Comedy Showcase Raises Awareness of Mental Health Saturday At BAC

OAK LAWN, IL — A group of Lewis University alumni from Oak Lawn are planning a comedy benefit to raise awareness of mental health issues Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. "Laugh To Create Awareness" starts at 7 p.m. and features a stellar lineup of Chicago comedians.

“The purpose of the show is to raise awareness for depression and mental health, that it’s okay to talk about it,” said Ken Houbolt, one of the benefit’s organizers. “When you think about mental health, it affects friends, family, the workplace, the economy. Everyone should be talking about this.”

During the pandemic, suicide attempts increased among adolescents aged 12 to 17, especially young girls, according to CDC data. Among young girls, average weekly visits to the emergency room for suspected suicide attempts from February 2021 to March 2021, was 50.6 percent higher than the same period in 2020.

So why do a comedy show to raise awareness for depression and mental health?

“It's the opposite of depression,” Houbolt said. “Laughter is outward, depression is inward.”

Proceeds will also create a scholarship for a Lewis graduate focusing on clinical counseling who has been directly impacted by depression, and to aid the Lewis University Center for Health and Counseling Services.

“Laugh To Create Awareness” features four nationally known and rising comedians with roots in Chicago’s vibrant comedy scene, including:

Joe Kilgallon was born and raised in Chicago, but currently lives in Los Angeles. He is described by the Chicago Tribune as having "a straight shooting, pull-no-punches style,” according to his bio. Kilgallon has performed at clubs and colleges all over the country, He’s also been a personal opener for such stars as Hannibal Buress, Roy Wood Jr. and Steve Byrne. With material ranging from alcohol to sex, Kilgallon is sure to rant about something the whole family can enjoy (at least the older family members). His debut album, Pay Attention, opened as No. 1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and Top 10 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. He also produces a local comedy showcase in L.A., and hosts a podcast.

Chicago comic Jonah Jurkens has been featured at showcases all over the city, and is a regular at the legendary Laugh Factory. He is a prolific producer of several popular comedy showcases and tours the Midwest performing stand-up. Jurkens recently hosted the "Chicago’s Best Stand Up" showcase at the legendary Laugh Factory.

Blake Burkhart is a comedic writer and performer from Chicago, according to his Laugh Factory bio. He can be seen doing stand-up all over Chicago and throughout the Midwest. He is also a co-creator and co-star of the well received sketch and variety event Super Talent Show, and a cast member and writer for the sketch comedy group Actual Murderers.

Anthony Fuentes is a self-described funny fat guy from New York. He emerged from the Army with PTSD after two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, where his sergeant put him in charge of boosting morale by making his fellow soldiers laugh, Fuentes said in a 2021 interview with WGN’s Ana Beleval. He got into comedy with the encouragement of his therapist as a way to cope with his PTSD. Fuentes is now a full time comedian, working stages all over Chicago. When he heard what the Laugh To Raise Awareness showcase was about, he immediately wanted to be part of it.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online through Lewis University or at the door the night of the showcase. The bar will be open during the show. For more information, contact Dennisa Walker at walkerde@lewisu.eduCHICAG or 815-836-5882.