What can be said about Laughfest that has not already been written or that will possibly get your attention? Probably not a lot at this point since the ticket sales have been the best ever, with the 2014 gala headliner Jay Leno projected to sell out. So if you have been on the fence, don't wait much longer.
Speaking of things not to miss out on, Rapid Growth sat down with Laughfest's director Joanne Roehm to get the skinny on what not to miss that is still available at the moment.
For starters, those seeking to see Detroit native Lily Tomlin (Monday, Mar. 10) or the festival's returning alum (and my favorite comic with a literary bent) Mike Birbiglia (Sunday, Mar. 9), will have to move very quickly to get tickets to these shows, which promise to be some of the best the festival has to offer given their history in our region.
As a former host of events at The Pyramid Scheme, I can tell you there are still a few shows left to catch there as well as at McFadden's second floor space. Both of these venues are hosting names like Todd Barry, Rory Scovel, and Nick Thune but also well-known acts like Judah Friedlander (Sold Out, see Craigslist or StubHub) or Jen Kirkman -- who has sold out her two shows and has just added a podcast taping on March 14 at 7 p.m.
And of course, there will be plenty of free events throughout the event, including a guest comic showcase at the Pyramid Scheme on opening night, Thursday, March 6 that promises some big surprises.
In addition, you are invited to join community members participating in Laughfest's next attempt at setting a world record as you exercise your inner '80s Corey
"I Wear My Sunglasses at Night" Hart as we go for a new record of Most People Wearing Their Sunglasses at Night. This event kicks off at 6 p.m. on March 6 and the record will be recorded approximately at 7:15 p.m. just outside the south side of the GRAM.
It is also the return of the Laughfest Pub43 party hosted by Rapid Growth and features guest comic hosts Tommy Allen and Sarah Jean Anderson, who will once again crack open the game book, re-writing the rules as they invite you to play for prizes and tickets at this Rated RRR comedy-fueled kick off event. Sorry, but no kids.
And finally, if you are feeling healthy, and who wouldn't after more than 250 events devoted to laughter, the best medicine, then come out on Sunday, March 9 to participate in the brand new Funderwear event, where guests are encouraged to race in their undies. I hope that spandex number I ordered arrives in time.
Laughter truly transforms our community each year, and this year it appears we will be doubled over in pains of joy from such an incredible line-up of events. See them all here:
laughfestgr.org
Admission: from free - $250. (depends on event)