NY launches eight-gig comedy fest

New York has unveiled the line-up for its first comedy festival… just eight gigs.

Roseanne Barr, Denis Leary, pictured,Steven Wright and Drew Carey are the headline shows at the event, which takes place from November 9 to 13.

It also features a showcase hosted by radio DJs Opie & Anthony, a Latino comedy night and shows by Paul Mooney and Mo’Nique.

When the event, which takes place from November 9 to 13, was first launched it promised an $18 million fillip for the city and was lauded as the “greatest concentration of comedians in one city, at one time”.

Caroline Hirsch, owner of  Carolines on Broadway comedy club, is behind the festival, which has attracted sponsorship from six brands.

She gushed:  "We are thrilled to present comedy's biggest stars on the grandest stage of all - New York City!

"This city has always been the place  for emerging and established comedians to perform. We are proud to provide a platform for a very diverse group of talented performers in the festival. There will be something for everyone."

New York mayor Michael Bloomberg added: "From the days of vaudeville to the birth of Saturday Night Live to today's era of cutting-edge comics, New York has been the Mount Everest of comedy.

“If you like to make people laugh, New York's the place to do it and it's my pleasure to announce the launch of the inaugural New York Comedy Festival, a week-long laugh fest."

Published: 9 Sep 2004