Winter breaks

The snow isn’t slowing the comedy machine known as Milwaukee’s Caste of Killers Comedy Collective.

At 9 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 28, the Caste’s Killer Open Mic presents free stand-up comedy at the Art Bar Riverwest, 722 E. Burleigh St.

Then, at 8:30 p.m., on Friday, March 1, the Caste runs the Milwaukee Stand Up Comedy Showcase, at Karma Bar & Grill, 600 E. Ogden Ave. You never know who shows up at an open mic, but generally, the talent at the showcase should be more polished. So the open mic is free and you pay $10 at the door $5 in advance for the showcase.