The comedy troupe My Best Friend Is Black is set to perform at City Winery in the West Loop on Tuesday. The event, organized in partnership with Pink Elephant Creatives, marks the group’s first appearance at this venue. Tickets are available starting at $30 through City Winery’s website.
Known for their monthly shows at Lincoln Lodge in Bucktown, the group plans to deliver a blend of familiar and new material. Marcus Banks, one of the members, said, “We’re gonna essentially do a mix of ‘best of’ and new things: stand up, improv, musical comedy and games.”
This performance will feature only the core members—Banks, Mike Atcherson, Chloe Mikala, Justin Walker, Rho Hudson, Arlieta Hall and Daryn Robinson—rather than their usual lineup that often includes other local Black performers. Banks noted that the show’s format can change quickly during performances. One recurring sketch involves Banks playing a barbecue host where guests debate revoking each other’s “Black cards,” which ends with an unexpected twist.
Another act inspired by Valentine’s Day features a dating app scenario involving audience participation and civil rights leaders. “A surprise appearance from one [civil rights leader] at the end” is also part of the routine, Banks said.
Since performing at Washington Park’s Green Line Performing Arts Center in 2023 through a limited-time residency program, My Best Friend Is Black has built a strong following in Chicago and beyond. They have received recognition as Chicago Reader’s “Best Comedy Show” for two consecutive years. Their regular shows at Lincoln Lodge on the fourth Thursday each month are well attended.
In January, they headlined The Last Word Comedy Festival in Williamsburg, Virginia—a milestone for the troupe.
Banks mentioned that performing on Chicago’s South Side remains challenging due to financial constraints after their Green Line residency ended. “After that ended, it wasn’t accessible to us anymore and we couldn’t afford to do it. In addition to that, we were tired. We do shows at Lincoln Lodge every month. Putting together more than one show a month with the type of show that we do would be exhausting,” he said. Despite these challenges, Banks expressed hope about returning to South Side venues in the future.
