LaughFest is an annual festival in Grand Rapids that, on the surface, could be viewed as simply a chance to showcase to the locals (and those who will travel here over the course of this 10-day event) some of the freshest voices from the world of comedy.
But LaughFest is so much more than just a comedy festival.
Three very unique events are debuting at LaughFest this year. And while they are probably not going to get some of the same airplay as other comedy events, they deserve your attention.
For starters, there are two "In Memoriam" free events -- a listening party of sorts -- featuring
Mitch Hedberg and
Robin Harris, who passed away before the production world had a chance to record a longform video to preserve their talent.Don't miss the beauty of this loving tribute program raising up the voices of these two comedy legends.
Next up is another interesting melding of culture where diversity is being deliberately addressed head on not only in the programming, but within the diverse fanbase that is sure to follow.
Taking the stage at the
50/50 show in a rapid-fire presentation will be comics Joseph Big Baby Miles, D. K. Hamilton, Dave Jones, Floyd Phillips, Jacob Guajardo, Matt Sterenberg, Dave Lyzenga, Sarah Jean Anderson, Joe Anderson, and Ben Wilke. There is even a rumor that a visiting comic might join the other artists on stage, but that would spoil the surprise if we knew for sure, right?
The 50/50 show was created in partnership with Joe Anderson and Wealthy Theater's Erin Wilson to address as many diverse elements as possible in a "It’s a Small World" comic assault on your funny bone.
The last event that might not be on your radar but should be is the
MartiniMoth held at the SpeakEz Lounge, a newer venue on the event scene. Participants compete to win the right to posses and drink from a chalice inscribed with their name until another challenger dethrones them a month later.
The theme this month is “You’re NOT Going to Believe”….a true laughable story event. Three guest judges will choose the funniest story. Stories cannot exceed seven minutes, or the teller will risk being booted from the stage.
The best part is that this event is really beginning to gain an audience with between 30 - 70 folks attending the monthly Moths.
Arrive at 7 p.m. to get your name placed in the hat to not only read, but to also partake in the “lubrication hour.”
“Let’s not forget this is about building community, too,” says SpeakEZ’s Music Director Ellie Frances. “And given our drink specials offered every Wednesday, this event always feels like a party for all, even for people who don’t know anyone. It is a friendly crowd.”
Comedy springs from life and sometimes, as seen in these unique events, there are great ways to honor that legacy on a grand or even a small, intimate scale.
*Rapid Growth will be hosting a few events at LaughFest this year including both sold out Garfunkel and Oates events, Friday, March 8 at the Pyramid Scheme, and the Loni Love stand up event at McFadden’s on Friday, March 15 (11:59 p.m. show only). Come out and say hello. Details of who is where and when will be posted to our
Facebook page.
Admission: Various