Comics Use Laughter To Create Mental Health Awareness Saturday At BAC

CHICAGO — Lewis University alumni from Oak Lawn are planning a comedy benefit to raise awareness of mental health issues Saturday, Feb. 8, 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 showcase features Joe Kilgallon, Kayley Horton and Calvin Evans. The keynote speaker is Andrew Keyt, founder and CEO of Genration6, and author of from “Stigma to Strength: Cultivating Mental Health for a Thriving Family Business.”

“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.”

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among college students. In colleges and universities across the United States, 24,000 students attempt suicide each year, and 1,100 don’t survive their crisis, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Further, transgender and nonbinary students report far higher rates of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors than cisgender students. Pacific Islander, Native American, and Black college students report higher suicide attempt rates than students of other races.

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 from the show will be used to create a scholarship for a Lewis graduate focusing on clinical counseling and to aid the Lewis University Center for Health and Counseling Services.

Tickets to the show are $50, $20 for Lewis University students, and can be purchased online. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, contact Krysten McGee at kmcgee2@lewisu.edu or 815-836-5966.

Can't make the show but would like to make a gift toward mental health counseling and counseling scholarships at Lewis University? Click here.

“Laugh To Create Awareness” features three 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.

Kayley Horton is a larger-than-life comedian who specializes in misdirecting her audience while giggling through the evil grin on her face. She is a producer of Laughter Hours at the Lincoln Lodge and hosts a weekly open mic at Easy Bar. You can enjoy her mischievous sense of humor all over Chicago.

Chicago native Calvin Evans' comedy career began during his time at the University Illinois Champaign-Urbana, according to his bio. While obtaining his degree in Sport Management, he fell in love with stand-up comedy and would put his business aspirations on hold. He took his talents back to Chicago and was quickly named Chicago’s Next Big Comic. Calvin received a Puma Scholarship to attend the famed Second City Training Center. Upon completing their Improv Conservatory program; Calvin was awarded a Bob Curry Fellowship. With stand up as his focus, he traveled the country performing at colleges and clubs. In 2017, he was recognized as a New Face at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. In 2018, he was one of 8 finalists in the nationwide NBC Standup competition.