The Bastion was just informed that Zanies Comedy Club is set to feature "ten to fifteen up-and-coming new comedians" in a newly instituted "Rising Stars" showcase, beginning Monday, July 31, at 8:30 p.m.

Does this new night at Zanies have anything to do with the Chicago Talent series beginning tonight over at the brand-new Improv in Schaumburg? Hmm...

At any rate, we've got a call into general manager and booking agent Bert Haas to get the dilly-o on the featured acts of the showcase, but we have a sneaking suspicion that those "rising stars" are the underground superstars of right now.

But don't forget! You've still gotta get yer two drink minimum on. Tell your support group, "comedy made me do it." They'll totally understand.