GUIDE: New York Comedy Festival 2024
An in-depth look at who's performing at the upcoming NYCF
Hey boppers1, and welcome to the 11 new subscribers since my last piece on the double-edged sword of going viral on TikTok.
Popping in to share my guide for the rapidly approaching New York Comedy Festival, which features 300+ shows over the course of the 11-day event (Nov. 7th-17th).
Longtime readers may recall a similar write-up I make every July, the Annual List of Shows I Think Deserve a Combination of Your Time/Attention/$$$ at the Edinburgh Fringe™.
But those guides are only useful for those of you with the rare combination of means, stamina, and not-being-American to not only sit through those manifestos in their entirety, but actually make the pilgrimage to Scotland, and take me up on my recs.
Luckily, NYCF is domestic, and a surprising amount of this readership are New Yorkers (Great to have you here, baconeggandcheese, Fuck Freddie Freeman, etc.)
So not only will more of you understand who/what the hell I’m talking about, but you could theoretically join me (and your fellow readers) at some of these shows!
With an emphasis on highlighting up-and-coming performers, I combed through all 343 shows on the website, did some research on the folks I hadn’t heard of, and organized them into the tiers below. The tiers are sorted alphabetically within, and serve more as characteristic groupings, rather than an ESPN power ranking.
I also tried to mix it up with the venues, in the hopes of exposing you to some of the city’s lesser known, more affordable clubs. Like that old saying goes: if you only see shows at The Comedy Cellar, you’re not a “comedy nerd” – you’re a comedy jock.
Guidelines / Best Practices:
This is just a guide, not an itinerary. Don’t feel like you have to see all (or any) of these shows. Ultimately, everything comes down to personal taste.
I like to reward good ad copy and poster design, so I’ll share some stand-out show descriptions, graphics, and titles. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but the Advertising major in me still reckons these elements are moderately predictive of a show’s attention to detail, aesthetic, and quality.
For instance, which of the following two shows are you more likely to see, if they’re on at roughly the same time?
Show A: a solo show with a description that includes, “Sharing her point of view of the world, she writes comedy that is poignant and incisive. Her audiences often laugh hard, think hard, and feel hard as her comedy is cathartic and confrontational… she aims to challenge the norms of today and the discomfort or taboo-quality around controversial topics like race, gender, sexuality, and family dynamics through her comedy. From the moment she takes the stage, the audience is engaged whether in laughter or in thought.’
Show B: a solo show with a description that solely reads, “Ali Kolbert is a post-therapy Howard Stern in the body of a 5’2″ 30-year-old lesbian.”
I know which one I’m picking.
Every ticket is either $20, $200, or $2,0002.
When in doubt, check out whatever is on at Union Hall, The Bell House, Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), Brooklyn Comedy Collective (BCC), Littlefield, Asylum, and Caveat. That’s where I typically go when I want the best bang for my buck.
LINEUP SHOWS
A Real Housewives Themed Comedy & Drag Musical Variety Show
Show Blurb: Hosted by Sarah Rachel Lazarus with a Q&A and Madlib Performance by the iconic former Real Housewives of New York star Kelly Killoren Bensimon. Featuring Thorgy Thor (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Josh Sharp (A24’S Dicks: The Musical), Grant & Ash (A Twink & A Redhead), Dylan Adler (The Late Late Show, Friend of the Mailing List), and more.
Comics to Watch: a showcase featuring Aldo Campana, Andy Alouise, Beaux Wilcox, Brittany Brave, Corey Yoskowitz (Camp Friend of the Mailing List), Eric Fretty, Gary Simons, Keegan Tindall, Ketra Long, Lisa Chanoux, Lukas Arnold, Nick Reynoldson, Olivia Hill, Salma Zaky, TaTa Sherise, and Zavior Phillips.
Dan Toomey and Industry Connections
Show Blurb: Dan Toomey threatened some agents for industry connections so get ready for a night of contractually obligated laughs featuring comedians you’ve seen on Netflix, The Tonight Show, and Comedy Central.
Secret, pop-up shows in mystery locations. I’ve been to about 4-5 of these now, it’s always a good time. There’s one on Sat. 11/9 and another on Fri. 11/15.
DEAD FUNNY – An All-Star Tribute to Joan Rivers
The line-up includes Rachel Brosnahan, Nikki Glaser, Matteo Lane, Patton Oswalt, Jeff Ross, and the tickets are HOW MUCH?!?! Oh well, never mind.
Woah! This military benefit lineup show will feature performances by Jim Gaffigan, Norah Jones (?), Mark Normand (!), Questlove (?!), Jerry Seinfeld (!!), Bruce Springsteen (?!?!), Jon Stewart (!!!), and the tickets are only–
The Eras Tour: Taylor Swift Comedy Show and Dance Party
Hosted by Zach Schiffman, fellow Cramer Comedy Newsletter correspondent and former AYSO Youth Soccer Teammate of the Mailing List.
The NY Comedy Fest Presents: Creators to Watch Supported by TikTok Live
Featuring: Britt Migs, Chris Barnes, Corey B, Dan Carney, Gabe Gibbs, Grace O’Malley, Grace Reiter, Humzah Choudry, James Etison, Joey Mulinaro, Lea’h Sampson, Marty Miller & Missy McIntosh, Paige Gallagher, Rachael Burke, Stephen Brower, and Two Tree Hill. Hosted by TaTa Sherise.
The Right Side Of History with Ivy Wolk & Friends
By far my favorite “poster design” of the festival:
Lineup shows take priority here because the festival is only one week long, so you can maximize the number of acts you see in a single show.
The performers are often curated by the host themselves, so their sensibilities will generally still fall in the same wheelhouse. Also, when someone only gets 5-10 minutes of stage time, it usually means they’re doing their absolute best material, or are working on something brand new to test out, both of which are awesome to watch.
While 1-2 might bomb, a handful will become new comics you follow on social media, and another will likely be at the festival with a show of their own you can check out.
Shows I’ve Already Seen and Highly Recommend:
This is a wonderfully constructed hour from an expert writer. My personal pick for Best Newcomer at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe. Chloe is a star.
NYC’s best stand-up comedians perform their sets with live piano accompaniment. Hosted by Two Tree Hill & Rose Kelso.
Go Dummy (really good improv)
Jacob Kaplan and Marcus Lustig: Kings of Camp
And they’re jewish, so your grandmother will be thrilled!
Show Description: Hosted by Reed Kavner, Next Slide Please invites comedians to prepare and present PowerPoints about whatever they want. That could mean a data-driven ranking of the best Manhattan street corners for first date make-outs, pitches for start-up investment opportunities that are probably not scams, or a passionate defense of the 2003 Jessica Alba vehicle "Honey" (21% on Rotten Tomatoes).
November's show features PowerPoints from: Aaron Chen, Josh Sharp, Maria Randazzo, Jonathan van Halem, Gary Simons, and Annabel + Sabina Meschke.
Viggo Venn: One More Time Tour
Okay, I guess I could see this oooone more time…
Stamptown – Weds. Nov 6
Not technically part of the festival, but highly recommend! 20 tix left.
Underground / Overground Comedy: Katz’s Deli show
Another show that isn’t technically part of NYCF, but Underground / Overground is doing their third annual show at Katz’s Deli on 11/14.
Shows I’d Take A Punt On:
The frequent Kill Tony guest judge also has a Netflix special coming out four days later, where he’ll interview the actual Dr. Phil. Expect big-name guests.
Bianca Parato: LIVE!
Here’s her JFL New Faces set from last year:
Before We Get Started (Documentary Screening)
Description: Nearly every comedian has tried—and failed—at the art of warm-up comedy, a demanding and often underappreciated career. Join comedy legends Judd Apatow, John Oliver, Amy Schumer, Leslie Jones, Seth Meyers, and many more as they weigh in on the professional struggles of warm-up comedian Ryan Reiss.
Cam Gavinski: Bonheur
I feel like he is always doing creative, unique concepts whenever he comes up on my TikTok FYP. Curious what his hour is like, I missed it in Edinburgh.
Boy Room LIVE!
I’ve written about Boy Room before, but I’m a big fan of what Gymnasium is building. Another concept I’m bullish on, I could easily see them touring this.
Show Description: Casey Rocket is an Austin-based comedian risen from the ashes of the speed freaks who came before him. A southern belle by nature, Rocket’s comedy career began in the pool halls of South Georgia before his riff-flowers blossomed in the fertile soil of the Atlanta comedy scene. Since moving to Texas in 2021, The Crab Man went from living in his Ford Escape to winning the inaugural Austin Comedy Competition. After his stinky little victory, Daft Rocket (as no one calls him) successfully auditioned to join the first class of comedians at Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership, where he has since performed alongside some of the biggest names in comedy.
This was the first blurb that actually made me laugh while reading it. God forbid any of these comedians are funny in their own show description…
If anyone playing in this needs a lefty shooter for their team, hit my line.
Connor Burns: 1984
He recently got a 2-star review in The Guardian from Brian Logan, but a 5-star review from Kate Copstick in The Scotsman. They’re two of three UK comedy critics whose opinion I actually care about, so I’m curious where I’ll land.
Gabe Gibbs: Silly Songs, Sad Songs
Show Description: With one piano designated for ‘silly songs’ and the other for ‘sad songs’, Gabe uses both pianos to explore important topics such as farts, wieners and the inevitable downfall of Jared Leto.
Heat Check: Ontonio Kareem & Tucker Brookshire Do Half Hours As Part of NY Comedy Fest 2024
Hey, That’s Our Lunch Money: Michael Abber & Carson Olshansky
Show Blurb: “Michael Abber is a very loud comedian/not-for-profit cabaret artist. He has performed his dog-and-pony-show in the New York Comedy Festival and Netflix is a Joke Festival, and as a director, his work has been featured in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. But none of this in a fancy way.”
Ian Lockwood: The Farewell Tour
Chortle’s Steve Bennett (the third UK comedy critic whose opinion I care about) gave this a glowing, 4-star review. Excited to check this one out!
Joe List – I recently saw him do a set where he crushed, despite not seeming like he gave an ounce of a shit what the audience thought. I’m on ‘the List’ now!!
New York Comedy Festival & The Martin Agency Present: Comedy Lab: A Playbook for Marketers
If anyone speaking at this needs a lefty shooter for their panel, hit my line.
In off the title alone.
Sounds like the gay younger brother of Vanessa 5000. Count me intrigued!
Richard Perez: For One Night Okay
Really enjoyed him in the new LISA short film, Interesting Americans: Sebastian Mendes. Definitely got me excited to see what his original material will entail.
Sarah Adelman: Egg
Shitty Mozart (Aaron Nemo)
Show Description: They cloned Mozart, it went horribly wrong and now we’re stuck with the consequences. Wearing a cheap wig, Shitty Mozart (Aaron Nemo, a writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) performs a dazzlingly chaotic and vulgar one-man multimedia concerto. Terrified that the audience will realize he lacks the musical genius of his predecessor, Shitty Mozart shows off his own talents – playing makeshift instruments he’s invented, performing duets with cartoons he drew, and activating his robot hype man – in a futile attempt to escape Wolfgang’s shadow and make a name for himself.
Sophie Duker: BUT DADDY I LOVE HER
Been meaning to see the recent Taskmaster champion at the Fringe for ages.
Veronika + Kyle Together Forever? The Tour!
A part of me feels like this could be a little inaccessible to the people who haven’t been following the entirety of their “Will they, won’t they” lore, but I do find them funny. Keen to see what their live act is like.
Comics with Good Don’t Tell Comedy Stand-Up Sets:
Eva Evans: Mascara and Spliffs
KC Shornima: Relatable?
Leonard Ouzts: Live Special Taping
Matt Richards: ABRACADAMN
Rachel Feinstein: Live
Tina Friml: Live
Friends of the Mailing List – all of YOU!
Abby Govindan: How to Embarrass Your Immigrant Parents
Amadeo Fusca is The Conductor
Fabrizio Copano Does An Hour As Part of NY Comedy Fest 2024
Gabby Bryan is My Best Friend
Homeland Insecurity: Tri-Headliner Show with Danish Maqbool
Joey Dardano: Another Direction
Jonathan Van Halem: Little Secrets
(featured in my Why YOUR Videos Went Viral column last month)
Kyle is on directly before Viggo Venn at the Bell House on Fri. 11/15. Hell of a double-header! See you there.
Lil Rascals: Mark Little & Erik Scott Do Half Hours
Macy Kwok: Laughter Unleashed
Matt Koff: Earth’s Funniest
Show blurb: Matt Koff, winner of “New York’s Funniest Standup” at 2023 New York Comedy Fest, does an hour that will prove, once and for all, that he is the funniest standup on Planet Earth.
Mario Adrion: The German Efficiency Tour
Myq Kaplan (featured in my Why YOUR Videos Went Viral column last month)
Show Description: Myq Kaplan has written a lot of jokes over the past couple of decades. As a new season begins, come listen to the newest of them! Your laughter and joy will help contribute to Myq’s determination of what jokes he might continue tell over the NEXT couple of decades! You’ll be happy if you attend and sad if you don’t, it’s that simple!
ROOMIES with Dylan Adler & Sam Morrison
Short Queens with Katie Haller
Stef Dag Presents: Oh! The Horror
also: This Sucks with Stef Dag
Steve Martin Presents (Michael Good and Andrew Dismukes)
Sydney Duncan: ACAB: Angry, Crazy and Black!
Tess Tregellas: Epic
also: Stand Up Magic
Vannessa Jackson Does An Hour As Part of NY Comedy Fest 2024
Vishal Kal: Haus Comedy!
…And The Award For Strangest Show Description Goes To:
Empire State of Comedy: Michael Oldroyd Live
Michael, a former Division I athlete at The University of Missouri with a 2008 Cotton Bowl Championship ring, shifted careers after a knee injury. He co-founded a successful startup with a MU business school friend and has been a stand-up comedian for over 18 years. Known for his charismatic, positive, and light-hearted stage presence, Michael was voted “Most Likely to Host SNL” in high school and has lived in both Los Angeles and New York City. His performances shine with charismatic impressions and storytelling. A two-time back-to-back winner of Missouri’s Last Comic Standing Competition, Michael has appeared in movies and TV and performed worldwide. In 2019, he was accepted into the Academy at UCB.
…and that’s only 84 of the 343 shows on at the Festival this year.
Can you dig it?!?!
If you’re in town for the festival, let’s meet up! And if you noticed any glaring omissions, feel free to reply to this email or sound off in the comment section below3.
I am desperately trying to talk to anyone about the new Warriors concept album from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, based on the 1979 film of the same name.
A brief aside: Listing $200 shows and $20 shows as part of the same festival is kind of ridiculous. Nobody with tickets to Bill Maher at the Beacon is chasing it with ASSSSCAT at UCB. In fact, calling this whole thing a ‘festival’ is a bit of a misnomer. Festivals have a centralized hub, and artist bars, and street teams of flyerers, and lanyards that allow you to see multiple shows without breaking the bank, and the labor exploitation of 19 year-olds. I feel like you could’ve schedule this “festival” any other week of the year, and have had equally as many shows in it by virtue of it being located in New York City. But I digress.
(and if I forgot your show, I AM SO SORRY. Really tried my best here)
dear david,
thank you for your service as always!
this is very funny: "The line-up includes Rachel Brosnahan, Nikki Glaser, Matteo Lane, Patton Oswalt, Jeff Ross, and the tickets are HOW MUCH?!?! Oh well, never mind."
much love
myq