This year’s Comedy Fest kicks off with an epic lineup at The Lampost, where it all began some eight years ago.
“Every year, the MV Comedy Fest gets bigger and bigger,” said Steve Capers, Knock-Knock Productions Managing Partner. “Along with some repeat performers this year, we are delighted to showcase our first Hispanic comedian: Alex Ortiz.”
By Diane Alter
It’s always fun in MV, no matter what time of the year you visit. But August in the Vineyard is the “funny” month, thanks to the island’s annual Comedy Fest.
“Every year, the MV Comedy Fest gets bigger and bigger. Shows sell out well before opening night.”
Most guests who come to Martha’s Vineyard are excited enough just to be on the island, no matter what time of the year they visit. Yet visitors who are lucky enough to be here during the month of August have reason to be even more excited and to feel even luckier.
Indeed, that’s because August in MV is perhaps best known for The Fest, a premier comedy event featuring some of the hottest comedians on the circuit.
This annual event, now in its eighth year, is one of the island’s choice social experiences that foster community interaction and camaraderie among the island’s eclectic African-American populace and guests who come to visit just for The Fest.
To be sure, MV is a playground for a multitude of African-American politicians, professionals, actors, artists, athletes, business owners, and a large sampling of like-minded individuals who truly enjoy all MV has to offer—especially some bone-tickling good laughs in a low-key setting.
Produced and managed by Chicago-based Knock-Knock Productions, and presented by HBO, the MV Comedy Fest is undeniably one the island’s widely celebrated summer attractions.
“Every year, the MV Comedy Fest gets bigger and bigger,” said Steve Capers, Knock-Knock Productions Managing Partner. “Along with some repeat performers this year, we are delighted to showcase our first Hispanic comedian: Alex Ortiz.”
Dubbed the “Boriqua Beast Of Comedy,” Ortiz is one of the fastest rising stars in the comedy world. Along with working at comedy clubs peppered across the globe, as well as many TV appearances, including HBO’s Bad Boyz Of Comedy, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Who Got Jokes, and Winning Showtime At The Apollos TKO Comedy Championship, Ortiz has generously performed for USO Tours in 15 different countries.
This year’s jammed packed “Fest” runs four weeks and will feature along with Ortiz some of comedy’s leading funny men and women. The Fest this year kicks off where it all began some eight years ago at the Lampost with an epic lineup.
Week 1 at The Lampost in Oak Bluffs features Damon Williams, Rob Stapleton, Gary Johnson and Tony Roberts.
Week 2 at Oak Bluff’s Strand Theater highlights the comedic talent of Damon Williams, Marcus Combs, Maija DiGiorgio and Rudy Rush
Week 3, also at the Strand Theater, are Damon Williams, Myra J, Alex Ortiz and Steve Brown.
Week 4, at the fabulous Oak Bluffs restaurant Lola’s, Damon Williams, Marc Henderson, Martini Harris and Howie Bell will close out the event. Dinner is available at Lola’s during Week 4 of The Fest. Dinner reservations can be made under the ticket tab on the MV Comedy Fest website, where you will also find what’s on the menu. It is impossible to find a more a delicious meal of good ole’ Southern comfort food accompanied by belly-aching good fun while in MV.
Tickets to The Fest, as well as dinner at Lola’s, sell out fast. Don’t wait to secure your place at one of the funniest events around this summer.
This year in addition to The Fest, the Edgartown Diner will host the Best of the Fest: a dinner and comedy show in a smaller and more intimate setting. Tony Roberts stars on August 10 and August 11. Damon Williams headlines on August 17 and 18. DJ Dolla Bill will provide the music.
Details and ticket information for all events are available at www.marthasvineyardcomdey.com
