By Darlene Brace
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of fun and laughter when you join the community at the 35th annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in the heart of downtown Jamestown. Lucille Ball is often celebrated as the historical “Queen of Comedy” for her iconic performances on I Love Lucy and other productions. She is recognized alongside legendary female comedy pioneers including Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett, and Joan Rivers. This fantastic weekend of comedy is named in honor of Lucille Ball and her dream of making Jamestown a well-known comedy destination.
In 1991, Jamestown held its first Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, affectionately known as “Lucy Fest.” The first festival was a small gathering organized by the Arts Council of Jamestown, but it has since evolved into a significant event featuring well-known headliners who participate in the celebrations. Lucy Fest has been entertaining attendees since its inception in 1991, and the National Comedy Center has hosted the festival since 2018.
This year’s festival is jam packed with amazing entertainment and activities. One of the main highlights of the festival is the big-name headliners who put on terrific shows each year. This year is the first time that there are three well known headliners performing. On Thursday, August 6th, Jerry Seinfeld will perform at the Northwest Arena, located at 319 West Third Street, at 7pm. Jerry Seinfeld is best known for his leading role in the sitcom Seinfeld, which aired from 1989 to 1998. Since then, he has entertained audiences worldwide, and Jamestown is lucky to have this comedic icon grace our small community.
Before and after each headliner show, the festival features block parties just down the street outside of the National Comedy Center on Second Street. These block parties are free admittance all-ages events that serve as a preshow and after-party for the headliner events. The streets are closed off for a few blocks, and there will be several food trucks and vendors, as well as wine, beer, and live music. On Thursday, the block party will feature the Dark Water Duo starting at 5pm. The band will take a break during the Seinfeld show and then resume playing afterward. It’s a great community event to attend, whether you’re going to the headliner show or not.
On Friday night, there is not a headliner show or block party, but instead there will be a terrific Stand-Up Comedy Showcase at the Reg Lenna starting at 7pm. This show will highlight some of the top comedic talents who have appeared on television shows and specials, ensuring you’ll be laughing in your seats at this historic venue. Additionally, on Friday night, there will be a free outdoor screening of several I Love Lucy episodes. It starts at 8pm outside the Comedy Center, so bring your lawn chairs and be ready to laugh at Lucy and her gang.
Saturday night’s headlining show will pack a punch with Bert Kreischer. He will be performing at 7pm inside the Northwest Arena. Kreischer is recognized as one of the most popular comedians worldwide and is well-known for his Netflix specials, podcast, and performances at the Fully Loaded Comedy Festival. Be ready for a night packed with laughs. Saturday night’s block party will feature live music by Tanny Danner, a local 90s cover band.
In addition to headliners and block parties, there are dozens of amazing shows and activities taking place throughout the weekend. Some fan favorites include luncheons and dinners featuring “Lucy” and “Desi.” These events will be held in the Tropicana Club Room, located within the Lucy Desi Museum building at 2 West Third Street.
The Tropicana Club Room will also host late-night comedy shows featuring some of the nation’s top stand-up comedians. These shows will take place on August 6th, 7th, and 8th, and may include adult content. Alongside these incredible events, attendees can enjoy trivia contests, bingo, and hometown bus tours that visit significant locations related to Lucy, including her childhood home.
On Sunday, the festival’s headliners will conclude with the talented comedian Seth Meyers, who will take the stage at 5pm. Meyers is an award-winning comedian known for selling out shows across the country. The block party before and after his performance will feature the energetic Buffalo-based band, Nerds Gone Wild, who will have the crowd rocking with their 80s party tunes starting at 3pm.
It’s important to note that the National Comedy Center and the Lucy Desi Museum (see article, page 9) will both be open, and there is a dual admission option. With your ticket, you’ll have access to new exhibits and special activities that offer fun entertainment for the whole family.
This is just a glimpse of some of the events at Lucy Fest, and there are so many activities to choose from that it’s impossible to describe them all here. For more detailed information about everything happening at this year’s festival, including a daily schedule of activities, descriptions, prices, and locations, be sure to visit comedycenter.org. This website will provide everything you need to know.
Whether you are a big Lucy fan or not, there are plenty of enjoyable events to attend throughout the festival. Along with the headliners, there will be smaller shows and free community block parties, offering something for everyone at Lucy Fest. Join in the fun, celebrate, and honor the historic queen of comedy, Lucille Ball, while sharing laughs with your family, friends, visitors, and the community. Afterall, we all love Lucy.