TALKING FUNNY
Comedian and radio host Brian Babylon sounds off on his ideal Sunday in the city
Brian Babylon has made a career out of talking. And with his whip-smart wit — and a voice that would make Samuel L. Jackson jealous — it’s not difficult to see why. The stand-up comic has been making the rounds of Chicago’s comedy circuit for the better part of a decade, and his unique style, which he describes as “edgy and smart with urban sprinkles,” has made Babylon a local staple.
This year will be the South side native’s second time emceeing Tedx Midwest Youth, the teen-oriented version of the popular speaker series. The youth conference, which will be held at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph) May 4, will feature 20 expert speakers in the fields of technology, entertainment and design — including locals like financial guru Mellody Hobson and teenage fashion designer Zoë Damacela (for the full lineup of speakers, visit
Tedxmidwest.com). Babylon and the experts will directly address 400 of Chicago’s most promising high schoolers, but every session will be broadcast live on YouTube at no cost. Personally, Babylon can’t wait to hear what they have to say. “We always hear about kids doing bad things,” he says. “But we rarely showcase the kids who are doing the good stuff.”
This year also marks Babylon’s third on WBEZ-FM 90.7 The Morning Amp, a talk show that covers the news in a casual “coffee table or bar talk” manner. He’s also the co-host of NPR’s “Wait, Wait ... Don’t Tell Me,” the station’s hour-long quiz program, which can be found on WBEZ-FM 91.5. This summer will also be Babylon’s sixth time hosting the Bronzeville Coffeehouse Comedy, an outdoor, every-other-Wednesday comedy show spotlighting some of Chicago’s best up-and-comers.
Since he’s already taken Chicago by storm, Babylon has his eyes set outside the city. “This is a really great time to be in standup here,” he says. “I get to work out my jokes so when I go to New York or L.A. I’m really prepared.” But he needs the help of his Windy City fans to get there. “Right now, I’m really trying to get to Montreal for the Just For Laughs festival,” he says. “People, tweet my name to @ Just_For_Laughs!”
Here, Chicago’s funnyman lays out his perfect Sunday.