This past Friday, October 6, the Lincoln Lodge invited members of the "press" and civilian fans to their press conference-and-meatballs soiree in the back of the Lincoln Restaurant, prior to the first Friday show of Season Seven. It was here attendees were regaled with a slideshow of the Lodge past and present, half-price Big Ass Steins of Beer, the introduction of new cast members Monte, Brady Novak, and Allison Leber, and hilarious cameo appearances by Robert Buscemi and Mike Bridenstine (who was better known as Steve Garvey, Newsman, among other "Press People Personas").

We were informed that the Lodge has a few tricks up its sleeve for its seventh season, including the Legends of Comedy Halloween Special October 26 and 27, a special presentation of SpitFire December 14 and 15, the Chicago Comedy Awards January 18 and 19, the Visitors Locker Room Superbowl Spectacular February 2 and 3, the Lincoln Lodge Abe Lincoln Salute April 13 and 14, and Dwight Nights, an amalgamation of the most-requested acts, which will close the season May 17 through 19 .

The grin would not leave our face for the entire conference and the following show, featuring Jared Logan, Dwayne Kennedy, poet Robbie Q., and host Steve O. Harvey. The Lodge makes the impending Chicago winter SO much more bearable, and of course, post-show shenanigans over at Resi's Bierstube are a requirement and a very welcome addition to the weekend.

Oh! And you can catch Buscemi over at Chicago Underground Comedy tonight, where he'll be joining the likes of Nick Vatterott, Andy Ross, and Sean Flannery, in addition to guest Jamie Allen and sketch group Team Submarine. Before that, don't forget to tune into cable access channel 21 (for you Chicago folks), to see us! The Bastion live! On Sasha and the Noob's "Talkin' Funny" at 7:30 p.m.

Top photo by Krystle Gemnich, from l-r: Monte, Brady Novak, Josh Cheney, Allison Leber, and Becky Garcia.

Photo of "The Press" by Monte.