TBS Just For Laughs Chicago Announces Russell Brand at Chicago Theatre in June

TBS Just For Laughs Chicago has announced the addition of Russell Brand, Pete Holmes, Paul F. Tompkins, Brian Posehn, Doug Benson, Todd Glass, Scott Adsit, Kevin Dorff, Jon Glaser, TJ & Dave, Horatio Sanz, Matt Walsh, Brad Morris and Joe Nunez to its 5th anniversary festival line-up. America's biggest comedy festival also announced the addition of a second Nick Swardson show at The Vic to accommodate tremendous demand, and director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) will make a special appearance to introduce an advance screening of his new movie The Heat at Kerasotes ShowPlace ICON on June 11.

Some Very Big Names For A Very Funny Festival

British superstar, actor and comedian Russell Brand leads the list of comedy heavyweights who've been added to the line-up at the Chicago Theatre. The internationally beloved star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek will perform a solo show at the landmark venue on June 12. On June 13, alt-comedy heroes Paul F. Tompkins, Brian Posehn, Doug Benson and Todd Glass will add to the already formidable funny firepower of David Cross & His Super Duper Pals.

Meanwhile, over at The Vic, the people have spoken, and they've decreed that Nick Swardson must perform a second show on June 14. So that's exactly what he's going to do. Well played, democracy.

What's UP? Comedy!

One of the city's hottest new venues, UP Comedy Club, will host a trio of solo stand-up performances by comedian Pete Holmes. The host of the popular You Made It Weird podcast and upcoming late-night TBS talk show series will perform two sets on June 11, with a follow-up on June 13. Sandwiched between those shows will be an exclusive live performance of the Bear Down Podcast, in which Chicago natives Horatio Sanz, Matt Walsh, Brad Morris and Joe Nunez dish on all things Da Bears, as well as a stellar Second City Alumni show, featuring legendary SC grads Scott Adsit, TJ & Dave, Kevin Dorff and Jon Glaser. And as long as we're getting funny locals back together, SNL newcomers Tim Robinson, Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant return to Chicago for the TBS Just For Laughs Festival in Knuckleheads for a night of sketch, improv and more.

"The Heat" Is On

TBS Just For Laughs Chicago is proud to announce that director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) will make a special appearance to introduce an advance screening of his new movie The Heat at the Kerasotes ShowPlace ICON on June 11. One of the summer's most hotly anticipated blockbusters, The Heat stars Academy Award-winner Sandra Bullock and Academy Award-nominee Melissa McCarthyas a mismatched FBI agent and Boston police officer who join forces to take down a ruthless drug lord. The movie boasts an all-star cast that includes Tony Hale, Kaitlin Olson, Michael Rapaport, Bill Burr and SNL's Taran Killam. You have the right to remain entertained.

Festival Venue and Ticket Information

The 2013 edition of TBS Just For Laughs Chicago will take place at various locations across Chicago, including such high-profile Chicago venues as The Chicago Theatre, Park West, The Vic plus many more. Tickets for the announced shows go on sale Saturday, May 11, at 11:00 a.m. (CT). Additional shows and venues will be announced soon.

· Tickets for The Chicago Theatre will be available at the Chicago Theatre Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, online atwww.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (312) 902-1500 or (800) 745-3000.

· Tickets for The Vic Theatre and Park West will be available at etix.com or by phone at 800-514-etix.

· Tickets for UP Comedy Club will be available at upcomedyclub.com or by phone at 312-662-4562.