Pitchfork

Improv comedy: It's not just for telling strangers to act like proctologists anymore! Beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4 and going until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5, the folks at Chicago's famed Second City comedy institution will take to their own e.t.c. stage to perform a full day's worth of improv, with ticket sales going to buy holiday presents for needy children. This is the sixth annual "The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters to Santa" event, and though the whole thing makes us a little drowsy just thinking about it, it also warms our Grinchian hearts.

We at Pitchfork enjoy a good chuckle now and again, but we especially like our chuckles with a side of music. And indeed, Second City will yet again spike their eggnog with a liberal splash of music, with guest appearances from Jeff Tweedy, Will Oldham, Steve Albini, Kim and Kelley Deal, Mekons Sally Timms and Jon Langford, and (as ever in Chicago) Robbie Fulks. No word on whether or not the musical lot will join in all the improv games, though we'd sure be curious to see Albini do "charming." Just funnin', Smiley!