jokes and funny stories before a group of strangers. It's easy. Prepare 5 minutes ( or less ) and then simply show up, sign up and go up! We've been doing the open mic shows since November of 2000. Emmy and Our most-famous open mic "alum" is without a doubt multiple EMMY and GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEE Janelle James.  She started here in 2011.   She now has Netflix specials and is the outrageously-hilarious principal "Ava" on ABC's awesome "Abbott Elementary!"