Comic Roster

Joe List is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor whose movie “Fourth of July” (directed by Louis C.K) played theaters all over North America and is currently available on louisck.com. List’s latest one-hour special, “This Year’s Material,” premiered on his YouTube page in April and has over two million views. His previous special, “I Hate Myself,” was released by Comedy Central in 2020 and currently has over nine million views. List has performed on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and has appeared multiple times on “Conan.” He was a finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” has his own half-hour special on Comedy Central, and also stars in season two of Netflix’s “The Standups.” His albums “So Far No Good” and “Are You Mad at Me?” (through Comedy Central Records) can be heard all the time on Sirius Radio. List is the co-host of the popular weekly podcast “Tuesdays with Stories” with Mark Normand, and he hosts his own podcast, “Mindful Metal Jacket.” He can be seen regularly at the Comedy Cellar in New York City.

Joe List will perform on Wednesday, July 31 at 7:30pm at the City Opera House.

Rory Scovel can currently be seen starring as Danny in Apple TV+’s hour-long series “Physical,” as well as in Paramount Picture’s “Babylon.” Prior to that, he starred in “I Feel Pretty” opposite Amy Schumer and can be seen in New Line’s feature “The House,” ABC’s “Modern Family,” and NBC’s “Superstore,” as well as in his Comedy Central series “Robbie,” which he also created. His stand-up special “Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up for the First Time” is currently streaming on Netflix.

Rory Scovel will perform on Saturday, February 3 at 7pm at the City Opera House.

Zainab Johnson is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer. Her comedy is based on her unique point-of-view, which was shaped growing up in Harlem as one of thirteen siblings in a black Muslim family. After getting a degree in education and math and taking a job as a teacher, she quickly learned that she had a different calling. Johnson debuted her one-hour comedy special “Hijabs Off” on Amazon Prime Video, is currently a series regular on the Amazon Original hit series “Upload” from Greg Daniels, and co-hosts the Netflix show “100 Humans.” She starred as Dr. Hanniel in the popular web series “Avant-Guardians.” Johnson made her first late-night stand-up appearance on NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and had breakout appearances on HBO’s “All Def Comedy” and NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” She performed at the JFL Comedy Festival in Montreal first as a “New Face of Comedy,” then as one of “Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch.” She is a regular at The Comedy Store, The Improv, and Laugh Factory in Los Angeles and the Comedy Cellar in New York City.

Zainab Johnson will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at the City Opera House.

Dwayne Kennedy is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. As a producer, he won a 2019 Emmy Award Winner for the CNN original series “United Shades of America.” Described as a “world-class stand-up” by The Village Voice and “legendary” by the Chicago Tribune, Kennedy is one of the funniest, most thought-provoking, and influential comedians of our time. His satirical diversions and piercing perspective on social and world issues showcase a comedic genius heralded by the likes of Chris Rock and Marc Maron. Winner of Best Comedian at the 2002 HBO US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Kennedy has performed on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and “The New Negroes.” He has both a Comedy Central Presents and Showtime special. A former writer and correspondent for the Chris Rock-produced, critically acclaimed FX series “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell,” Kennedy has also written for “The Arsenio Hall Show” and “The Orlando Jones Show.” His acting credits include roles on “Seinfeld,” “Martin,” “227,” “Amen,” and the indie film “Thin Skin.” After self-releasing his debut EP in 2016, his first full-length comedy album “Who the Hell is Dwayne Kennedy?” came out on Oak Head Records in May 2020. The album was produced by Ahamefule J. Oluo and co-produced by comedians W. Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu.

Dwayne Kennedy will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 10pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, on Friday, February 2 at 6:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10pm at the City Opera House.

Chad Goes Deep (Chad Kroeger/Tom Allen) and JT Parr are on a mission to do good. Using their digital platforms (Going Deep With Chad and JT), the duo take action to raise awareness and bring change for some of the most important causes in pop culture and beyond. When they are not at City Hall meetings, Allen and Parr host the weekly podcast “Going Deep with Chad & JT,” which sees them discussing major current events, honoring legends, exploring ongoing beefs, and giving solicited advice to callers and fans alike. Allen and Parr have appeared on “Hawaii Five-O,” “Ellen,” “Howard Stern,” “Seth Meyers,” and “Jimmy Kimmel.” Allen can be seen as “Mitch the Beignet Guy” on “Barry” Season 3, which he was profiled for in GQ. The duo previously wrote, executive produced, and starred in their Netflix series “Chad & JT Go Deep,” also produced by Abso Lutely Productions. Previously, they sold an animated series to Hulu, with 3 Arts and 20th TV producing. They are currently developing a scripted series with Drew Goddard and ABC Signature, and an animated series with 20th TV and 3 Arts, with Dominic Dierkes attached. Allen and Parr can currently be seen on Netflix’s “Unstable” as The Twins alongside Rob Lowe.

Chad & JT will perform on Friday, February 2 at 7pm at the City Opera House and on Saturday, February 3 at 9:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

After serving 5 years in the JROTC, Sahib Singh has not only proven himself on the battlegrounds, but also on the stage. The rising star from the Baltimore/D.C. stand-up scene has performed at clubs and colleges across the country, and in 2019, he won the Magooby’s New Comedian of the Year competition. His original videos have earned him a strong following on social media, and in 2021 he worked as a writer and performer for Comedy Central. His work has been featured on the CBS Comedy Showcase and the digital series “As Seen on Adult Swim.”

Sahib Singh will perform on Friday, February 2 at 7pm at the City Opera House and at 9:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Norm Stulz stands as Michigan’s Premier Storyteller, earning a reputation as a long-form comedy master. With a career spanning over forty years, Norm has graced Comedy Clubs, Cruise Ships, and Theaters across the nation. He’s a beloved figure at corporate events and has generously supported numerous charities over the years. Norm has been seen on Comedy Central, Showtime, CBS, NBC and A&E. He has been heard on “The Bob and Tom” show and he has performed for all branches of the military. He performs regularly on cruise ships and in Las Vegas. He is one of the Midwest’s most sought-after comedy talents.

Norm Stulz will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 7pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, on Friday, February 2 at 10pm at the City Opera House, and on Saturday, February 3 at 6:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Detroit-based comedian Josh Adams is a Michigan favorite and fast becoming a rising star on the national stage. Josh’s sharp, fast-talking style is matched with how he processes the world around him. A BET “Apollo Live” winner, he has also appeared on Hulu and Fox TV-produced comedy showcase “Laughs,” and was chosen as one of Thrillist Magazine’s Top 50 Undiscovered National Comedians. In 2022, Josh was highlighted on an episode roasting his hometown football team, the Detroit Lions, on HBO’s “NFL’s Hard Knocks.”

Josh Adams will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Nate Armbruster is a standout comedian and writer known for his sharp wit and clever jokes. Originally from Detroit, Nate got his start in comedy at open mic nights in the Motor City before moving to Chicago and becoming a fixture on the local scene and then touring nationally. His debut comedy album “Sorry to Bother You,” recorded at the legendary Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago, debuted at number one on the iTunes comedy charts. The subsequent special has since gone viral on YouTube, cementing Nate’s status as a rising star in the comedy world. With a relatable and down-to-earth style, Nate tackles a wide range of topics with charm and humor, making him a must-see performer at clubs, colleges, and festivals across the nation. His work in comedy has earned him features in various publications and appearances on television and radio. As one of the most exciting talents in comedy today, Nate Armbruster is a comedian to watch and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Nate Armbruster is performing on Friday, February 3 at 5:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse and 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10pm at the City Opera House.

Camila Ballario is an Argentine-born comedian from Michigan. She was voted ‘Best Comedian’ by Current Magazine and winner of ‘Best of Fest’ at both the Big Pine Comedy and Laugh After Dark Comedy festivals. Camila has been entertaining crowds far and wide with her fresh brand of stand-up, where she often joins her ideas with songs to give you a unique look into her perspective on the realities of being a woman in her 30s. Camila released her first comedy special in 2023!

Camila Ballario will perform on Friday, February 2 at 5:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse and on Saturday, February 3 at 3:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club and 7pm at the City Opera House.

Tiffany “T.Barb” Barber is a comedian and actress who quit a 14-year social work career to pursue her dreams. T.Barb is funny. Her hilarious stand-up, online commentaries, skits, and monologues keep her fans thoroughly entertained. The Detroit native known for her viral “Only In Detroit” series is a master stand-up comedian who has been on multiple television networks including Amazon Prime, BET Soul, Fox, VICE, Tubi, and ABC News, to name a few. She has headlined The Motor City Comedy Festival, The Detroit Women of Comedy festival twice, and also participated in the Traverse City Comedy Fest. T.Barb has also worked with some of the biggest stars including Bill Bellamy, Jackie Kashian, DeRay Davis, Chante Moore, Trey Songz, Donnell Rawlings, Marsha Warfield, ISMO, and more. This funny phenom has been featured on Keep Your Distance, Literary Death Match, America’s Got Talent, Ted Talk Detroit, Hour Detroit, Metrotimes, BLAC Magazine, and Michigan Chronicle, amongst other publications. She travels across the country sharing the gift of laughter and has performed at The Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv, Carolines on Broadway, The Mothership, Little Caesars Arena, and more.

T. Barb will perform on Friday, February 2 at 7pm at the City Opera House and on Saturday, February 3 at 3:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club and 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Leslie Battle is a Texas native, mother, and retired military (Army) officer, in addition to performing comedy on stages across the country. She was one of the Top 101 comedians in the 2019 World Series of Comedy. Please welcome to the stage, Leslie Battle!

Leslie Battle will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Shawna Blake delivers surprising and hilarious performances with calm confidence, a wink, and finger guns. She brings a crowd along as if we were all close friends while she divulges embarrassing moments, private thoughts, and personal victories. Her small-town charm and cutting wit have delighted audiences across the country.

Shawna Blake will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30pm at Encore 201.

Ben Bradshaw is a young comic who has “shared custody” between the Grand Rapids and Traverse City pockets of the greater Michigan comedy scene. Aside from poking fun at being a valet attendant in his mid-twenties, Ben also sheds an original, funny light on his experience beating Stage 3 Testicular Cancer. Ben has been featured at the Traverse City Comedy Fest and LaughFest. He has performed at the Traverse City Comedy Club and Dr. Grins, and co-hosts USS Comedy, the weekly open mic in Traverse City. Come see Ben live! And if you don’t, he’ll pull the cancer card on you.

Ben Bradshaw will perform on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201 and on Saturday, February 3 at 12:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Described as “smart,” “original,” and “hilarious,” Kate Brindle is a unique breath of fresh air on the comedy scene. She has performed her sarcastic yet upbeat and spunky style of comedy on the Canadian Broadcast Channel, Cox Cable, and Comcast Cable. She advanced in the California’s Funniest Female Contest, and was featured in the Oddball Comedy Festival and International Great Plains Comedy Festival. She’s also opened for Louie Anderson, Dave Attell, Bill Burr, Kevin Nealon, Kevin Pollak, and Sarah Silverman. Originally from Dexter, Michigan, Kate moved to New York City to study acting at New York University. Since then she’s been entertaining audiences at venues across the nation such as Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Dr. Grins Comedy Club…and every bowling alley, basement, and dive in-between. An audience favorite, Kate brings to the stage her quick wit and impeccable timing. Whether she’s talking about her family or making quirky observations of everyday life, Kate continues to charm crowds with her witty and sassy brand of humor.

Kate Brindle will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 2:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Ryan Brown is a stand-up comedian from Detroit who uses “his little comedy thing” as an excuse to amuse and annoy his family, especially his two teenagers. He’s headlined and featured at clubs across the Midwest, including Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, and the Funny Farm in Ohio. He’s been a featured comic in festivals such as the Motor City Comedy Festival and Traverse City Comedy Fest. Catch him delivering laughs in a city near you. Nothing is off limits and everything is funny.

Ryan Brown will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 7pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club and on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

From southwest Oklahoma, Adrianne Chalepah (she/her/they/them) attended Riverside Indian School, ran track, and participated in clubs geared at civic engagement. In college, Chalepah performed at open mics, in student films, and sang in choir. After graduating Magna Cum Laude, she went on tour with the comedy troupe “49 Laughs Comedy.” She later helped found an indigenous femme comedy group “3 Sisters Comedy” and toured the U.S. and Canada. In 2022, Chalepah obtained her MFA in Creative Writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts. In addition, she is a mother of four, a cat mom, and a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Her acting work can be seen on Netflix’s “Spirit Rangers,” Peacock’s “Rutherford Falls,” and FX’s “Reservation Dogs.” Her stand-up is featured on Amazon Prime, and her published literary work is found in Betsy Bird’s “Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever,” a collection of women writers.

Adrianne Chalepah will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 9:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, and on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Matt Conn has performed all over the country, including the World Famous Hollywood Comedy Store, Funny Business Shows, LaughFest, Brew HA-HA, Traverse City Comedy Fest, and Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, where he was a finalist in the Detroit to L.A. competition. He’s been described as having a whimsical balance of witty observations combined with boyish charm. Matt’s clean and clever humor strikes a chord with audiences of all ages.

Matt Conn will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 10pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, on Friday, February 2 at 7pm at The Workshop Brewing Company, and on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Kara Coraci is a Detroit-based comedian with over 20+ years experience in television, stand-up comedy, and improv, including training at the nationally recognized Groundlings Theater and a stint as a producer at “The Jerry Springer Show.” She has worked alongside comedians Pauly Shore, Tommy Davidson, Josh Blue, and Dave Coulier at various clubs including Helium, Mark Ridley’s & Louisville Comedy Club.

Kara Coraci will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201 and on Saturday, February 3 at 3:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

How does one describe Sal Demilio? He is Ray Romano meets Tony Soprano. He is Rocky Balboa meets the Godfather. He is Al Capone launching a tommy gun assault on your funny bone. Sal has performed at some of the top clubs in the nation, such as Carolines in New York, The Comedy Store in LA, and Zanies in Chicago. He performs in Las Vegas and is a regular at the top clubs in his home state of Michigan, including Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Detroit, One Night Stans in Waterford, and the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. During Sal’s twenty-plus years in the comedy business, he has worked with some of the most recognizable names in comedy. He has toured with Louie Anderson, Dave Coulier, Jimmy Walker, Nick Dipaolo, and Kathleen Madigan, just to name a few.

Sal Demilio will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 5:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 6:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Ann Duke is a favorite of “women of a certain age” who can relate to the trials and tribulations of being single and navigating middle age. Her observations on generational differences and relationships are clever and poignant. For younger audiences, she’s your Mom’s sassy, sexy best friend. She has performed at comedy shows and clubs across the region including Sound Board at Motor City Casino, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Detroit House of Comedy, One Night Stan’s, and the Traverse City Comedy Club. She has appeared with national headliners Tom Papa, Vic Dibitetto, Eric D’Alessandro, Nathan Timmell, Lynne Koplitz, Dave Landau, and more. In February of 2023, she co-produced the first annual Traverse City Comedy Fest and runs comedy shows across the state with her partner Mike Geeter and their company SamRose Entertainment. She is a member of “Eyes Up Here,” which features five of Michigan’s top female comics. She recently toured with Showtime’s Funny Women of a Certain Age.

Ann Duke will perform on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:30pm at the City Opera House and on Saturday, February 3 at 3:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

An old-fashioned, half-Mexican/half-English Midwestern gentleman and former college English professor, Jason Fylan-Mares cracks open societal institutions and dives head-first into the ball-pit of shenanigans found inside. His smooth stage persona soothes until it smashes, like a meteor dancing across the sky until it hits the ground at maximum velocity, obliterating everything in its wake. The proprietor of Doomsday Shelter Comedy and a regular at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Jason has shared the stage with some of his greatest comedy idols, including Joe List, Mary Santora, and Mike Geeter. In late 2021, Doomsday Shelter Comedy produced a live comedy fundraiser which brought in thousands of dollars for the victims of the shooting at Oxford High School. Jason has been the feature performer at Coral Gables Comedy Club, One Night Stan’s Comedy Club, Traverse City Comedy Club, and at numerous agency-booked shows throughout the Midwest. In 2023 Jason performed at the Traverse City Comedy Fest, worked with Dave Landau and Derek Richards at theater shows in Traverse City and Canton, and appeared on CBS Detroit to discuss the local comedy scene.

Jason Fylan-Mares will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 2:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Mike Geeter is a unique comedian who hails from Pontiac, MI. Despite being a dropout from an Ivy League school, he is a proud graduate of community college. His humor is an insightful take on current events, family, and relationships. Growing up in a family with 17 siblings and being a father himself, Mike’s comedy is a blend of sharp wit and a smooth delivery. He has performed at some of the most prestigious comedy venues and has had the opportunity to work with Kevin Hart, Tom Papa, Hannibal Burress, Natasha Leggero, Jim Norton, and Rickey Smiley, among others. This versatile artist has also been featured on Fox Television and Hulu’s comedy showcase “Laughs,” and on the Detroit episode of “Kevin Hart Presents: Hart Of The City 2” on Comedy Central.

Mike Geeter will perform on Friday, February 2 at 7:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Jason Gilleran has been part of Detroit’s thriving comedy scene since 2017. Along with his stand up comedienne wife Robyn, they are Hard G Comedy, based out of Franklin, Michigan. They run “Thumbthing Funny” in Caseville, “Laughing All the Way to the Bank” in Port Austin, and “The Classy Comics” at Aqua restaurant in Plymouth. He has opened for national headliners John Heffron, Rocky LaPorte, Brian Scolaro, and Clinton Jackson, and was part of the inaugural 2023 Traverse City Comedy Fest. He calls comedy his “hobsession” and the “best night job he’s ever had,” but his day job as a urologist provides a backdrop for hilarious encounters as part of a dirty job that Mike Rowe somehow missed. Look for his comedy page on hardgcomedy.com.

Jason Gilleran will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 7pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, on Friday, February 2 at 10:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Robyn Gilleran is a comedian based in Detroit and is the better (looking) half of Hard G Comedy with her husband Jason. This former fat kid and current actor/model is the mother of teenage boys and has a lot to say about growing up, motherhood, and life in general. She has performed on stages across the U.S., including Zanies Chicago, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, One Night Stan’s Comedy Club, The Detroit House of Comedy, Traverse City Comedy Club, and Funny Farm, as well as Gilda’s Laughfest, the 2023 Traverse City Comedy Fest, and the 2022 and 2023 Detroit Women of Comedy Festival. She’s sure to catch you off guard and teach you to never judge a book by her cover.

Robyn Gilleran will perform on Friday, February 2 at 6:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club and at 10:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Comedian Alana Gonzalez has been making people laugh across the country anywhere a microphone can be found — in bars and clubs, over the air waves, and virtually — for over 20 years. She possesses likable and relatable takes on the downsides of parenting, relationships, chivalry, and being a woman in today’s age. Her sarcasm and devilish wit are a hit with all types of audiences.

Alana Gonzalez will perform on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Definitely a club and college favorite, Frank Gutierrez has also been seen on Comedy Central, BET, ComicViews, and Showtime at The Apollo, just to name a few. He has performed for the troops overseas as well as toured Japan, Germany, England, Italy, and Iraq. Frank has opened up for legendary groups such as the Temptations, Cheap Trick, Patti Labelle, and The Charlie Daniels Band, along with working with comedians Sinbad, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, and Dave Chappelle. Frank takes to the stage like a storm shot putting laughs on top of laughs faster than an audience can absorb them. “Comedy is truly redefined!” He gives you 360 degrees of humor while covering a wide range of subjects that seem to leave no stone unturned, delivered with a style that simply must be experienced “This comic is definitely one to watch!”

Frank Gutierrez will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 6:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, and on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30pm at Encore 201.

Drew Harmon is a comedian and former TV weatherman who spent 13 years in San Francisco before relocating to Detroit in 2020. Drew has performed at clubs and comedy festivals all over America, as well as casinos, laundromats, and dive bars. Drew has worked with Dan Soder, Emo Phillips, Doy Davido!, Steve Byrne, Nicole Byer and created the show “I Think I’d Be Good At That,” where comedians help a new person headline a comedy show. Drew hopes to one day get some nunchucks.

Drew Harmon will perform on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 10:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

JeCorey Hawkins hails from Flint, Michigan. He describes his comedy as sharing his perspective on parenting, growing up in the vibrant and challenging city of Flint, and engaging in spontaneous interactions with the audience.

JeCorey Hawkins will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6pm at the Old Town Playhouse and on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201 and at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

A regular at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Bret Hayden is the host/creator of the popular show Comedy Rumble and has worked with some of comedy’s biggest names, including Mark Normand, Gary Gulman, and Andrew Schulz.

Bret Hayden will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 9:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Melanie Hearn is a native of Detroit and one of the most unique voices in stand-up comedy. From her unabashed style to her infectious energy, she always leaves audiences and fans wanting more. She began her career in Detroit and quickly became a favorite at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. Since then Melanie has opened up for Maria Bamford, Mark Curry, and Preacher Lawson, to name a few. She has had the privilege to perform at such world-famous venues as the Hollywood Improv and the Comedy Store.

Melanie will perform on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:30pm at the City Opera House, on Thursday, February 1 at 9pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 3:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Jason Jamerson is a Detroit native who has shared the stage with comics like Tony Roberts, Chris Redd, and Michael Rapaport. Jason’s comedy is an experience to behold!

Jason Jamerson will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 7pm at the City Opera House.

Robert Jenkins combines his quick wit and sharp words with a disarming delivery to leave you wondering if you just heard what you thought you heard. A Detroit native and resident of Lansing, Michigan, Robert has performed at the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, and Laughfest, where he was a participant in the Best of the Midwest Comedy Competition. Robert’s comedy albums, “Achievement Unlocked” and “Attempted Salvation” are available on Apple Music, Google Play, and Amazon. “Attempted Salvation” can also be heard on SiriusXM Radio.

Robert Jenkins will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 7:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 7pm at the City Opera House.

Kevin Johnson is a native Detroiter who uses his urban upbringing to express his unique perspective on the world and everything in it. For the last 11 years, he has enjoyed traveling coast to coast spreading smiles to audiences. From dating to work life, he finds a hilarious way to tell stories using wit and physical comedy. Whether right or wrong he will entertain you with his views…just one man’s opinion.

Kevin Johnson will perform on Friday, February 2 at 7:30pm at Encore 201 and at 10:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Marti Johnson has been doing stand-up comedy for 13 years. She is known in Traverse City as TC’s Funny Lady. Marti was the voted the winner for the Red Hot Best Comedian in 2017 and 2018 for Traverse Magazine. Johnson has opened for Leanne Morgan, Bill Bushart, John Heffron, Andrew Norelli, and Steve Iott, among others, and has performed at Laughfest in Grand Rapids. Dating, her “Laugh Your Glass Off Wine Tours,” the Polar Vortex in Michigan, and having brass ovaries are some of the fun fodder that Marti takes to the stage.

Marti Johnson will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 10pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club and on Saturday, February 3 at 12:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Devin George Keast is a stand-up comedian known for his genuine and deadpan style. A 2016 winner of Gotham Comedy Club‘s New Talent Competition, and a 2020 addition to New York’s Comic Strip Live, Devin’s sincerity is indicative of his Midwestern roots and is welcomed by audiences everywhere.

Devin Keast will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House and on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201 and at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Nick Kelley is a Detroit based comedian who quickly wins over audiences with his playfully off-color likability. Nick was the winner of the 2022 Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle Detroit to L.A. Competition and has been featured with nationally recognized acts such as Bobcat Goldthwait, Chris Porter, Graham Kay, Akaash Singh, and Ron Taylor. On stage, Nick discusses an array of both trivial and philosophical observations as well as confessional personal experiences. Mixing a classic observational style with a modern edge, Nick takes the “disruptive behavior” his teachers regularly complained about and puts it to good use.

Nick Kelley will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201 and on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse and at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Ziggy Klett is a bi-polar, bi-curious, left handed, lactose intolerant, manic depressive, QVC shopping, type 2 diabetic, dyslexic, vegan Jew.

Ziggy Klett will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 9:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

A Metro-Detroit native, Mark Knope has been making audiences laugh since 1986. With over 7,000 shows under his belt, he’s traveled from coast to coast and everywhere in between. He’s been seen on Comedy Central, ABC, and Comcast, and his two CDss have been featured on SiriusXM. He’s also made multiple appearances on THE Bob & Tom SHOW! Some of Mark’s corporate clients include GM/Chevrolet, McDonald’s, Pepsi, Waste Management, Possis Medical Group, and Bob Evans Restaurants. He also performed three shows for Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Bash. Mark Knope’s show will take you on a mental roller coaster ride as he discusses his experiences involving being divorced (a.k.a. being a “Born-Again Bachelor”) as well as his love of golf, his distaste for snow/cold weather, and the perils of (GASP) physical therapy. No two shows are exactly alike as Knope energetically sprinkles in audience-improvisation, along with his many quirky facial expressions and celebrity impressions. DO NOT miss Mark Knope’s show – it’ll be what everybody else at work is talking about the next morning!

Mark Knope will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10pm at the City Opera House.

Mic Larry, born Larry Williams, began doing stand-up comedy in 2006 and has opened up for Paul Mooney, Cedric the Entertainer, and Mike Epps, just to name a few. His comedic endeavors have landed him gigs nationally at various venues all over the world, such as the Gotham Comedy Club in New York, VP Town Comedy Corner in Atlanta, The Comedy Store in L.A, Comedy Union in LA, and some of the Improv and Funny Bone comedy chains. Mic Larry was a stand-in for Cedric the Entertainer in the movie “All’s Fair in Love.” He has since acted on The Comedy Central TV show “Detroiters” and has starred in movies on Amazon Prime including “Buffed Up,” “Birthday Behavior,” “Once Upon a Time in Detroit,” “The Mule,” “The Spot,” “Da Gram,” “Instafamous,” and “The Middleman.” Mic Larry has also toured with comedian Bruce Bruce and was an opener for comedian Sinbad. With a heart as big as his onstage persona, he puts on an event through his nonprofit organization called 100% Real Fathers and does a balloon release for kids who lost their fathers. Though he is a comedian, Mic Larry says, “Folks suffering is no laughing matter.”

Mic Larry will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 10:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

What could be said of Deanna MAD? Equal parts mental illness, god complex, and body awkwardness created a performer you’ll crave to gawk at. Born in the “B table” of SoCal, Deanna MAD is one of the tallest Mexicans you’ll ever meet and a member of the Tonawanda Band of Seneca. A high-energy, powerful comic, Deanna MAD has performed stand-up comedy throughout the country since 2013. Some of her cleaner comedy can be seen on Amazon Prime’s FNX First Nations Comedy Experience. She is also a member of the comedy troupe “3 Sisters Comedy.”

Deanna MAD will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

The swiftly rising and hilarious comedian Lotto Marie is straight out of Omaha, Nebraska; but posted in Houston, Texas. Repping her “I JUST WANNA WIN” motto, her comedy journey started in 2017. Lotto’s content is centered around real life adventures of her life. She is a fun-time comic that draws her audience in, with her organic and relatable material leaving the audience wanting more of her. In 2019 she was a semifinalist in the Funniest Comic in Texas at the Houston Improv. In the last two years she has featured for T.K. Kirkland, Juan Villarreal, Jon “Polar Bear” Gonzalez, Rodney Perry, Just Nesh, Cocoa Brown, Billy Sorrells, Alycia Cooper. She most recently has appeared on Fox 26’s Isiah Factor Uncensored.

Lotto Marie will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 2:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Zach Martina likes hot food sitting in his belly and the cooling sensation that a peppermint candy brings whilst taking a deep breath. Yes, he is a stand-up comedian but, if you’re reading this, you assumed that. Did you know that he is also a father, a husband, a six-time cannon ball champion, AND a notary public? This is a guy with depth, a guy with layers. His irritations with the inane instances of life & love have left him ranting and raving on stages across the world for over a decade. In that time, Zach has been featured at stand up festivals such as 10,000 Laughs, Limestone and Gilda’s Laughfest where he was named one of the “Best of the Midwest.” He regularly shares the stage with some of his favorite comedians, including Rory Scovel, Chad Daniels, the Sklar Brothers, and Sean Patton, among others. He has released two comedy albums (“Skunkman” and “Not the Worst Dad”) that debuted at number one on the comedy charts and are regularly spun on SiriusXM. If the problem is “(Dark Jokes + Delightful Delivery) x Big Energy” then Zach Martina is your ANSWER. Come see for yourself! xoxo

Zach Martina will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10pm at the City Opera House.

Born and raised in Battle Creek, MI, Richard Mathis started standup in Indianapolis Indiana at Crackers Comedy Club. A old school style of set ups and punchlines with a urban twist is the best way to describe his style. Winner of Detroit to LA competition. Winner of Demented Peach competition. Winner of Detroit Comedy Rumble.

Richard Mathis will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 2:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Tom McCarthy has headlined at premier comedy venues such as Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle and One Night Stans, making waves with his dynamic and hilarious performances. A seasoned performer, he has graced the stages of renowned establishments like Holly Hotel, Big Tommy’s, and numerous other bar gigs and one-nighters across the Midwest. With a prolific presence in the comedy scene, Tom has become a familiar name, delivering laughs and entertainment at an array of venues. His comedic journey includes a notable album titled “Say It Don’t Spray It,” available on all major platforms, accompanied by the video companion “The Path of Totality.” Beyond his stage prowess, Tom McCarthy has ventured into the realm of podcasting, creating and hosting the acclaimed Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle podcast. In this role, he engaged in insightful conversations with some of the biggest names in comedy, including luminaries like Dave Attell, TJ Miller, Shane Mauss, Chris Kataan, and many others. Tom’s love for quality festivals is evident in his enthusiastic participation, and he holds a special affinity for the TC area, where he continues to captivate audiences with his comedic talent. With a diverse and impressive portfolio, Tom McCarthy is a comedic force to be reckoned with, leaving a trail of laughter in his wake wherever he performs.

Tom McCarthy will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 5:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Detroit native Michael McDaniel has performed to capacity crowds in various cities and states over the last decade. His unique comedic style has brought audiences to their feet. You may have seen him in the movie “Pawn Shop” & over 100 commercial and film projects! He was also featured on Comedy Central’s “The Detroiters.” His live performances showcase his impeccable timing and edgy – yet clean – and creative material. Michael has shared the stage with celebrated comedians such as Lewis Black, John Heffron, Brandon T. Jackson, Dave Coulier, Mike Epps, Tony Roberts, David Alan Grier, and Donnell Rawlings [of the Chappelle Show], just to name a few. Michael, a student of Second City, has a passion for sketch and improv comedy. Michael’s vast range of celebrity impressions creates tons of fun for any captive audience!

Michael McDaniel will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 7pm at the City Opera House, and on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30pm at Encore 201.

Pam McGeary resurrected her stand-up comedy career after taking a mere 30-year hiatus…only to then have a global pandemic take it back into oblivion. Having recently divorced successfully (yay for a good atty) and having raised two non-delinquent adults (yay for them!) she feels comfortable now in giving comedy another go. She currently lives and travels doing comedy in her Winnebago Chalet with her cat Blackjack. It’s a thing…and her kids, who are now 25 and 27, think she is trending and being – as they call it – a “micro-influencer!”

Pam McGeary will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 10:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 2:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Johnny Mocny is a young comic who’s been on the scene since the ripe age of eighteen. For six years, he’s been honing an interesting and original act combining wry wit with shrewd, satirical edge and a comfortably innocuous demeanor. Johnny has had the pleasure of opening for some of his comedy heroes, like Beth Stelling and Matthew Broussard. He is also a co-producer/host of the monthly showcase at Ozone’s in Lansing and the weekly open mic at Crunchy’s in East Lansing. He also hosts the podcast “We Are Movies,” featuring guests ranging from the local comedy scene to Hollywood notables.

Johnny Mocny will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 10:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 7pm at The Workshop Brewing Company.

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Tonya Murray’s love for making people laugh started at an early age and once she began performing stand-up, she knew she was on the right path. Tonya has opened for several national headliners, including Dave Attell, Jim Norton, Chris Porter, and The RoastMaster General Jeff Ross. She’s also performed at Gilda’s LaughFest. Her personality and her take on life as a single woman navigating today’s dating jungle give hysterical insight from one who should know. Her quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor have helped her get through otherwise difficult situations. Tonya is truly a funny comedian with a style and delivery all her own.

Tonya Murray will perform on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201 and at 10pm at the City Opera House, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Tanner Oliver is a comic from Ann Arbor, a land of Subarus with dog nose prints on the windows and people that say, “Does anyone know where I can play holistic tennis?” A Michigan comic for five years, Tanner is a young comic who loves a good story – and he’s full of them. Tanner masterfully captures the essence of his characters on stage and will take you on a journey through his tales of self-deprecation mixed with good times. He has been featured at Limestone Comedy Festival, 10000 Laughs, and Alaska Comedy Festival. He has worked with headliners such as Gary Gulman and Roy Wood Jr. When Tanner is not performing, he can be found eating nachos, producing “514 MILLER” – a monthly comedy show he runs out of his basement – or recording his new podcast “Tangents w/ Tanner.”

Tanner Oliver will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 10pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30pm at Encore 201.

Nardos Osterhart has been doing stand-up since 2012 and won the Funniest Person in Grand Rapids contest in 2013. She’s produced two successful one-woman shows and an album called “Nice Try” in 2019 that hit number one on iTunes. It can be heard on Sirius XM and Spotify. Her self-deprecating humor highlights everyday life, memories from the past, and parenting fails. Nardos’ comedic influences are Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and John Mulaney.

Nardos Osterhart will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 6:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Hailing from Traverse City, Michigan, Josh Paul brings to the comedy stage a rich tapestry of experiences that might seem paradoxical to the uninitiated. Having grown up as the most sun-deprived boy on an Indian reservation, Josh has mastered the art of blending cultural insight with sharp humor, all delivered with a quintessential Midwestern charm. With nine years in the stand-up circuit under his belt, Josh doesn’t just stand up; he stands out. His acts delve deep into his unique experiences, offering listeners a chance to peer into life as a Native American white boy in the north of Michigan. From raunchy tales of romance, to showcasing the sheer absurdities we often overlook in our daily lives, Josh’s performances are more than just comic relief; they’re a lens into a life that’s at once familiar and completely singular. Josh has a unique perspective—woven with wit, wisdom, and a touch of wackiness—that truly captivates. If you’re eager for a fresh comedic perspective that’s both humorous and heartfelt, look no further than Josh Paul. Because sometimes, the most authentic tales come from the most unexpected places.

Josh Paul will perform on Friday, February 2 at 10pm at the City Opera House and on Saturday, February 3 at 12:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Day Peace is a comic of 11+ years originally from Detroit, Michigan, but who started his comedy career in Phoenix, Arizona. Since then, he has become a stalwart in the Iowa comedy scene for the past five years, having released two comedy albums: “Peace of Mind” and “Peace of Mind: Side B”. The latter album shot straight to number one on the Amazon and iTunes comedy charts. Day Peace has also been seen on Bravo TV, was a monthly personality heard on 103.7 The Fox radio station, and has starred in an independent feature film called “Elastic Heart” (IMDB 2017). You can also listen to his weekly podcast “Peace Talk” wherever you listen to podcasts.

Day Peace will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 9:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Bob Phillips has been performing standup comedy at the country’s best theaters and clubs for over 20 years. He covers a lot of ground, with a show that is a blend of observational, topical, political, and biographical material. He talks about every-day subjects, from his Catholic upbringing to growing up in the seventies to the absurdities of modern life. He does so with wicked timing, intelligence, and sarcasm. Bob has been seen on the Fox stand-up comedy series “Laughs” and is heard daily on SiriusXM satellite radio’s Rawdog, Laugh USA, and Jeff & Larry’s Comedy Roundup. He is one half of the popular podcast, “The Sal & Bob Show.” Bob’s Open Bar Comedy Special was released in April 2023. Bob has recorded three full length comedy CD’s: “Live In Fargo,” “Pop Tarts and Air,” and “Ten Dollar Gift Card.”

Bob Phillips will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 7pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club and on Friday, February 2 at 5:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Nick Pizzuti is an energetic Italian stand-up comedian and a Midwestern man whose heart is bigger than his brain. He’s well known for his tell-all stories about the struggles and benefits of growing up as a special needs kid, his divorced life, and how bad he is at the bachelor life. Pizzuti has performed on stage at the world famous Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle and is a regular at One Night Stan’s Comedy Club, where he has been performing since 2019. He has also toured all over the Midwest, from large-scale public events to small private shows. Pizzuti has performed with brilliant acts including Greg Hahn, Nick Griffin, and Detroit legend Coco. Additionally, he is a Detroit to LA 2016 finalist, trained at Second City Detroit, and is the co-producer of The Unnamed Comedy Show. At the end of the day, Nick Pizzuti is just a fun loving D-bag (that could definitely use more fruit in his diet). Now’s let’s go clean the garage…

Nick Pizzuti will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Bailey Pope (She/Her/Etc.) is a New York-based comedian, writer, and pigeon-holed actress, providing the overly-tattooed, failed-rock-star-transgender-woman type of comedy that everyone has been searching centuries for. Bailey has been featured in festivals including the New York Comedy Fest, Limestone, Lookout, and more. She has also shared stages with Roy Wood Jr., Maria Bamford, and Sam Jay. As an actress, she often appears as “angry bartender” or “aloof tattoo artist” in shows such as the AppleTV+ show “City On Fire.” Her writing has been published by Hard Times and Refinery29.

Bailey Pope will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Sam Rager has been regaling audiences with vulnerable yet sharp jokes for over a decade. Her comedic style offers audiences a charmingly dark perspective. While Rager’s playful, morbid pieces aren’t for the faint of heart, her ability to draw from personal experience allows her to connect with people on a deeper, yet sometimes uncomfortable level. She was part of Laughfest’s “Best of the Midwest” in 2019 and a headliner at both the inaugural Detroit Women of Comedy Festival and inaugural Stand U.P. Festival. Rager has been named a rising star in Detroit’s comedy scene by 101.9 WDET and has also been featured in Hour Detroit Magazine. Her debut album “Trigger Warning” can be heard on SiriusXM and all streaming services.

Sam Rager will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 5:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Cam Rowe is the biggest thing in comedy – literally! At 6’9 inches tall, he has taken the comedy world by storm as a fresh new face. He was a regular on TRU TV’s Storage Hunters as the security guard known as “the Green Mile.” He has also appeared on the hit show “Comedy Bang Bang” with Aziz Ansari. Cam touches on real-life stories that everyone can relate to. He was a first place winner in the Uncle Clyde Comedy Contest at Flappers Comedy Club and The Next Comic Standing Contest at the HaHa Comedy Club in Los Angeles. He has also performed in the U.K. at the world-renowned Leicester Comedy Festival. Cam has headlined comedy clubs such as Mark Radley’s Comedy Castle, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, One Night Stans, Funny Farm, and Big Tommy’s, just to name a few. Be sure to watch out for this big guy – he won’t be hard to miss!

Cam Rowe will perform on Friday, February 2 at 7:30pm at Encore 201 and at 10pm at the City Opera House, and on Saturday, February 3 at 2:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Hailing from the Motor City, Roni Shanell is a rising star in comedy. She began her career in 2015 and has been on fire ever since! She’s performed across the country at comedy clubs such as Hollywood Improv, Chocolate Sundaes at the Laugh Factory in LA, The Comedy Store, Pittsburgh Improv, Toledo Funny Bone, and Detroit House of Comedy. In 2022, she headlined at Carolines on Broadway. Roni won Detroit’s Laugh Masters competition in 2018 and was the winner of the 2020 Sway in the Morning Comedy Search. Her stage presence is like no other! Roni is fun, energetic, and unapologetic!

Roni Shanell will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 7pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, on Friday, February 2 at 10:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30pm at Encore 201.

Simply Shanell is a local favorite in metro Detroit. She is regularly requested to provide her comedic talent for several organizations, comedy clubs, social and political events, as well as churches. Shanell has performed for the U.S. troops in Germany, Japan, and Korea. Simply Shanell has been nationally featured on BET ComicView, TBS Very Funny Stand Up, Robert Townsend Partners in Crime, Next Generation, and was a featured performer at the HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen Colorado. In 2023, Simply Shanell was invited to host the State of West Virginia annual Juneteenth Celebration at the West Virginia State Capital Building. If you’re looking for laughs, Simply Shanell is the one you call.

Simply Shanell will perform on Friday, February 2 at 6:30pm at the City Opera House and at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10pm at the City Opera House.

Greg Sharp is a stand-up comedian from Ann Arbor, Michigan and has performed in bars, bowling alleys, and comedy clubs across the country. He is the producer of The Comedy Experiment showcase and has appeared at the North Carolina Comedy Festival. Greg blends a quirky combination of deconstructionist absurdism and offbeat observations that have audiences giggling all the way home. Greg will impress you with his quick wit and sneaky innuendos. Pay attention or you might miss a chance for a big laugh from his creative word play.

Greg Sharp will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 3:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Pat Sievert sees things in a way you’ve never considered, but it’s a perspective you’ll never forget.  He’s honed his charmingly quirky, wickedly funny material with diligent road work, appearing at festivals across the country (Whiskey Bear, Motor City, and Savage Henry, to name a few). In 2019, Pat won the prestigious “Funniest Person in Grand Rapids” competition and recorded his debut album “I Do What I Want Now.” Whether its an indie DIY show or an A-List comedy club, Pat is a refreshing new voice that stands out from the crowd.

Pat Sievert will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 7pm at The Workshop Brewing Company, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 9:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Alexa Stanton grew up in a small, rural Michigan village where her fondness of corn and milk flourished. She began comedy in the Amazon capital of the world, Seattle, Washington. After facing much ridicule for her name, Alexa returned to Michigan in 2022. Alexa and her short butt crack continue to travel the States looking to tell tales of her outlandish life to fresh faces. You can find her viral hit series “Barefoot and Pregnant” on YouTube and her podcast “The Budcast” on all platforms.

Alexa Stanton will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 10:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Danielle Thralow won Miami’s Funniest and was a finalist in ACME’s Comedy Club’s Funniest Person in the Twin Cities. She has performed from Alaska to Florida and is a regular host of Dubh-Linn’s Pro Comedy Tour. Danielle is comfortable performing across the political spectrum, from deep-red rural venues to LGBTQ events. She has been in front of church groups, high schools, the United States Coast Guard, Optimist clubs, Chambers of Commerce, the League of Women Voters, and Fortune 500 companies such as Marsh Mclean. She has worked with many great comics, including Janeane Garafolo, Mary Mack, Myq Kaplan, Nick Griffin, ISMO, and Zoltan.

Danielle Thralow will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9:30pm at the City Opera House and on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201 and at 9:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club,

Esteban Touma is a comedian from Ecuador adjusting to life in the U.S. He was featured on Comedy Central and was part of the Clusterfest “Up Next” showcase in San Francisco. His comedy has also been featured on NPR, Sirius XM, The Moth, the NBC Second City Break Out Festival, and the World Comedy Expo. He has opened for comics such as Judd Apatow, Mark Normand, Michelle Wolf, and Roy Wood Jr. The U.S. government once officially declared him an “authorized legal alien with a reentry permit.”

Esteban Touma will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at the City Opera House, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse, and on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Dan Turco thinks he’s funny. Audiences do too. Just ask the audiences at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, One Night Stan’s, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, or the Detroit House of Comedy. You could also ask the audiences at the Windsor Comedy Festival, LaughFest, Motor City Comic Con, or the Royal Starr Film Festival. You could even ask some of the headliners he’s opened for, like Mitch Fatel, Paul Farahaver, Tom Thakkar, or JB Ball. But if you really want to be sure – you should just see him on a stage near you.

Dan Turco will perform on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse and on Saturday, February 3 at 2:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Brad Wenzel’s offbeat one-liners, dry delivery, and unassuming presence are what set him apart from other comedians. Brad has made three stand-up appearances on CONAN and more recently performed on Netflix is a Joke Radio. His debut comedy album “Sweet Nothings” was released on Jack White’s rock label, Third Man Records, and can be heard on SiriusXM. Paste Magazine described Brad’s 2023 special, “joke. joke. joke.” as: “Watching Wenzel feels like hanging out with your funniest, weirdest friend; it’s relaxing and utterly enjoyable” Since the age of 17, Brad has toured the country, honing his unique non-sequitur style of joke-telling, all while maintaining an original comedic voice. Simply put, he’s really funny. Other appearances include “New Faces” at the Montreal “Just for Laughs” Festival and “Bob & Tom.”

Brad Wenzel will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 6:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Tam White is a stand-up comic and improv actor from Detroit, Michigan. She is currently a resident cast member at the Go Comedy Improv Theatre in Ferndale MI and creator/producer/host of the improv game shows “Hip-Prov” & “Soul-Prov,” which play at clubs in and around the Michigan area, including Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Planet Ant Theatre, and Toledo Funny Bone. She recently became a board member and talent director for the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival and was mentioned in Hour Detroit Magazine as one of Mark Ridley’s favorite local comics. She has performed at Majestic Theatre, Detroit House of Comedy, One Night Stan’s Comedy Club, Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, City Theater, and other venues. She has recently worked with Pauly Shore, SNL’s Chris Kattan, BET’s Ms. Pat, Pinky Patel, Tony Roberts, Bill Bushart, and many more. Tam recently opened for Joe Dombrowski at the Royal Oak Music Theatre and Tim Meadows at One Night Stan’s Comedy Club. When she’s not producing shows or performing stand-up, she’s performing with her resident theatre cast mates or with the women in her new all-female improv troupe “And Still I Improvise.”

Tam White will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 10pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club, on Friday, February 2 at 7:30pm at Encore 201, and on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30pm at Encore 201.

Introducing the comedic force of nature known as Ricarlo Winston! With a talent for turning every-day mishaps into side-splitting anecdotes, Ricarlo has audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter. His razor-sharp wit and quick thinking ensure that no awkward moment goes untapped for comedic gold. Whether it’s taking a hilarious dive into the world of klutziness or unleashing clever wordplay, Ricarlo has the uncanny ability to find the funny in any situation. With a magnetic stage presence and a knack for connecting with audiences, Ricarlo is the comedic maestro you won’t want to miss. Get ready for a belly-aching, tear-inducing comedy experience that will have you begging for an encore!

Ricarlo Williams-Winston will perform on Friday, February 2 at 7:30pm at Encore 201 and at 10pm at the City Opera House, and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Ken Witzgall jumped into Chicago’s formidable stand-up scene in early 2008 and has been desperately trying to make a career at it ever since. His energy grabs the audience from the get-go, and keeps their attention with anecdotes, one-liners, and witty observations about falling asleep on the bus. An originator of the (original) infamous Power Hour open mic in Chicago, where he also co-founded the ongoing comedy showcase Stand Up Stand Up, he also helped produce Detroit Underground Comedy as well as the ongoing Unexpected Comedy Showcase in Oak Park, Michigan. He’s opened for Nick Thune, Jon Dore, Kevin Farley, and Todd Barry, and has performed at the Motor City Comedy Festival, the New Orleans Comedy and Arts Festival with Josh Johnson and Neil Hamburger, and the inaugural Traverse City Comedy Fest in 2023. Ken can be found working regularly at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle (Royal Oak, MI), The Independent Comedy Club, the Traverse City Comedy Club, and One Night Stan’s in Waterford, Michigan.

Ken Witzgall will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm at Encore 201, on Friday, February 2 at 8:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse and on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30pm at Encore 201.

Chris Young is able to take real-life experiences and turn them into laughs that maintain a clean but funny appearance. Chris’s luck (or lack thereof) have led him to look at the world through a different set of glasses. Having once been called a pessimist by a fellow classmate, he replied simply that he is not a pessimist but an optimist, as he believes things could not get any worse! Chris is a frequent performer at comedy clubs, colleges, casinos, and corporate shows around the country. He has appeared at the Gilda’s Laughfest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Traverse City Comedy Fest, the Laughing Skull Festival, and the Canton Comedy Festival. His DryBar Special has millions of views. Chris was the winner of the TV20 Detroit “That’s Funny” Comedy Contest on My Network, as well as a finalist in Dave Coulier’s “Clean Guys of Comedy/Unbleepable Contest.” Chris is also a favorite on radio stations all across the country. He has shared the stage with some of his favorite comics, including Bob and Tom’s Mike Armstrong, Larry Reeb, Heywood Banks, and Dave Coulier.

Chris Young will perform on Thursday, February 1 at 9pm at the Old Town Playhouse, on Friday, February 2 at 7pm at the City Opera House, and on Saturday, February 3 at 2:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

KAMIKAZE COMEDY: Join Traverse City’s own Josh Paul as he brings his comedy showcase to the stage, featuring the wittiest comedians from the Traverse City area! Showcasing a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, these comics infuse their performances with the unique “Northern Michigan” brand of humor, promising an entertaining and laughter-filled experience.

Kamikaze Comedy will perform on Saturday, February 3 at 12:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.

Tilt Think Comedy Collective (TTCC) presents a special Comedy Mixtape Show exclusively for the 2024 Traverse City Comedy Fest. Featuring the greatest hits from their monthly variety show, TTCC brings fast-paced improv games, SNL-style sketch comedy, musical improv, stand-up storytelling, and song parody…something for everyone at every show. You, their audience, brings the inspiration, and TTCC will bring the fun. Based in Traverse City, Tilt Think Comedy Collective is an incubator of comedy and community in northern lower Michigan. TTCC players bring their trainings from around the world including Second City, Annoyance Theater, iO, and Boom Chicago (Amsterdam), but mostly pride themselves in their locally-grown and 100% organic heirloom improvisers.

Tilt Think Comedy Collective (TTCC) will perform on Saturday, February 3 at 9:30pm at The Alluvion.

The Traverse City-based Good on Paper Improv group has been delivering spontaneous laughter for over 10 years. Experts in short-form improv à la “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?”, this six-member team turns audience suggestions into comedy gems. Their long-time camaraderie is palpable as they immerse in the joy of improv, or as they call it, “grown-up pretend time.” Be it at home or festival stages, they promise giggles, chuckles, and full-on belly laughs.

Good on Paper Improv will perform on Friday, February 2 at 6:30pm at The Alluvion.

Big Fun Murder: A Murder Mystery Improv Show. “100-ish years ago, on this very night, I was murdered.” Step into the mysterious world where a ghost has one last opportunity to unravel the truth behind their own demise. Assist them in recollecting the events and deducing the identity of the perpetrator as they vividly re-live their final day in this entirely improvised murder mystery. Starring: Lola Ahearn, Chris Fortin, Steve Grain, Keenan Mullaney, Patty Rooney, and Jared Simard. Directed by: Keenan Mullaney.

Big Fun Murder will perform on Saturday, February 3 at 5:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Go Comedy! was founded in 2008 in Ferndale, MI. The Clubhouse, Go Comedy’s Long Form Resident Company, is made up of 24 of the finest improvisers in Southeastern Michigan. Their improv form evolves from a fast paced introduction of characters and worlds to a grounded development of callbacks and connections. Cast includes improvisers, actors, and comedians from Detroit, Ferndale, and Ann Arbor who perform weekly on Sunday nights as part of the Weekend Finale show. Cast member Jake Russell recently opened for Fred Armisen at a sold-out show at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor. The Clubhouse has performed at the Detroit Improv Festival, Grand Rapids Improv Festival, Baltimore Improv Festival, Happy Valley Improv Festival, and the Planet Ant Theater in Hamtramck, Michigan.

Go Comedy Improv will perform on Saturday, February 3 at 6:30pm at The Alluvion.

Founded in 2000, The Planet Ant Home Team is the the resident improv troupe at Planet Ant Theatre in Hamtramck, Michigan. With 40+ members past and present, they are a staple of the Detroit improv scene and the host of Monday Night Improv, the longest running improv show in Detroit. The list of members, past and present, includes some of the best improvisers in the Detroit area. Alumni include: Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson of I Think You Should Leave and Detroiters and Jaime Moyer of Bob’s Burgers and A.P. Bio.

Planet Ant Home Team Improv will perform on Friday, February 2 at 9:30pm at The Alluvion.