Blog - The Kates

May312022 by Kristi McCallNo Comments

Chris Rock: A life of a Comedian

Chris Rock

Christopher Julius Rock, also known as Chris Rock, is an American Stand up comedian, producer, actor, director, and writer. He started working as a stand-up comedian and also appeared in many movies as supporting roles. He is still actively touring and tickets for the comedy tour can be purchased at Cheapo Ticketing. As a cast member of "Saturday Night Live", Rock got him a broader prominence in the early 1990s. He started making prominent appearances in movies such as "Down to Earth" in 2001, "The Longest Yard" in 2005, "Head of State" in 2003, "The Madagascar File Series" from 2005 to 2012, "Grown Ups" and "Grown Ups 2" in 2010 and 2013 respectively and "Top Five" in 2014. He was a part of a series of acclaimed stand-up specials for HBO. He developed to write and narrate the sitcom based...

Sep202021 by Kristi McCallNo Comments

Eddie Murphy: A Successful Comedian

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy was an actor and a comedian who began his standup career when he was a teenager. He was a popular cast member in "Saturday Night Live" and starred in many blockbuster movies. At the age of 21, in "48 hours", he starred with Nick Nolte and went on to be a part of movies like "Beverly Hills Cop", "Trading Places", "Shrek", "Coming To America", and "The Nutty Professor." He was also into dramas, comedies, and family films, along with making many movies. The early life of Murphy April 3rd, 1961, was the day a great comedian and an actor, Eddie Regan Murphy, was born in Brooklyn, New York. He started his projects in Bushwick with his father, Charles, his mother, a New York police officer, a mature comedian, Lillian, and his brother, Charles, a telephone operator. When he was ...

Sep192021 by Kristi McCallNo Comments

How George Carlin Became A Comedian?

George Carlin

George Calin was regarded as "the dean of counterculture comedians” because of his ground-breaking political views and satires depicted through his stand-up acts. George Denis Patrick Carlin is considered the most celebrated and influential artist of his time. Who was George Calin? He dropped out of high school and joined Air Force. He started appearing on the radio after collaborating with his manager Jack Burns and drew Lenny Bruce, the famous comedian. He helped him to make his imprint through The Tonight Show with Jack Paar. After this gig, there was no going back for Carlin and he went on to keep attracting the limelight to become a successful author, comedian, and TV star. Early Life Carlin was born on 12 May 1937 in Bronx, New York. He and his brother, Pat was brought up by...

Sep192021 by Kristi McCallNo Comments

What Is Meant When Rodney Dangerfield Said ‘No Respect’?

Breaking News

It's ironical that owning something which is seen as unwarranted established someone's identity. A black suit, a red tie and the signature catchphrase- I don't get any respect- garnered much respect and recognition for the iconic and legendary comedian of all times, Rodney Dangerfield. The phrase owned by the comedian was such a hit that his album names No Respect won him a Grammy Award in 1981. However, the story behind him developing this catchphrase is not entirely hilarious, but rather sad. Still, despite all the hardships he has been gone through, he was able to make people laugh through his self-deprecating humour till he died after completing 82 years of age in 2004. Dangerfield’s life was not all wines and roses Born in Babylon, New York, he was christened as Jacob Cohen b...

Sep192021 by Kristi McCallNo Comments

Why Everyone Should Try Stand Up Comedy

Stand Up Comedy

Stand-up comedy is undoubtedly an incredible artform and a brilliant way of communication. Stand-up artists are capable of speaking on various topics and issues with a lot of nuance and grace. They can make the audience think differently and widen their perspective on life. Stand-up comedy is very different from other entertainment forms. A stand-up comedian needs to be quick on his feet and have a strong presence of mind. It’s quite a brave endeavor as he faces the audience alone and is only armed with his mic and written material. Make sure you try stand-up comedy once. It can do wonders for your confidence!

Dec182017 by Kristi McCallNo Comments

Laugh And Learn With The Kates

Laugh And Learn

the kates UNIVERSITY Picture the kates university includes adult storytelling and stand-up classes, all female stand-up classes, corporate comedy workshops, college comedy intensives and youth outreach programs. the kates university is the first step in YOUR comedy revolution. the kates university classes are taught by Kelsie Huff & the kates cast. If you have always wanted to try stand-up or storytelling but don't know where to start, these classes are for you! If you are looking to cross stand-up off your bucket list. These classes are for you! If you are an improvisor who's looking to strengthen your point of view and get "off the back wall." These classes are for you! If you are an artist who would like to get out of your comfort zone. These classes are for you! If you are a ...

Sep42016 by Kristi McCallNo Comments

More Info On The New Kates Cast Here

New Kates

Teamed up with some of Chicago's fellow female producers, performers and over all comic rock stars to create the first ever kates cast. The goal? To build a stronger, funnier more inclusive comedy community, together. More info on the new kates cast HERE. Picture Kelsie Huff - Creator of the kates Kelsie Huff is a Columbia College Chicago graduate turned stand-up and storyteller. She's the creator and host of the kates, a nine year comedy showcase, hosted by The Book Cellar and Laugh Factory Chicago. She teaches the only all female stand-up class in Chicago called, Feminine Comique. Kelsie performs at clubs all around the Midwest, as well as comedy and fringe festivals around the country. She is a regular guest of, host chat, on ABC’s Windy City LIVE, as well as a guest on WGN radio. Hu...

Mar102016 by Kristi McCallNo Comments

The Kates At The Book Cellar

Book Cellar

2ND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH 7PM Friday January 8th 7pm Courtney Buckwalter, LeeAnn Yops, Kelly Kenna, Amanda Cohen, Whitney Currier, Kristin Ryan, Tori Szekeres, Sarah Albritton (Host) Amy Sumpter Friday February 12th 7pm Gina Provenzano, Shanna Shrum, Melissa Richelle, Le Aboav, Mary Runkle, Susie Allen, Ruby Des Jardins, Stephanie Weber, Michelle Goeppner (Host) Amy Sumpter Friday March 11th 7pm Miden Wood, Charlene Orsine, Amy Sumpter, Ali Kelley, Merrit Landsteiner, Jillian Ebanks, Amy Schwartz, Julie Jurgens, Kathy Pulkrabek (Host) Colleen Brennan Friday April 8th 7pm Kelly Bolton, Amy Sumpter, Lainie Lenertz, Bridget Ballek, Mallory Bradford, Tamale Sepp, Portia Turner, Val Jencks, Sayjal Joshi (Host) Jan Slavin Friday May 13th 7pm Sarah Lavere, Kim Nelson, Jackie Wol...

Nov292011 by Kristi McCallNo Comments

Need A Good Laugh? Go See The Kates.

Good Laugh

The kates are an exclusive comedy group that encompasses the distinct voices of several up and coming Chicago performers hosted by local comedian Kelsie Huff and Amy Sumpter. The hilarious kates provide an intimate night of comedy different from anything you'll see at a typical Chicago club or late night bar. From darkly amusing musical number, the awkward art of clowning, absurd solo performances, and uproarious stand up comedy, the kates continue to crack up new audiences and ensure that loyal fans come back for more. The kates started at Kate the Great's Book Emporium in Edgewater. When the store sadly closed the kates found a new home at The Book Cellar. History Lesson for the day!