Special to The Villager
Jamestown will once again welcome some of comedy’s biggest stars this summer as the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival celebrates its 35th anniversary with four days of performances, special events and unforgettable experiences. Headlined by Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer and Seth Meyers, the festival returns Thursday, August 6 – Sunday, August 9 with more than 50 live events honoring the legacy of Lucille Ball while showcasing the biggest names and brightest rising stars in comedy today.
Among this year’s most anticipated performances is Bert Kreischer, one of the world’s highest-grossing touring comedians. Kreischer takes the stage Saturday, August 8, as one of three arena headliners during this year’s Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.
For anyone who knows Bert Kreischer as the shirtless comedian, there’s much more to his comedy than first meets the eye. Today, he’s recognized by Forbes as “one of the best storytellers of his generation,” though many first discovered him after Rolling Stone famously dubbed him the “Number One Partier in the Nation.” Kreischer finds some of his biggest laughs not just in outrageous adventures, but in the everyday moments of marriage, parenthood and family life. His stories are hilarious, relatable and unmistakably human – qualities that have made him one of comedy’s biggest live draws.
Beyond the stage, Kreischer has become one of comedy’s most recognizable personalities. He co-hosts the hit podcast 2 Bears, 1 Cave with fellow comedian Tom Segura, created the touring Fully Loaded Comedy Festival, and has starred in a string of successful Netflix specials, including Lucky, which sold out six hometown performances in Tampa before premiering as one of Netflix’s Top 10 most-watched shows.
“The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival has always been about bringing the biggest names in comedy to Lucille Ball’s hometown while introducing audiences to the next generation of great comedians,” said Malachi Livermore, Vice President, Programming & Guest Experience. “This year’s lineup – with Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer and Seth Meyers – is one of our strongest ever, and there’s something happening around every corner all weekend long.”
Comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld opens the festival on Thursday, August 6, while Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer and late-night host Seth Meyers closes the weekend on Sunday, August 9. Together, the three headliners anchor more than 50 live events taking place throughout down-town Jamestown.
Beyond the arena performances, festivalgoers can enjoy the Stand-Up Showcase featuring comedy’s next generation of stars, Comedy Late Night performances, downtown block parties with live music, conversations with comedy legends, and family-friendly activities.
One of the weekend’s highlights will be a special conversation with Emmy Award-winning writer and comedian Carol Leifer, whose remarkable career includes Seinfeld, Hacks, Saturday Night Live, Modern Family and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Festival audiences will also discover many of comedy’s next generation of performers through the Stand-Up Showcase and Comedy Late Night series.
Visitors can also experience the National Comedy Center, recently named the nation’s Best Pop Culture Museum by USA Today, where interactive exhibits celebrate comedy’s greatest performers, television shows and defining moments. Just steps away, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum continues its yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary of I Love Lucy, honoring the ground-breaking series that forever changed television comedy.
For 35 years, the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival has welcomed many of comedy’s biggest stars to Jamestown while celebrating the hometown legacy of one of television’s greatest pioneers. This year’s festival continues that tradition, bringing together world-class comedians, emerging talent and thousands of fans for four days of laughter, live entertainment and unforgettable experiences throughout Lucille Ball’s hometown.
The complete festival schedule, ticket information and event details are available at Come-dyCenter.org.