Fred's Bio

Fred grew up in a one-room cabin in Northern California near Lake Tahoe. It was the type of place Ted Kaczynski would have been proud of. Fred has since overcome his hillbilly roots to become a sophisticated metropolitan urbanite with exquisite first-class taste (please see his first event recommendation for confirmation). This former Troglodyte is passionate about the city of Chicago and his River North neighborhood. Fred is the sole inspiration for the current Dos Equis commercials after one of their executives overheard him say “stay thirsty my friends” at a bar after telling a group of Brazilian supermodels how he had--during the Cuban missile crisis--entertained Castro on his yacht and thereby averted a potential World War 3. Fred can believe it’s not butter. If at first you don’t succeed, it’s because you’re not Fred.

OK seriously folks, Fred’s passion for comedy began at an early age when for some reason his father allowed him to watch George Carlin’s stand-up routines on TV. The seven dirty words you can’t say on television in his opinion is the greatest comedic diatribe ever preformed. Fred’s love affair for entertainment began oddly enough at an Englebert Humperdinck concert (look him up kiddies) in which his cousin was performing as one of his back-up dancers. He got to go backstage and it clicked that this was the industry for him. Fred spent 4 years in Las Vegas and was the company manager for legendary comic David Brenner’s stand-up show.  He has also worked in the comedy department at a major talent agency and now manages stand-up comedians. He will strive to bring you the very best Comedy events in and around Chicago and offer you all-killer no-filler recommendations.

Fred's Questionnaire

Q: Describe a perfect night out with friends?

A: A fantastic dinner at a restaurant where many different dishes can be shared (i.e.: Tapas or Sushi), then off to a great comedy show in a packed house and finish off the night with cocktails at a chill lounge or groovin’ at a happening night spot.

Q: Drink of choice?

A: A microbrewery I.P.A., dirty vodka martini with extra olives (blue cheese stuffed preferred), or a Captain and Coke.

Q: Best way to cure a hangover?

A: ...is to prevent the hangover altogether. I try to stick to the same drink all night and avoid the temptation to take shots.  If I start the night drinking beer then I stick with it. If I start drinking cocktails, I know I can always switch to beer and be OK. Even if I do drink way too much or mix drinks improperly I’m usually just fine in the morning as long I take two Advil and drink a few glasses of water before I go to sleep. Also, I never try to pass out if I still have the spins.

Q: Favorite music to dance to?

A: Anything with a good rhythm and beat. Hip-Hop and R&B are great as long as it’s not slow ghetto thug style. I would say my favs are “Yeah” by Usher, “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce, “Music” by Madonna, “Spin Spin Sugar” by Sneaker Pimps and “Operation Blade” by Public Domain.

Q: Favorite nightlife spot in Chicago?

A: I think it’s really more about the people that work at the nightlife spots then the actual venues themselves. I like many others want to go where we are well taken care of and welcomed. I love to go to Manor because Colin and Morgan always take such good care of me and anyone I bring in. They understand how the industry should work and truly “get it”.  I also know Sean and his team will always take care of me at Crescendo. Underground and Y Bar are also great spots. I always recommend to people, especially guys, if you don’t have a table reservation just to be patient and respectful and you will usually get in to a club.  Chicago isn’t like Vegas--it’s not all about the money. You don’t have to give the doorman $200 to get in. Just be cool and leave the douchebag attitude in the cab.