Hosts
Yes I Am Show Business uses the nations funniest comics to host
Stand Up Trivia and Qwizet!
MIKE STANLEY
Originally hailing from Detroit, he’s a Windy City transplant who tours constantly, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, Stanley recently became the subject of a feature-length documentary, Salty Language, Peppered Morals, which follows him on the road to the Boston Comedy Festival and explores the intricate inner-workings of his explosive onstage persona. Don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity to catch the man in action – this high level of killer stand-up is too remarkable to sit out.
MARTY DEROSA
Marty began doing stand-up comedy in 2006 and has quickly set himself apart from his comedy peers with an amazing flair for crowd work and an uncanny knowledge of professional wrestling. A south side favorite, this Indiana native is sure to make a name for himself among the nation's comedy movers and shakers.
JAMES FRITZ
James Fritz moved to Chicago in 2000 from his home state of Kentucky, but still struggles with his religious upbringing, Republicans, Democrats, people who pick sides, people who don't, and all four seasons. He appeared at the 2009 Just For Laughs Festival and has opened for such diverse performers as Rick Shapiro, Jamie Kilstein and TJ Miller. Comedy.com recently named him one of the top 5 stand-up comedians in Chicago.
ZACH BARTZ
After making his start in stand-up in 2009, Zach has since been a finalist in The Loony Bin’s Wichita’s Funniest Comic contest, headlined a one-hour stand-up special at Coffeyville Community College, and performed around Chicago in such showcases as The Edison Park Comedy Festival and Rotten Comedy. Zach’s passion for his craft is undeniable, and he will go out of his way to make sure any project he associates himself with is the best.
Ryan busted into comedy by winning the "Open for Dennis Miller" comedy contest sponsored by The Loop 97.9 in Chicago. He performs frequently at the World Famous Improv in Chicago and has worked with many notable comedians including Zach Galifianakis, Christopher Titus, Greg Behrendt, and Bobcat Goldthwait, just to name a few.
JOE KILGALLON
Born and raised in Chicago, Joe Kilgallon has been performing stand-up comedy since 2006. With a background in improv and sketch writing, Joe fuses well-polished material with riffing and crowd work to construct a perfectly well-rounded act. His in-your-face style and charismatic charm help Joe paint stories drawn heavily from personal experience and his Chicago-Irish roots, making him an instant favorite and the type of comedian everyone wants to share a drink with after the show.
TONY VALLE
Influenced by Carlin, Benny Hill and the Stooges, to name a few, Valle takes you on an intimate tour of his vulnerabilities exposing his innermost fears and insecurities. Always providing a light at the end of the tunnel, the comedic road he paves to get you there is twisted and perverse. Tony’s ability to bond with his audience gives you the warm feeling that you’ve known him for years, making it a more comfortable setting to let loose and laugh till it hurts. Not only will he have you in stitches over the downfalls and tragedies that has knocked him down, he'll leave you wondering why the hell he keeps getting back up!
