You know the kind of laughs that leave you bent over, your cheeks aching, your eyes tearing? Those are the kinds of laughs people have come to expect, and get, at annual Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest.
Now in its ninth year, The Fest has morphed from a weekend of fun into a whole month of belly-aching laughs. It is revered as one of the most prestigious celebrations of Black comedy in the country.
Presented by HBO and hosted by funnyman Damon Williams, The Fest this year takes place over three weekends in August. The location is The Strand Theater in Oak Bluffs. Showtime is 7 p.m.
Headlining August 5 through August 9 are comedians Mark Gregory, Myra J, and George Wallace. Lavar Walker, Chris Spencer, and Kim Whitley are featured August 12 through August 15. Closing out The Fest from August 19 through August 22 are Leon Rogers, Mike Bonner, and AJ Bamal.
The Fest is the brainchild of Steve Capers of Knock-Knock Comedy Productions.
Capers had an epiphany in 2009 while vacationing on MV and relaxing at the island’s legendary Inkwell Beach. He dreamed of producing a comedy festival featuring primarily African- American comics on the cusp of stardom.
Capers’ professional experience in the entertainment industry, his extensive contacts, and his creative mind made the perfect launchpad. The first MV Comedy fest in 2010 featured Damon Williams, AJ Jamal, and Roz G.
In 2017, Capers and Williams expanded The Fest with the debut of Black Comedy Month.
Black History Month is a historical perspective on the influence Black comedy and Black comedians maintain in the entertainment industry. It also provides a showcase for novice and established comics to polish and share their craft.
Celebrated annually every August, Black Comedy Month promotes comedy across America via tours, shows, movies, plays and club dates featuring not only African-American comedians, but also to celebrate all who make comedy the successful and thriving industry it is today.
The underlying mission of The Fest and Black Comedy Month is to make us all laugh. And it does, indeed. The Vineyard embraced the first The Fest with open arms. Every year since, the island and visitors from all walks and corners of the world continue to enjoy the fruits of this widely popular event that now stretches an entire month.
Additional information and ticket information can be found at www.marthasvineyardcomedy.com
