The Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest is Back for the 2021 Summer Season and Laughs are Guaranteed
by Diane Alter
THIS IS A STORY ABOUT THE 10TH ANNUAL Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest. But to understand the success behind this decade-long always sold-out event, we have to start with its humble beginnings.
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 for 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 through the month of August.
“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 are still unfolding so be sure to check www.marthasvineyardcomedy.com for the latest updates.
