Today is the day. November 1st has finally arrived and along with it the start of this year’s New York Comedy Festival. Slated to take over the city from every aspect and every angle, this year’s lineup includes some of the biggest comedians and shows this world has to offer. From Boast Battle (a spin on Roast Battle) to Mitch Hedberg tributes, and the return of Patton Oswalt to the political slant of Bill Maher. The New York Comedy Festival has something for everyone.
Whether you are an avid advocate of comedic science or someone who just dips their toe in when the household names arrive in the big apple, this is the fest for you in NYC. And what better way to kick things off than a tribute to the late great Mitch Hedberg. Mitch Hedberg remains one of the most beloved comedians and renowned for his off-kilter one-liners and inimitable style. A tribute to this comedy icon will take place at Carolines (1626 Broadway @ W50th St.) tonight at 9:30 pm. The charity event is being produced by Hedberg’s long-time friend, K.P. Anderson and widow, Lynn Shawcroft in commemoration of Comedy Central Records’ release of Mitch Hedberg: The Complete Vinyl Collection, a limited edition box set, coming out Friday, November 4th.
The show will feature some of Hedberg’s best comedian friends including Artie Lange, Bonnie McFarlane, Tammy Pescatelli, Tom Rhodes, K.P. Anderson, Lynn Shawcroft, and special video appearances with stories about Hedberg from Nick Swardson, Todd Glass and Doug Stanhope. There will also be never-before-seen backstage video of Hedberg, rare performance clips and more. All proceeds will be donated to The Innocence Project.
The 2016 New York Comedy Festival runs for six days and will feature over 200 comedians who will perform in more than 60 shows across all five boroughs at some of New York City’s most prestigious venues. Tickets can be purchased right here.
This year’s list of performers include Gilbert Gottfried, Judah Friedlander, Patton Oswalt, Tim Minchin, Bridget Everett, Marc Maron, Hannibal Buress, Dane Cook, Chris D’Elia, Mike Birbiglia, Eric Andre, Trevor Noah, Tig Notaro, Bill Maher, Tracy Morgan, Jay Pharoah, and T.J. Miller. Featured shows include The Goddamn Comedy Jam, Oh, Hello, Conan, Chris Gethard: Career Suicide, The Bonfire, Comics to Watch, Trump Dump, Boast Battle, and a Conversation with the Writers of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Head here for the complete schedule and we’ll see you there!
