...three of them! First, two open mics have sprung up.

According to a tip from Jeb Cadwell, The Old Cork Lounge open mic (which was on Tuesdays) is back on, this time on Thursday nights at 10:00 (sign-ups at 9:30). It will be hosted by Steve Mulcahy and friends, with a respectable policy of no shortcutting in line and and no signing up friends who have not yet arrived. Imagine! The Cork Lounge is at 1822 W. Addison Street at Wolcott, right next to the Addison brown line stop.

And Adam Burke has opened up a new open mic Thursday nights at 9:00 (signups at 8:30) at Whiskey Road (1935 N. Damen Avenue, south of Armitage). Burke will mostly host the show himself, although this week Chad Briggs will be filling in for him. Burke says the bar's owners are very cool and supportive of the whole comedy thing, and show attendees can enjoy $2 PBRs and $2 mystery beers.

And, finally, you can also BYOB to the Playground Theater (3209 N. Halsted) on Thursday nights from 6:00 to 7:00 (doors open at 5:00) for Thursday Happy Hour, featuring solo comedy from Paul Thomas, Jeff Madden, Wendy Mateo, and Pat O'Brien. That's some strong talent there, boys and girls. Couple that with a Star Wars thermos of strong liquor and you're all set.