Sometimes the biggest names in comedy are hard to ignore when they come through town. Just look at Hard Rock Live’s star-filled start to 2024 in Northwest Indiana: Ron White (Jan. 20) and Tim Allen (Jan. 27) one month, Marlon Wayans (Feb. 2) and George Lopez (Feb. 3) the next, before wrapping up with a March that includes Bill Burr (March 8) and Nikki Glaser (March 22).

But let’s spread the love. That’s not to say that there aren’t major names in the list below (there are), but more to say that so much of the excitement of getting out to see stand-up is seeing someone you haven’t had a chance to see before. As always with these lists, this top-10 is in no way definitive — Fortune Feimster getting to play the Chicago Theater (Feb. 24) in what she said on social media has been “a dream of mine” is an obvious omission.

Still, if you’re looking for a night out to enjoy some comedy, here are 10 comics performing in the Chicago area in early 2024:

Brett Goldstein: Chances are, if you recognize Brett Goldstein’s name, it’s for his Emmy-winning turn as Roy Kent in “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+. But Goldstein is also an accomplished stand-up, having actually been hired for the “Ted Lasso” writers room before taking a place in front of the camera. His “The Second Best Night of Your Life” tour pulls back the curtain on the weird and funny details of this public figure’s private life. 8 p.m. Jan. 18-20 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; msg.com

Ali Siddiq: Ali Siddiq is a storyteller. Well, technically, he’s a stand-up comedian and public speaker, but as indicated by the title of his tour, “I Got a Story to Tell,” more simply he’s a gifted storyteller. Siddiq released two specials in 2022, “The Domino Effect” on YouTube and “Unprotected Sets” on Epix, and he’ll continue to blend insight and relatability as he takes to the Chicago stage to share his stories. 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; alisiddiq.com

Jesus Trejo: Jesus Trejo has appeared on Netflix’s “Mr. Iglesias” and NBC’s “Bring The Funny,” and he dropped his first hourlong special on Showtime, “Jesus Trejo: Stay at Home Son,” in 2020. Trejo brings a mix of personal stories and self-deprecating humor with his “Respite” tour as he works on new material for his next special. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 and 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 26-27 at Zanies Rosemont, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont; rosemont.zanies.com. Then 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; chicago.zanies.com

Dara Ó Briain: Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain is well known for his appearances on any number of British television shows, including hosting the satirical celebrity panel show “Mock the Week” and competing on the comedy game show “Taskmaster.” But the successful television presenter is also a skilled stand-up and storyteller. His “So … Where Were We?” should offer a mix of crowd work, observational comedy about the last few years and personal stories. 7:15 p.m. Jan. 30-31 on the Heath Mainstage at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; thedentheatre.com

Vir Das: Vir Das has had quite the journey and history with Chicago — you can listen to him telling Conan O’Brien about getting booed off South Side stages. But with numerous stand-up specials at his back, most recently “Vir Das: Landing” on Netflix, he’s more than ready to take the Chicago Theater stage. Das is one of India’s biggest stand-up comedians and a Bollywood star, and his “Mind Fool” tour offers Chicagoans a relatable show about not quite knowing how to be an adult. 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; virdas.in

Dulcé Sloan: Dulcé Sloan is no stranger to the Chicago stage, having played UP Comedy Club, or your television, as a correspondent on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” Her 2020 Chicago stint saw her reflect on almost moving to Chicago and deliver a healthy rant about living in New York City. Now you have the chance to catch her again as she brings with her that signature perspective on the world around her. 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. March 1-2 and 7 p.m. March 3 at Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; chicago.zanies.com

Ever Mainard: It’s clear Ever Mainard has an improv background as they combine spontaneous characters, witty anecdotes and quirky mannerisms on the stand-up stage. For a taste of what you might expect, when Mainard took the stage for their solo show, “Ottis,” they delved into their upbringing in rural Texas, their queer identity and the moments that led them to be who they are today. 7 p.m. March 10 at Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; chicago.zanies.com

Cat Cohen: Catherine Cohen is best known for her combination of stand-up comedy and cabaret-style songs. Her first comedy special, “The Twist …? She’s Gorgeous,” released on Netflix in 2022 and now she sets down in Chicago with her follow up tour, “Come for Me.” The new autobiographical show is set to feature the fast-paced comedy and musical stylings of a millennial prone to oversharing. 7:15 p.m. March 13-15 on the Heath Mainstage at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; thedentheatre.com

Ilana Glazer: “Broad City” introduced many folks to the comedy stylings of Ilana Glazer. This year, the Comedy Central series star and creator is headed out on a new tour, with her comedy exploring the complexities and imperfections of womanhood in tow. If you’ve enjoyed what Glazer has done on TV, this chance to catch her live is one that can’t be missed. 8 p.m. March 13 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; ilanaglazer.com

Kelsey Cook: Kelsey Cook released her first comedy special, “The Hustler,” on YouTube just last year, riffing on her relationships, from her recent divorce to her new boyfriend. You may also have seen Cook perform on “The Tonight Show” in 2023. Now she heads out on her “Mark Your Territory” tour, likely headed toward her next comedy special. 7:15 p.m. March 21 at Zanies Rosemont, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont; rosemont.zanies.com. Then 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. March 22-23 at Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; chicago.zanies.com

Jerald Pierce is a freelance writer.