Chucklefck Presents James Fritz

Chucklefck’s weekly comedy showcase returns to the Grog Shop tonight at 8, with a refreshing blend of Cleveland and Chicago talent. Among the former, you’ll find comics Curtis Cook, Michael Strenk, and James Burge Jr., as well as hosts Dave Flynt and Ramon Rivas II. And among the later, there’s tonight’s closer, James Fritz, a Kentucky-born, Chicago-based comic who has become a fave on that city’s comedy scene, not the least among the LGBT crowd. (“I love gay dudes,” says the funny guy. “Who else will give me coke and tell me that I’m pretty?”) But the up-and-comer has plenty more on his mind — and he’s not afraid to share it. Relationships, race, religion, and politics all come within his liberal-leaning purview. To wit, a recent tweet: “Newt wants to control the border. Santorum wants armed guards inside your birth canal.” You can peer a little deeper into Fritz’s bearded head at youcouldbedead.com, his comedy talk-show podcast. Or just show up at the Grog Shop tonight at 7:30. Tickets are $8 at the door or $5 in advance by phone or online.