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Comedy 9 results
Bloomington has become a hub of comedy in the Midwest for seasoned, touring professionals and young, local comedians, says writer Christine Brackenhoff. And while Bloomington’s comedy fans are welcoming, they’re also known to give genuine feedback. (clockwise from top left) Emil Wakim (photo by Tall and Small Photography), Shanda Sung (photo by Christine Brackenhoff), Emily Davis (courtesy photo), Mat Alano-Martin (photo by Christine Brackenhoff), Harlan Kelly (courtesy photo), Maria Bluck (photo by Tall and Small Photography), and James Tanford (photo by Christine Brackenhoff).

Bloomington Is a Hub — and Curator — of Live Comedy
Christine Brackenhoff
Bloomington has become a hub of comedy in the Midwest for many reasons, writes Christine Brackenhoff. For young comedians, seasoned professionals, and savvy comedy fans, Bloomington is home to a dynamic and welcoming comedy environment. With the Limestone Comedy Festival celebrating its 10th year next month, here’s a look at the local laugh scene. Click here to read Christine’s article.
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Alvin H. Rosenfeld is a professor of English and Jewish Studies; the Irving M. Glazer Chair, Jewish Studies; and the director of the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism. | Photo by Gale Nichols

Times of Israel Podcast with IU Prof. Alvin Rosenfeld ‘Antisemitism is now a form of entertainment — and that’s new’
Amanda Borschel-Dan
Prof. Alvin H. Rosenfeld is the founder and director of the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism at Indiana University. On a recent trip to Jerusalem, he was interviewed on a podcast by Amanda Borschel-Dan, an IU alumna who is now deputy editor at The Times of Israel. Among other topics, they discussed how antisemitism is now “a form of entertainment.” Click here to hear the podcast and read the transcript.
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Love to See It: Culture & Words Getting Us Through This Thing Called Life
Jennifer Piurek
How does pop culture help us express what it is to be human? Jennifer Piurek will explore this and other themes in her Limestone Post column, “Love to See It” — her take on why trends, words, and various art forms help us “both navigate the world and care about life experiences different from our own.” Click here to read Jennifer’s first column!
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Ali Beckman brings bugs to life on Instagram @SoFlyTaxidermy, which has more than 140K followers. While the Bloomington resident says her goal is “to make people laugh” and see the beauty in insects, her cartoons often address grittier topics. A collection of her work is being published by Red Lightning Books. | Photos courtesy of Ali Beckman

Bugs Come to Life in Ali Beckman’s So Fly Taxidermy
Dason Anderson
“I get up, I make coffee, and I think about bugs,” says Ali Beckman, a B-town resident whose Instagram account has 145K fans. While her goal is “to make people laugh” and see the beauty in insects, her gritty bug cartoons @SoFlyTaxidermy often address serious topics. Writer Dason Anderson asked Beckman about her work — and her book deal. Click here for the story.
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Block parties, summer fairs, art shows, theater, music, comedy, and festivals galore — these define a Bloomington summer. And that’s just the first weekend! | Courtesy photo

B-town Summer Kicks Off with Busy Weekend June 1-3
Benjamin Beane
Block parties, summer fairs, art shows, theater, music, comedy, and festivals galore — these define a Bloomington summer. And that’s just the first weekend! Writer Benjamin Beane gets us going with a sampling of the events and activities on the first weekend in June. Click here to read the full story.
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Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and Bloomington expat Joel Pett returned to his hometown recently for a gallery show — and a stand-up gig at Thomas Gallery. | Photo by Devta Kidd

Joel Pett: Humanist with a ‘Mean Streak a Mile Wide’ Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Joel Pett served up an adult portion of art and stand-up at his homecoming
Yaël Ksander, Devta Kidd
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and Bloomington expat Joel Pett returned to his hometown recently for a gallery show — and a stand-up gig. After talking to Pett about his work, writer Yaël Ksander wonders whether a man with “a mean streak a mile wide” has, deep down, a passion for humanity. Click here to read the full story.
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The graceful and mesmerizing aerial acrobats of AsaBela WINGS Aerial Academy will perform in both the matinée and evening Va-Va-Va-Vaudeville shows. | Photo by Chris Rall

Behind the Curtain: Va-Va-Va-Vaudeville
Jennifer Pacenza
It’s a juggernaut! It’s a celebration of Bloomington’s amazing talent! It’s an extravagant array of performers — jugglers, dancers, comedians, aerial acrobats, burlesque performers, musicians, and even clever canines! It’s Va-Va-Va-Vaudeville! Jennifer Pacenza takes you Behind the Curtain of this variety show playing this weekend at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Click here to read the full story.
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Shuffle: ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town’ by Bruce Springsteen
Brad Wilhelm
Warning: Reading Brad Wilhelm’s latest "Shuffle" column may change the way you hear Bruce Springsteen’s “Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town,” the way you look at hot tubs, and the way you think of Santa. Ho, ho, ho! Click here to read the full story.
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