Although Bloomington normal doesn’t have a large comedy scene like Chicago or New York it does have a rapidly growing Comedy scene. From open mics, to sketch comedy, all the way to Improv, Bloomington Normal has a lot to offer. These places are mostly free, a great place to have a night out, and some laughs from the best comedians in the area.
The Normal Humor
Founded by Vanessa Garcia, Second City alum, has founded one of Illinois State university’s newest RSO’s. The Normal Humor First founded in December 2013, has expanded too quite a few facets of comedy.
Initially it started with workshops to work on comedy such as clowning, improv and standup comedy. These are held most every week of the school year on Illinois States campus in the centennial west building, in various locations and are all free regardless if you are a student or not.
Furthermore the Normal Humor contains the sketch comedy group Etch- a sketchy which had its first show in the beginning of the fall semester of 2014. This group had 12 members from the local community, and the Illinois state student body. In the theme of “too much light makes the baby go blind” this is a specific type of comedy where the audience is able to pick the order of the show and the members of the production don’t know what sketch is coming next.
In the 2015 semester Etch- a –Sketchy is putting another show called sketch on the rocks this performance like all the other performances is going to be held in the center for the visual arts on Illinois states campus room 151, and once again is free.
Another facet of the Normal Humor is its newest open comedy mic. An open comedy mic is where local comedians amateur or veterans come into a room and try out some of their new material. They are held every Friday in centennial west room 301, at 8pm
If you would like to find out more information about the performances and workshops that the Normal Humor holds, check out the Facebook page under the Normal Humor.
https://www.facebook.com/TheNormalHumor
Improv Mafia
Illinois states renowned Improv team hold performances where they make it up on the spot every week, in room 149 of the Center for the Visual Arts. Their Facebook page says they have been “Taking the ridiculous seriously since 1998”. Similar to the Normal Humor all shows are free regardless if you are a student at Illinois State.
If you would like to learn more about the improv mafia look to their facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/improvmafia
For more current comedy updates in the Bloomington normal area look to the BloNo comedy page on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/blonocomedy
“Smokey Bar” Open Mics
Although smoking in restaurants was outlawed in Illinois a few years ago, if you are looking for that typical bar open mic here in Bloomington Normal here are a few places to go. Keep in mind that these are bars and unless you are a performer you have to be at least 21 years of age to enter these venues.
Eric’s Restaurant
Located at 903 W Wood St, Bloomington, IL 61701 they have been hosting one of the best open Mic’s in town for the past year. Hosted by Illinois state Graduate Andy Kuba and Other veterans, this is the best open mic in town by far. It has all sorts of bar specials as well. This open mic starts the first and the third Thursday of every month starting at 8PM.
They have great food specials with this open mic because on every Thursday you can get 4 hard shell tacos for only $5.99. Why wouldn’t you go out and eat some great tacos and enjoy some local talent.
If you have any questions regarding the open mic, specials or anything at all, you can call them at (309) 828-5588 or look to their website ericsfamilyrestaurant.com
Dr. McKay’s Bar and Grill
Located at 909 N Hersey Rd, Bloomington Illinois this is one of the newest open mic’s to hit central Illinois is this one. The first open mic was held Sunday February 15th. They held a lot of local talent and hope to hold an open mic every Sunday at 8pm with some of your favorite local comedians. Some of their specials include $3.50 absolute bloody mary’s and our $4.99 ham and cheese sandwich special!
Jukebox Comedy Club
Located at 3527 W Farmington Rd, Peoria, IL 61604 they hold one of the most popular open mic in the central Illinois area. Only a 35 minute drive from our twin cities of Bloomington Normal it is a great choice for up and coming comedians or people who just want to see a good comedy show. Held every Wednesday at 8pm. Make sure if you are a comedian that you call ahead of time to secure a spot.
Their phone number is (309) 673-5853 and if you have any further questions you can look at their website www.jukeboxcomedyclub.com
