Thursday, November 29, 2012

Think Tank's 4th Annual Holiday Fundraiser Show


Greetings! We presume you survived Black Friday, Local Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Give Back Tuesday and are really confused as to how the holidays got here so fast. Hopefully you had a better Thanksgiving than New York Jets fans, and if you are a Jets fan, well, we're sorry.

We've been busier than a Kohl's new hire on Black Friday. We wrapped shooting for the Sick Day pilot at Odd Machine. We are also pleased to announce that for the 4th consecutive year, Think Tank is putting on a Holiday Spectacular show to benefit a local charity. This year, we've rejoined forces with the awesome people of the Mae Bell Ward Foundation for Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is a disease that has affected every member of Think Tank, and sadly, millions across the globe. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the foundation.

Think Tank has prepared an entire new holiday themed show for the evening, chock full of special guests, sweet surprises, and holiday magic for the audience. We're excited to be performing at Fizz Bar (3220 N. Lincoln) for the first time. The show starts at 8pm on December 13th and will be $10 at the door. Stay tuned for drink specials, and more on our facebook page and RSVP to the event RIGHT HERE.

Before you go back to shopping Cyber-Whatever-Day-This-Is, check out some photos from the Odd Machine Shoot!!








Friday, November 16, 2012

OH MY GOD TWINKIES! ...and other news.

Credit to"Luke"... whoever you are.

That's the first image that comes up if you google "dead twinkie." I bet a lot of people are doing things like that today. So, aside from no more twinkies, CIA and FBI agents gettin' their groove on, and Gangnam Style, what else is happening in the news?

Anything new with Think Tank?

Why yes. Yes there is.

This weekend the guys are all taking part in the shooting of a comedy pilot directed by our good friend Alec Pinkston. Alec is the executive producer at the Odd Machine, a recent award-winner at the New York Television and Film Festival, and was MVP of the episode of the Price is Right in which he appeared... at least according to this freak.

The show we're shooting is called "Sick Day" and is sort of a morning show on crack. And speed. And acid. Alec has assembled a cast of many hilarious Chicago comedians and actors to take part in the show. Paul and Kevin will be providing a fashion segment. Brent will be doing investigative reporting. And Peter will be providing doctor's tips on diseases you can use to call in sick to work that day. We're looking forward to a fun, long weekend in the studio.

Sick Day set mid-construction



The 2013 Chicago Sketchfest lineup was just announced and we're glad to be making our 6th appearance at the best sketch comedy festival in the world. Think Tank's show will be January 12th at 6pm on the Thrust stage. Well get you more info on tickets when they go on-sale. We always make a blow-out spectacle of these shows, and this year will be no different.

AND FINALLY, (but most importantly as it's coming up soon and I probably should've put this at the top) we're doing our 3rd Annual Holiday Show To Benefit A Worthy Cause (working title).


For the second year in a row we've chosen the Maebell Ward Foundation, a partner with the Alzheimer's Association and started by our good friend Terron Edmonds. The show will be December 13th at 8pm at Fizz Bar. Keep an eye on our facebook page for an invite and more details about what will be a candy-caney, egg-noggy jingle-belly good time.

OK, thanks for reading. You can go back to mourning your favorite hostess snacks now, gangnam style.

Monday, November 5, 2012

DECISION 2012

Things are getting heated out there and tomorrow is the big day! Vote hard, ladies and gentlemen. And while we here at Tank aren't ones to beat you over the head with our political beliefs (it all seems pretty silly, really), but this is one candidate that we think EVERYONE needs to get behind!!!
   
And while there is a pretty big seat up for election tomorrow, let's not forget that there a lot of local positions up for grabs tomorrow, too. These should help educate you on some local political races:
 

Vote Hard. 2012.

Friday, September 21, 2012

THINK TANK & FRIENDS - THIS MONDAY!



THIS MONDAY!

Featuring:

Think Tank Comedy
Paul Thomas
Chad Briggs
Chris Condren
Marty DeRosa

HERE ARE THE DETAILS....
Where: The Hungry Brain (2319 West Belmont Avenue)
When: September 24th @ 8:30pm
THIS SHOW IS FREE. Come out!

Sunday, September 9, 2012

"Think Tank & Friends" returns to The Hungry Brain on September 24th

After a great first installment of “Think Tank & Friends” back in July, the show is returning to The Hungry Brain on Monday, September 24th.

We’ve got a really exciting lineup to be announced very soon. But here’s a little taste from one of the confirmed performers, the hilarious Paul Thomas!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Misguided TV @ The Music Box - Pictures, Videos, & More!

Last Wednesday night, close to 100 people packed into the Music Box Theater for the premiere of Misguided TV. It was a night of celebration and laughter, hosted by the tremendously funny Chad Briggs. Here is a little clip of him telling jokes....



Here are some pictures from the evening!

Prior to the pilot episode begining, we played a few additional short videos including this NEW trailer for the movie "Burgled" about some robbers who rob a broke guy. It's based on true events. Enjoy!



Make sure to check us on FACEBOOK for the MOST up-to-date news regarding Misguided TV, upcoming live shows, and more!

For the NEWEST VIDEOS from Think Tank Comedy, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to The Misguided TV YouTube Channel

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Misguided TV Premiere Party at the Music Box Theatre!


It's next week, folks! Mark your calenders, scratch out what's already there, write it down on your wall if you don't have a calender, tell your iphone lady to remind you--Wednesday August 22nd is the Misguided TV Premiere Party! Everyone's invited, not just the Brad Pitts, Clooneys, and paparazzi, but you, your friends and your neighbors.

Ravi marked his calender

The evening will start at 6:30pm at Cullens Bar and Grill with a cocktail hour and appetizer reception. There will be a private room with food and drink specials. Say hi to Think Tank, enjoy some beverages, tickle your companion, and then head 2 doors down Southport Ave to the Music Box Theatre. The show will start promptly at 8pm and will be hosted by the hilarious Chad Briggs. There will be stand-up, red-carpet interviews with personalities from Misguided TV, and audience giveaways. The evening will culminate with the premiere screening of the pilot episode of Misguided TV. Everyone in attendance will also receive a copy of the episode to take home.

  3733 N. Southport Ave

Tickets are $10 and are on-sale now. Click here to buy them. They will be available at the Music Box Theatre Box Office, but advanced purchase is recommended as space is limited. Many of our fans helped make this happen and we want you all to be there for this very special night. See you Wednesday!



Wednesday, August 1, 2012

NEW LIVE VIDEOS - Think Tank @ Chicago Underground Comedy

Earlier this year we had the immense pleasure of being the opening act at the Adam Burke Unlimited Show at ChUC (Chicago Underground Comedy). Thanks to one of the show’s producers, Elizabeth McQuern, we were able to retrieve some great footage. We’ve edited it down to 3 quick fun little clips for your enjoyment. Enjoy!

Friday, July 13, 2012

New Show! Think Tank and Friends

We are pleased to announce the debut of Think Tank and Friends! A new show produced by Think Tank Comedy and You, Me, Them, Everybody at the Hungry Brain. Think Tank has performed at the Brain several times and is very excited to collaborate with Brandon Weatherbee, founder of YMTE, in bringing forth a new, semi-regular, and entirely weird show.

Performing at the show on July 24th will be Chad Briggs, Adam Burke, Joe Fernandez, the Puterbaugh Sisters, Kevin Pomeroy, and Think Tank. We promise it will be a show like no other and you are guaranteed to get your money's worth. Every single cent. There will be absolutely no chance you will have wasted money. Your wallet will thank you. Those dead presidents (and Ben Franklin) will be smiling all over your money.

The show's FREE!
This brain was hungry.


















Donations will be accepted after the show. If you enjoyed it, and didn't give all your cash to the tamale guy, pitch in what you can and we'll be able to keep these shows coming.

The Hungry Brain is a great venue, with an excellent beer selection, and friendly bartenders. Tis cash only.

Think Tank and Friends
July 24th @ the Hungry Brain
8pm



Tuesday, June 19, 2012

MORE KICKSTARTER SONGS!

What happens when you shoot 30 consecutive videos, and each one is an original song for different people who supported your dreams? Things get delirious. Enjoy this next batch of weird tunes by The Muckleberry Brothers!!!

Andrew Smithka:

Kickstarter Rewards Video for Andrew Smithka from Think Tank on Vimeo.

Tom Carroll:

Kickstarter Rewards Video For Tom Carroll from Think Tank on Vimeo.

Mary Parr:

Kickstarter Rewards Video for Mary Parr from Think Tank on Vimeo.

Lo McDonald:

Lo McDonald Kickstarter Rewards Video from Think Tank on Vimeo.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

More Kickstarter Reward Muckleberry Videos!!!

As promised, here's a new batch of the Kickstarter reward videos from the Muckleberry Brothers!  This week, we're featuring videos for Colleen Bland, Judy Oltman (Brent's mom), and Colin Joliat from the Flint Skinny and Guyism, all of whom were gracious enough to contribute at least $100 to our kickstarter campaign and pushing this dream a little farther toward reality!  Thanks guys!  ENJOY!!!

Colleen Bland:

Brent's Mom:
   
Colin Joliat (the Flint Skinny):
 

And just in case you missed it, here's the latest video, Liptitor from Think Tank Comedy!!!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Kickstarter Rewards - Personalized Songs by The Muckleberry Brothers!!!

We began quite a big undertaking last year, raising over $5,500 to help shoot our original sketch comedy pilot Misguided TV. The first episode is in the final stages of post-production and should be finished in the next few weeks. We are getting really excited to submit it to the New York Television Festival for consideration!

In appreciation of all those who helped us raise the funds, we owe people some rewards!

For the first round of rewards, some of our kickstarter backers who pledged at least $100 are receiving short original songs composed and performed for them by The Muckleberry Brothers. We recorded about 20 songs total, so keep checking back. We will be releasing them gradually over the next two weeks.

The first three are dedicated to:

Michael "Rog" Gentile

Michael "Rog" Gentile's Kickstarter Reward from Think Tank's Muckleberry Brothers!!!! from Think Tank on Vimeo.

David Weglarz

Dave Weglarz Kickstarter Reward from the Muckleberry Bros. from Think Tank on Vimeo.

Casey Gustus

Casey Gustus Kickstarter Reward from the Muckleberry Bros!!!! from Think Tank on Vimeo.



Stay Tuned!!!

We have a bunch more songs coming over the next two weeks!!!!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Muckleberry Kickstarter Rewards Are Coming!!!

Greetings!  It's a very exciting time here at Think Tank HQ.  We are currently putting together a series of events to unveil the first episode of Misguided TV in a big way...stay tuned for news on our Pilot Premiere Party!!!  Aaaand now that we aren't spending every waking minute working on finishing the pilot, we've spent some time thanking the many people who contributed to our Kickstarter campaign.  You were promised meat slaps, and those are coming very soon.  Another thing we promised our backers was a personalized song from our very own Muckleberry Brothers.  Well, we are pleased to announce that the Muckles have been hard at work in their Rainbow Recording Studios and have completed all of the reward songs!  We will be releasing all 20 of these songs in the coming days, and here's a sneak peak of "Cloudy Headed" Carl and "Sleepy" Stanley warming up their powerful pipes at the Rainbow.

Carl/Stanley Warmup #1:



Carl/Stanley Warmup #2:


Stay tuned for all of the Muckleberry personalized songs in all of their glory in the coming days!!!  We also have some big show announcements coming that will feature us collaborating with You, Me, Them, Everyone and some of our favorite Chicago standups!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Lewis and Gary are Back...


...and creepier than ever! Your favorite dads from Lombard meet up to share another regular old weekend in the suburbs. Check out the newly released edition of Pretty Good Weekend!

Ahh, isn't it heartwarming to see two dads share their experiences? Their feelings? Their laughter and love?

What did you do last weekend? Was it as pretty good as Lewis and Gary's? What sorts of things are you going to do this weekend? Head over to the MisguidedTV channel and let us know in the video's comments section. Best "pretty good weekend activities" will win an award from Think Tank! While you're there, catch up on any of the other videos you may have missed. You'll be glad you did.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Final Pistol Party: Full Rundown


Think Tank and its monthly sketch show Pistol Party stand out in the overcrowded scene of local sketch comedy groups in the equally important fields of writing and production quality.” –AV Club Chicago


The final Pistol Party is upon us and we have lots of fun in store for all in attendance!  This Friday, May 11th Pistol Party will be ending its glorious three year run in style at the Underground Lounge.  The festivities will kick off at 9pm.  We're dusting this old pony off for one final ride and we are bringing along Chad Briggs (Impress These Apes CHAMPION, ChUC member, Just for Laughs, @mrchadbriggs) and James Fritz (#1 iTunes comedy album, ChUC member Kentucky basketball fan, @jamesfritzcomic) for the ride.  Chad and James are two of Pistol's oldest friends, and also happen to be two of our funniest.  Here's a clip of James talking about summer:



This being the last Pistol, it will also be an awards banquet.  Guests are encouraged to wear formal attire (think high school awards banquet, not red carpet) and will be showered with various party favors upon entering.  Dinner will be served to the first 20 (or so) guests.  After the comedy, Chicago band Chaperone will close out the evening with harmonious sounds of rock n roll orgy.  Here's a great clip of them from Schubas:



Check out the event page HERE for even more info and to RSVP.  See you Friday.

The Final Pistol Party
with Chad Briggs, James Fritz, and Chaperone
Friday, May 11th 9pm
Underground Lounge
952 W. Newport 
$10

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Last Pistol Party Ever, Friday, May 11th!!!!



After an amazing 3 year run at the forefront of Chicago’s alt-comedy scene, our show Pistol Party is ending it’s monthly run on Friday, May 11th, at the Underground Lounge.  We are teaming up with Chad Briggs, James Fritz, and others for a final showcase featuring our best videos and scenes from over the years, as well as some new surprises, contests, and giveaways for the audience!  The show starts at 9pm and general admission is $10.   The band Chaperone will be playing a set after the show.  Here's a brief clip of Chaperone in a recent 
performance at Schubas.  We can't wait to see them the 11th!  Click HERE for more info and to RSVP on Facebook!!


Chaperone at Schubas



In other news, we are rapidly closing in on finishing episode 1 of the pilot, Misguided TV.  We have shot the final shots and are in the final editing stages and can't wait to unveil the full 24 minute version in the near future.  We also recently recorded a Think Tank radio show at a YOU, ME, THEM, EVERYONE podcast taping, which you can listen to RIGHT HERE.  Or just click play on the little doo-hick-ee below (our segment starts at about the 56:30 mark):


Finally, tax season just wrapped up, and if you're anything like us, you hate them more than lumpy gravy, but luckily, our good friends Cody & Dave are here to help:


See you all May 11th at the Underground Lounge!!!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

International Women's Day!!

Happy International Women's Day!  We hope that you are all celebrating the international women in your life (if you don't have any, just be thankful for Alanis Morrisette, Shania Twain, Maria Sharapova, Shakira, and Giselle Bundchen).  One quarter of Think Tank has been lamenting the end of Peyton Manning's career in Indy, one quarter has been celebrating the end of Peyton Manning's career in Indy, one quarter has been lost in the Big East Tournament, and the last quarter is Peter.

We're still rocking and rolling as a unit, too.  We made our debut at Chicago Underground Comedy, Chicago's premiere standup comedy showcase, opening for the venerable and brilliant Adam Burke.  Chad Briggs hosted with some brilliant new hand job material, we did our thing for 20 minutes, then Burke went off on an 80 minute set that left us saying "Oh my God..." over and over again.  It was a room on fire, and he murdered it.

"Wilson?" -photo by Erin Nekervis

We just found out that we did not make the finalist list of the NYTVF (tear), but that's ok, it was our first run at it, and we're going to do nothing but get better.  As for this month, we have Pistol Party on March 13th at the Underground Lounge, and just in case you missed Adam's set last month, he'll be hosting this month's Pistol! (Although no 80min set this time, there's a show after us, and we gotta get ours too!)  The theme this month is a "St. Partridge Day Celebration," in honor of St. Patrick's older, lesser known brother who hated the color green, was quite opposed to drinking, loved snakes, and preferred mashed onions to mashed potatoes.  Should be a silly one for sure: Underground Lounge, Tuesday March 13th at 8pm.

Here's a parting shot for you.  Even if you've seen the Macho Man video we made last year, go back and watch it again, then read the ridiculous amount of hate comments people have left on it.  It's quite hilarious how much people hate it!  If you giggle, go ahead and give it a like to help counteract all of that evil.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Building Steam

Whew...We're catching our breath from a crazy, amazin start to 2012.  After completing the pilot, Peter slept for about 6 days.  We just wrapped up our Pistol Party Valentine's show, and are now preparing for our opening slot for Adam Burke at Chicago Underground Comedy.  The show is next Tuesday, February 28th at the Beat Kitchen.  The show starts at 9:30, and is hosted by our great friend Chad Briggs.  Adam will also be hosting next month's Pistol Party on March 13th (more on that later).

In honor of all of Peter's hard work, here are two great clips from the pilot featuring 2 of our favorite Peter creations, Mr. Bodgers and Uncle Snickers.  We'll throw some Adam Burke in there too, just for good measure.  Stay tuned for a chance to win an advanced copy of our 15 minute pilot!  We can't wait to get it out there.

Mr. Bodgers,




Uncle Snickers,



And, Adam Burke.

Monday, January 30, 2012

End of January News

Welp, that was a whopper of a month here in Tanktown.  We rocked a sold out headlining slot at Chicago Sketchfest (with the help of 12 illustrious extras), where we showcased some of our best videos and live material.

After Sketchfest, we turned right around and whipped out a 15 minute pilot submission for the New York Television Festival and their contest sponsored by Comedy Central.  It was a lot of work (it felt like finals week over at HQ, and by the end, our brains were fried---especially Peter, who didn't sleep for something like a week), but we got it submitted in the nick of time and are anxiously awaiting to hear the results.  We'll keep you posted!  Here's a sneak preview from our live tapings last summer.  It's a clip of Uncle Snickers, a high school Win, Lose, or Draw coach, who is none too pleased with his team's first half performance.


February is looking promising as well.  We are currently in the process of copyrighting the pilot submission, and once that goes through, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GET YOUR HANDS ON A COPY!!!  Stay tuned, we have a lot of fun ideas on how to get it to you!  Also, February's Pistol Party falls on Valentine's Day this year, and we've lined up an awesome show with the Puterbaugh Sisters at the Underground Lounge, for an all new show, "Hey Valentine's Day @#$% YOU!!!"  As always, only $5.


Stay warm and we'll see you soon!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Pretty Good New Year.




It's a new year and a great time for Think Tank Comedy!!  We just wrapped up an amazing 2012 Chicago Sketchfest with a headlining show on the last Saturday of the festival (stay tuned for some clips from that in the very near future) and now we're turning our attention to bigger and better things in 2012.  We are currently hard at work on our submission for the New York TV Festival Comedy Central Pilot Contest which is due next week.  This is a 15 minute submission, which means we are one step closer to finishing Episode 1 of Misguided TV.

Another great bit of news, the Onion's AV Club named Think Tank one of the best local alternatives for the hit alternative comedy show, Portlandia (that's more alternative than Eddie Vedder playing hacky sack outside of a flannel shop in Seattle).  They were nice enough to compare us to some of our favorite shows, Mr. Show and Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, saying "Portlandia fans in search of some Chicago-based absurdity would do well to start here."  Check out the article HEREwhich also features our sisters in comedy, the fabulous Puterbaugh Sisterz, !  In other press news, Chicago music writing demigod, Jim Derogatis, (who also wrote the biography on our heroes, The Flaming Lips) really liked our Doors Online University Video, calling Peter a "video genius" on his website.

Speaking of the Puterbaugh Sisterz, they will be hosting our next Pistol Party on Tuesday, February 14th.  That's right, Valentine's Day!  (How fitting, considering that they are the love of our comedic lives).  Show starts at 8 at the Underground Lounge 952 W. Newport.  As always only $5!

In the meantime, check out our YouTube page for weekly new videos (have you seen Bum Fiddler, Let's Trade Beards, or Will Miles is So Cool?  Because they are all there!).  Just in case you don't believe us, here's the opus, Bum Fiddler:




Thanks for being here!

Brent, Kevin, Paul, and Peter


FIND THINK TANK EVERYWHERE!!!

On twitter: @thinktankcomedy

Monday, January 9, 2012

Happy Sketchfest

"♫♫ It's the most wonderful time....of the year ♫♫"


But wait, the holidays are over, right?  Of course, but here in Chicago, we have Chicago Sketchfest, which really just extends the whole holiday vibe for 2 more weeks (and pushes those New Year's resolutions back about 2 weeks).  We got an amazing Saturday night slot this year (the 14th) at 11pm.  We are thrilled for this.  GET TICKETS NOW, this one will sell out.  We also have AN ALL NEW PISTOL PARTY THIS TUESDAY, the 10th, at the Underground Lounge at 8pm.  This will be our last tune up before Sketchfest, and a great chance to get a sneak peak of what we're unveiling Saturday.  Pistol Party is $5 as always.  


All of this excitement has put us in a really generous mood, so here's a brand new video a few days early....Bum Fiddler!



Annnnnd since that one was only 26 seconds long, here's an oldie you may have missed, Auntie Thelma's Pt. 3.



Hope to see you this week!  You. Can. Do. It.




Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy New Year from Think Tank!

Happy New Year from Think Tank!  We hope your resolutions go as well as Brent's did last year...and if you're still looking for some new one's for this year, consider adding "Lying to your friends more" to your list!!

.