The 2022 MV Comedy Fest line-up is an eclectic mix of comedy kings and queens
August on Martha’s Vineyard is special for many reasons. The island is abuzz with teams of people anxious to savor the last weeks of summer. It is also the month when African-American cultural pride is celebrated and laughter abounds thanks to the MV Comedy Fest.
This year marks the event’s twelfth anniversary. Event creator and producer Steve Capers of Knock-Knock Comedy Productions told This Week on MV that this year’s shows feature a great line-up and everyone involved is looking forward to bringing laughter and fun to the island.
“That said, this is a no slapping, no tackling comedy event,” Caper quipped, referring to comedians Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle’s recent hostile on-stage encounters.
It is that kind of humor and wit that has allowed Capers to grow The Fest, as it has come to be known, into one of the island’s most widely attended summer attractions. Capers’ professional experience in the entertainment industry, coupled with his extensive contacts and creative mind, was the perfect springboard over a decade ago to launch a comedy festival featuring primarily African-American comics on the cusp of comedic stardom.
Following several years of success, Capers, with help from funnyman Damon Williams, expanded The Fest, and in 2007 Black Comedy Month debuted. The rest is MV comedy history –a history that grows richer and funnier with every year.
This year’s event runs through the first three weeks of August. The Strand Theater, located at 11 Oak Bluffs Avenue in Oak Bluffs, will host all the shows. Doors open and 8:30 pm and shows start at 9 pm. HBO and Sketches & Pixels are this year’s sponsors.
Opening The Fest on August 1 through August 5 are Coco Brown, Alonzo Bodden, Damon Williams, and DJ Dolla Bill. Brandi Davis, Chris Spencer, James “Talent” Harris, Damon Williams, and DJ Dolla Bill headline the week of August 8 through August 12. Closing out The Fest from August 15 through August 19 are J.J., B Phlat, David A Arnold, Damon Williams, and DJ Dolla Bill.
Ticket information and updates are at https://marthasvineyardcomedy.com/
