Dark matter detector picks up a mysterious signal
September 1, 2026
This fall, Norris Programs is hosting the NU x Chicago Comedy Series, a live showcase that connects students to the local comedy scene.
Comedian and Northwestern professor Sepehr Vakil will serve as host and emcee of the three events in the series. The showcase, free and open to the public, takes place at Luna’s Pub at Norris University Center on the Evanston campus.
Each event spotlights Northwestern student talent, a featured comedian and a headliner.
Vakil, associate professor of learning sciences in the School of Education and Social Policy, worked with the comedy culture collective, SmartAFChicago (himself and a few of his comedian friends) to put together a lineup of shows to spotlight acts who he feels are funny, smart and thoughtful.
He wants the audience to laugh — and think.
“I think there is just such a beautiful and storied legacy of comedy at Northwestern, and I hope to contribute to that in a small way,” Vakil said. “I’ve been performing comedy and producing shows in Evanston for the past couple years and received such positive feedback from faculty, staff and students. When Luna’s opened, I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to bring some joy (and spice) to campus.”
Vakil said he was inspired to create the new comedy series by the students who ran The Prattic, but have since graduated. In such uncertain times, he thinks levity is needed now more than ever.
“Comedy is such a vital art form in times of crisis that we are in right now,” he said. “We need places to be easy together, to connect, and to speak the truths that are maybe difficult to express. The last few years have been tough for our world and country, but also for our campus. My intent with comedy and with this series is to bring people together to connect, heal and have fun.”
The NU x Chicago Comedy Series lineup
- Friday, Oct. 16, Damon Howard and Brian Hicks are the featured comedians. Haikal Rozaidi and William Paik are the student performers, and Kristen Toomey will headline.
- Friday, Nov.13, the featured comedians have not been named yet. Andrew Mikhail is the student performer, and Mo Good will headline.
- Friday, Dec. 4, the featured comedians have not been named yet. Haikal Rozaidi is the student performer, and Rami Abushhab will headline.
