Since the MV Comedy Fest Debuted a Decade Ago, August on the Vineyard Has Come to Be Known as the Funny Month.
by Diane Alter
Time has a funny way of reminding us what really matters. And after last year, what matters more and more is family time, vacation time, and time for a good laugh.
The Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest has all three covered. After a 2020 hiatus due to the pandemic, The MV Comedy Fest returns this year and celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
Ten years– a decade– is indeed an accomplishment. And so is the progress The Fest has enjoyed since its humble beginnings.
While vacationing on the island in 2009, Steve Capers of Knock-Knock Comedy Productions dreamed of producing a comedy festival featuring primarily African- American comics on the cusp of comedic stardom.
Capers’ professional experience in the entertainment industry, coupled with his extensive contacts and his creative mind, was the perfect springboard. One year later, the first MV Comedy fest launched featuring Damon Williams, AJ Jamal, and Roz G.
Following several years of success, Capers with help from Williams expanded The Fest, and in 2007 Black Comedy Month debuted.
While Black Comedy Month is a historical perspective on the influence Black comedy and Black comedians maintain in the entertainment industry. It also provides a showcase for both 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. It is also a celebration of all who make comedy the successful and thriving industry it is today.
Still, the fundamental mission of The MV Comedy Fest and Black Comedy Month is to make us all laugh. And after last year, a good sidesplitting laugh is the best tonic for many.
“This is our 10th anniversary and that is a great accomplishment,” Capers told This Week on MV. “The MV Comedy Fest is embedded in the island’s culture. We are happy to provide the island with such a fun event year after year. And we could all certainly use some bellyaching laughs this year.”
This year’s event will be held over three August weekends at Flavor (the old Island House) on Circuit Ave in Oak Bluffs. Sponsors are HBO and the Smithsonian Channel.
The shows will take place August 2 through August 6; August 9 through August 13; and August 16-19. Doors open at 8:30, with the show beginning a 9 p.m. A show and dinner package will also be available to 10 round tables of four.
The confirmed lineup includes Damon William, DJ Dolla Bill, Ralph Harris, Vanessa Fraction, Drew Thomas, and Alonza Bodden. Capers said one or two more names will likely be added.
For the first time, shows will be live-streamed. Details continue to unfold so be sure to check marthasvineyardcomedy.com for the latest updates.
