Lavender Laugh Lounge brings women and LGBTQ stand-up to Loaves & Witches
Sat. August 1, 2026 8:15 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
photo credit // michael oboza
Sober-friendly comedy showcase happens monthly at Edgewater bakery cafe
CHICAGO, ILL. -
By Michael Oboza, Special to GoPride.com
A celebrated sober-friendly stand-up comedy and variety production gave local performers a vibrant platform to shine on Saturday night. And it happens every month!
The Lavender Laugh Lounge showcased women, queer, and LGBTQ comics on August 1. Produced and hosted by comics Rey Tang, Elaine Golden, and Kris Lantzy, the hourlong stand-up showcase brought some of the hottest talent in the local comedy scene to the stage in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
The showcase took place at Loaves & Witches, located at 6034 N. Broadway in the Edgewater neighborhood. Recognized as a Chicago Reader "Best of Chicago" winner for best coffee shop, Loaves & Witches is a queer-owned sober coffee shop and vegan bakery dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space for community connection.
Featured comics for the evening included Shelley B. Wright, Luis Arevalo, Shawn Hayes, and Jacob Crow.
Formerly known as Laugh Dance during its previous run at Whiskey Girl Tavern, the production rebranded in early 2025 as Lavender Laugh Lounge before moving to its new home at Loaves & Witches later that fall. While the venue and name have evolved, the show continues its core mission of celebrating women, LGBTQ performers, and friends in a dedicated sober-friendly atmosphere.
The monthly event runs on the first Saturday of every month. The show took place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by a social hour where attendees met, mingled, caught up with friends, and enjoyed tarot readings.
Admission to the show was free, with donations accepted at the end of the performance.
A celebrated sober-friendly stand-up comedy and variety production gave local performers a vibrant platform to shine on Saturday night. And it happens every month!
The Lavender Laugh Lounge showcased women, queer, and LGBTQ comics on August 1. Produced and hosted by comics Rey Tang, Elaine Golden, and Kris Lantzy, the hourlong stand-up showcase brought some of the hottest talent in the local comedy scene to the stage in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
The showcase took place at Loaves & Witches, located at 6034 N. Broadway in the Edgewater neighborhood. Recognized as a Chicago Reader "Best of Chicago" winner for best coffee shop, Loaves & Witches is a queer-owned sober coffee shop and vegan bakery dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space for community connection.
Featured comics for the evening included Shelley B. Wright, Luis Arevalo, Shawn Hayes, and Jacob Crow.
Formerly known as Laugh Dance during its previous run at Whiskey Girl Tavern, the production rebranded in early 2025 as Lavender Laugh Lounge before moving to its new home at Loaves & Witches later that fall. While the venue and name have evolved, the show continues its core mission of celebrating women, LGBTQ performers, and friends in a dedicated sober-friendly atmosphere.
The monthly event runs on the first Saturday of every month. The show took place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by a social hour where attendees met, mingled, caught up with friends, and enjoyed tarot readings.
Admission to the show was free, with donations accepted at the end of the performance.