April 29th, 2025 // Vol. XVI // New Prattic On My Wrist

Buenas Tardes. It’s a windy Tuesday in Evanston, which is infinitely more interesting than:

• National Shrimp Scampi Day (bleh. no thanks.)

• National Zipper Day (this is starting to feel like a Phineas and Ferb episode)

• National Peace Rose Day (wow, they were really struggling for content today—could never be me)

Today’s forecast comes from first-hand, frontline reporting (the wind forcing me to lose in pickleball). Pickleball can also explain my tardiness. Please forgive me. Better late than never to have a day:

New Sidequest in:

Beer cans adorn the vaulted (tilted?) ceiling. Foot-shaped holes pockmark the floor. String lights (or maybe Christmas lights) flicker low overhead. Two window AC units try their hardest.

At 9:15, dozens flood in. They fill folding chairs, dining chairs, camping chairs, a sofa, the floor—sitting anywhere they can and standing (or ducking) when they can’t. I see why Diego told me to get here early.

In the midst of all the chaos, a mic stands like a beacon in the night, an island in the storm. Gritty doesn’t begin to describe the scene. Honestly, only one word truly can: Prattic.

It’s the force taking Evanston comedy by storm. Simply put, some kids turned their attic into a comedy lounge of sorts. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it surely isn’t exclusive. In fact, it’s just the opposite: Comedy for everyone (provided you get to the backyard entrance early enough).

The Prattic seeks to destroy the exclusivity of the Northwestern comedy scene by hosting weekly open mic nights. Yes, sometimes they charge admission, but, hey, you get a free beer. Last night was a free night, and one of The Daily Boofy’s most loyal readers, Diego, invited me along to check out his and everyone else’s sets.

In the 10 or so three-and-a-half minute sets, there was a little bit of everything: eco-terrorism, foreplay, real-life Borat, a murder plot, adult circumcisions, some post nut clarity, and a cockblocking brother.

Laughs abounded, but I was more impressed by the raw confidence displayed by the comedians. It takes balls to go up there and try to make people laugh face to face, but The Prattic offers a safe space to test your stuff.

After descending from the loft, I heard many wondering if they could ever do a set. I’d be lying if I said the thought didn’t cross my mind too. I’ll stay behind the keyboard for now, but who knows? The Prattic is clearly inspirational…

QOTD 16: Would You Ever Do Stand-Up Comedy? Why or Why Not?

Apparently there are some issues with the email responses, so go check the Instagram Stories to answer this question.

Yesterday’s Results

Lots of y’all gave great movie choices, from the Godfather to Parasite to Silence of the Lambs. Thanks for bolstering my watch list.