Mokena Comic Jokes for Cancer Research

When Mokena resident Brian Hicks takes the stage at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park tonight, he won't just be doing it for for the crowd or for the American Cancer Society.

He'll be doing it for his mother, who died from breast cancer 12 years ago.

"All the comics on the show, they're all donating their time. They’re not taking anything," Hicks said.

For the past five years, Hicks, 42, organized and has emceed the "Laughs for Life" show. Tonight's show will feature Hicks and six other comics with proceeds from the door and from a split-the-pot raffle all going to the American Cancer Society.

Find out more about the Laughs for Life show.

Tickets are only $10.

"With the hard times everyone's having, I want to make it affordable for everyone," Hicks said. "If they have any problems, you can forget about them for a while and help a good cause."

Hicks' stand-up debut will always be tied in his mind with his mother's death.

"I was scheduled to go onstage the very first time and she had passed away a few weeks earlier," Hicks said. "At the time, I was just starting something new, a new adventure in my life."

Janet Hicks succumbed to breast cancer six months after she was diagnosed. She was 55.

"We had some time to spend and reflect and that's when I found out how funny she was, some of the things she would say," Brian Hicks said.

Hicks regularly performs at Zanies in Chicago and at the Improv in Schaumburg. Once or twice a month, he does gigs out of town at other comedy clubs through the Midwest.

"I like to keep it within a four-hour drive, but I've been to the UP, which is a good 7, 7 ½ hour trip," he said.

He describes his stand-up act as clean and observational, fun rather than angry.

"I talk about my family quite a bit because that's such a big part of my life," he said.

Yes, the touring comic is a married father of a 6-year-old daughter and 2-year-old twins, one boy and one girl. He said his wife Kelly is the person who makes his comedy possible.

"My wife is very supportive and the best," Hicks said.

About five years ago, several friends of Hicks wanted to see him perform, something that made the comedian surprisingly uncomfortable.

"I never want to charge people to see me. For some reason I want to give free tickets away," he said.

It made Hicks more comfortable charging his friends if he wasn't getting the money, if it were going to a good cause. Then he remembered his mother's battle with cancer. "Laughs for Life" was born.

"Laughs" isn't Hicks' only charity comedy. He also regularly does fundraisers for and has performed at fundraisers for schools and other local groups.

Between charity, comedy, family and a full-time job, Hicks' life can be pretty demanding.

"I'm very busy but every aspect of it is worth it," he said.

The fifth annual Laughs for Life comedy show starts at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th Street, Merrionette Park. Tickets are $10. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.