It's a big week for comedy in Chicago, friends. Between Sketchfest, Snubfest, newly created talent shows, multimedia showcases, and the usual myriad of things to witness in Chicago comedy, the Bastion doesn't plan to sleep a whole lot from now until next week. Included in the week's festivities is much catching up with Chicago ex-pat Mike Burns, who can be seen tonight at the Blerds showcase at the Empty Bottle, or performing at Sketchfest on Thursday with Real.Good.Turbo, or over at the Lincoln Lodge Friday, or as part of "Sketchubator" Saturday at midnight ("a drunk fest where troupes do like 5 minute sketches that are usually fucking nuts or dirty or super alt. It's a great time. Lights are all up, no tech. It's a raw thunderdome of people flexing nuts and showing off"), with countless opportunities to tip back a few with Mike and catch up on all the latest and greatest in NYC, we're sure.

Mike is also planning some "off-duty" activities. He told us that, in addition to performing all over the place, he plans on "drinking heavily, passing out on BridenHolmes' couch, smoking a lot of cigarettes indoors, screaming like a maniac, seeing 80's Clown's little boy, passing out on 80's Clown's couch, and getting some decent Mexican food. And maybe a Philly's Best Cheesesteak or Potbelly sandwich if there's time. And there's always the possibility of getting escorted out of a few establishments."

- Kristy Mangel