Tim Cavanagh Headlines ‘Merriment for Mercy’

CHICAGO — Merriment for Mercy, a comedy-filled evening featuring Tim Cavanagh, Ed Kerfin and Bill Gorgo, elicits laughter to raise the spirit at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at Saint Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St. in Chicago.

Tickets are available for evening which benefits Mercy Circle, a continuing care retirement community in Chicago’s 19th Ward, beginning with hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer in Saint Xavier’s Butler Reception Room. At 7:30 p.m., guests move to McGuire Hall for non-stop comedy.

To purchase tickets at $65, including the reception and the performance, call 773-253-3621 or email mbannon@mercycircle.org.

Headliner Tim Cavanagh has appeared on Comedy Central, Showtime and WGN America. A high school teacher when he launched his career as a comedian, Cavanagh taught during the day and sang in Chicago comedy clubs at night. Well known for his humorous music, Cavanagh released the CD “Sounds Like Fun!”; appeared on the “Dr. Demento Show”; and is a regular guest on "The Bob & Tom Show," a nationally syndicated radio show aired in 130 markets.

Today, he performs inventive stand-up comedy routines in concert halls, college campuses, nightclubs and on cruise ships.

Ed Kerfin, a Mt. Greenwood native, opens the evening of comedy. He currently hosts “Friends Over Fifty Fridays” on WJOL. He often appears at a variety of comedy clubs in the Chicago area and will tour the East Coast this summer. Kerfin has appeared on WGN-TV, WLS-TV, WTTW Channel 11 and many local radio stations.

Bill Gordo rounds up the evening of entertainment. He declares that writing and performing stand-up are his first loves. Gordo, who also has written three plays and acted in half a dozen stage productions, is an award-winning storyteller. He shares his love of stand-up by teaching stand-up classes and mentoring several young comedians.

Proceeds from Merriment for Mercy will support new programs that enhance the quality of life for residents at Mercy Circle, just in time to celebrate the community’s tenth anniversary.

“Laughter is good for the soul,” said Mercy Circle major gifts officer Mary Bannon. “We hope this evening will allow audience members to enjoy the moment as we come together to feel connected and support Mercy Circle.”