20×2: What’s the Mission?

At Gman Tavern, waiting to take the stage for 20×2 Chicago – an event where twenty speakers are all invited to answer the same question (in two minutes or less).

Tonight, our prompt was: “What’s the Mission?”

Me, getting introduced by our indelible host: Andrew Huff.

I’m always nervous before things like this. I’ve gotten more comfortable, but I’ve found I prefer to go first (so that I can clear my head, and concentrate on the other speakers).

When I go later, I’m distracted, running over things in my head, not able to enjoy the show. So I always prefer going earlier in the lineup, if possible.

Delighted to see my friend Ian again tonight, and to also see him take the stage. We’re old coworkers, and at this point in time… both veterans of the show (his first 20×2 was back in 2019, for “What Did We Miss?”).

Also! I spotted Alexandra, moments before I took the stage. It was like a mini Emmis Interactive reunion, there at the bar. Sadly, did not grab a photo of Alexandra, despite all the catching up we did later.

Many great presentations. I’m itching to share the videos with you all (but we have to wait for them to get posted).

Of note: Chad the Bird (aka Josh Zagoren) had me in absolute stitches.

I cannot tell you how much I was laughing, and just reeling from his delivery. Nonstop, and just before I can recover from a joke the next one hits and I’m off balance again. Highlight of the night for me.

When talking about it with Alexandra later, the description of “tight” really nailed what it felt like. Cannot wait to share the video with you all.

I was laughing so much and so hard, Liz snuck some photos of me.

A fun audience participation segment: Elizabeth Gomez gets a volunteer (Eamon Daly, another show veteran) to help unwrap a gift encased in saran wrap.

So many great segments tonight. Really looking forward to sharing videos.

Afterwards, Liz and I hung out a while to catch up with Ian adn Alexandra. I ended up talking at length with Alexandra about comedy (and the mechanics of standup)… and the differences between preparing for standup vs preparing for storytelling.

We marveled at how many people knew one another, at tonight’s event. Alexandra recognized a lot of folks from various circles, and I was probably the fourth or fifth person to say that Alexandra really needed to do 20×2.

Chicago is a big city. But similar to how it feels like a small tech world, the city feels small in this way as well. I’m not that social really, but I recognize faces and people from several of these events, and it makes sense that there’s a lot of cross-pollination across shows.

I feel lucky to be a part of this one, as it’s always a fun time. Again, if you’re in Chicago for one of these… please consider this an open invitation. Really great event, and more importantly – really great people.

Related:
20×2 Chicago: Can You Explain?
20×2 Chicago: Do You Remember?
20×2 in Wrigleyville, Dinner at Daisies