--Do you like trolley rides, food, and improv/sketch comedy? Sign up for the The League of Chicago Theaters Comedy Sampler Tour! This Saturday’s tour starts downtown at the Chicago Tourism Center (72 E. Randolph) at 2:30 pm, followed by a trolley ride to Annoyance Productions' new home (4840 N. Broadway), a performance at the Cornservatory (4210 N. Lincoln), then dinner at Joey's Brickhouse on Belmont, and a full-length performance by Second City, and a trolley ride back downtown. Tickets are $90 per person. Make reservations at 312-554-9800 or any Hot Tix. Thanks to Gapers Block for the tip!

--This past Sunday, Jay Harris informed us that Nate Bargatze, a comic who got his land legs right here in Chicago in the early ‘naughts, was recently on a Country Music TV stand-up special with Mike Armstrong, Gary Mule-Deer, and others. Anyone catch it?

--Our friends over at Chicagoist are having a “theater bee”. Justin Sondak explains: “It doesn't seem fair when talented up-and-coming theater companies struggle to attract time-starved critics focused on more established institutions and touring shows. Recently, we’ve been part of the problem, reviewing the same productions covered by virtually every other media outlet in town. So now we ask you: what have we been missing?

“Next month, Chicagoist will turn its attention to performers still craving attention and respect from the MSM. Email us and explain, in 200 words or less, why your company deserves 15 minutes of fame on our site, why Chicagoist readers and Chicago's culture vultures should come see your production. Let us know about your company and your show and point us to your website if you have one. The most compelling entry will be profiled and reviewed.

Please follow da link to see more info! Especially invited are our sketchers out there. Deadline is February 28.

--In case you hadn’t heard, the Lincoln Lodge is hosting the Chicago Montreal stand-up auditions tonight and tomorrow. Not only is the electricity literally buzzing at these shows, but it’s a chance to see literally the top of the top in a nice tight 90 min. show.

Thursday's lineup features Greg Mills, Deb Downing, Pat Brice, Brady Novak, Becky Garcia, Mike Bridenstine, Mike Holmes, Prescott Tolk, Jared Logan, C.J. Sullivan, Mike Olson and Andy Ross.

Friday's lineup features Peter Grosz, Sean Flannery, Tyler Kroll, Allison Leber, Ken Barnard, Monte, Josh Cheney, Kumail Nanjiani, Bill Cruz, Fay Canale, Nate Craig, Tony Sam and Robert Buscemi.

--And finally, sad news: Lani of the Lani and Emi Show is moving away from us, to Toronto. She has two more shows here before she takes off, so see this little powerhouse while you still have a chance. Tonight at the Annoyance Lani will perform with Emi prior to Messing with a Friend (10:30 p.m.), and this Sunday she will be at i.O. with the Future (8 p.m.). Saturday, March 10, there will be a goodbye party at the Holiday Club, from 10 p.m. on.

- Kristy Mangel