It's no secret that Chicago's a hotbed for up-and-coming solo sketch performers: on any given night you'll find several comedians taking the stage at various venues across town, offering up an hour or so of this performance style that blends storytelling, sketch, and standup.

Tonight (Wednesday, July 23rd) is one such night, with several equally intriguing concepts being presented by some of the city's most interesting and creative minds. We've narrowed down our top 5 picks to catch, the rest is up to you!

Open Michael: A Solo Show starring Mike Klasek, direced by Alex Hanpeter
Veteran story teller/comic Michael Klasek turns his absurd /dark point of view squarely on himself as he examines the nature of life through the story of his own.

Hanpeter Paul & Mary: A One-Woman Solo Sketch Revue starring Alex Hanpeter, directed by Clayton Margeson
Hanpeter Paul & Mary is a ______ filled with _____ and _____. Your _____ will be ______. Your ______ will be _______. And your _____ will definitely be sore. Let your imagination fill in the blanks.

Margeson of a Bitch: Seduction Through History starring Clayton Margeson, directed by Jude Tedmori
You can learn a lot from history, but this is the history you'll WANT to repeat. Learn how to have the sex you want with the people you know by studying history's greatest Lotharios and/or dictators.

Reinhardly Wait: The True Rock Jukebox Biopic of SLICE EAGLECOCK starring Kyle Reinhard, directed by Mike Klasek
Golden Era rock 'n roll heartthrob Slice Eaglecock (1936-2001) WAS one of the most influential and groundbreaking (not to mention hardest-partying) artists of his day, but has he become nothing more than a footnote in the music history books?

Jude, Where's My Car?!: The E! Jude Hollywood Story starring Jude Tedmori, directed by Kyle Reinhard
J.J. Darwish (star of The Benchwarmers) was the premier child actor in Orange County, but whatever happened to him? Find out the whole E! Jude Hollywood Story about J.J. Darwish (with exclusive footage and photos).