The Kates comedy troupe to perform in Elgin May 23

Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin, presents a night of Chicago Comedy featuring The Kates at 8 p.m. Friday, May 23.

Curated by Chicago performer Kelsie Huff, the showcase of female comedians will feature Huff, Kristen Clifford, Amy Sumpter, Alexandra Tsarpalas, and Elgin native Kelly Bolton.

There is a $15 suggested donation, with limited seating available. Reservations are recommended.

The Kates, who for the past four years have found their home twice monthly at The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square, was one of the Chicago Reader's Best of 2013. From one intimate venue in Chicago to another in Elgin, acts ranging from storytelling to clowning attract a different kind of performer and audience.

"That kind of intimacy makes for a different kind of comedy," Huff told Rebellious Magazine. "It's a different muscle that you don't get to flex at traditional comedy venues. You have to change your delivery and material to fit different environments. I love that about comedy."

Side Street Studio Arts Director Erin Rehberg was introduced to Huff's performance work at the Boulder Fringe Festival in 2010.

"Of course, she was hilarious," said Rehberg, "but her storytelling and complete engagement of every member of the sold-out audience was inspiring and exciting. When we started talking comedy at Side Street, she was the first person we thought of."

For more information on "The Kates - A Night of Chicago Comedy" at Side Street, visit the Facebook Event Page at facebook.com/events/700400750016360/.

Reserve your seat at SideStreetStudioArts.org, or in person at 15 Ziegler Court. For information about The Kates, visit thekates.org.

Side Street Studio Arts was founded in 2013 by Tanner Melvin and Erin Rehberg as an outlet for the artists of Elgin. Currently under the direction of Amanda Harris, Melvin, and Rehberg, its mission is to provide an accessible space, run by artists, encouraging all aspects of the artistic process from creation to curation. For details, visit SideStreetStudioArts.org, call (847) 429-2276 or email SideStreetStudioArts@gmail.com.