Bigger and Better Than Ever
By Diane Alter
Martha’s Vineyard is just what you need: fresh air, wide open spaces, oceans that stretch for miles and spectacular sun rises and sunsets. In August, sounds of late summer blend to create an island melody with waves humming like a soft lullaby. Island sounds during August also include lots of infectious laughter thanks to The Fest, a premier comedy event that highlights some of the hottest comedians on the circuit.
The MV Comedy Fest, now in its eighth year is produced and managed by Chicago-based Knock-Knock Productions, supported by HBO (Founding Sponsor), BET (National Media Sponsor), and This Week on MV (Local Print & Digital Sponsor). The MV Comedy Fest is undeniably one the island’s widely celebrated summer
attractions.
“Every year, the MV Comedy Fest gets bigger and bigger,” said Steve Capers, Knock-Knock Productions Managing Partner. “Along with some repeat performers this year, we are delighted to showcase our first Hispanic comedian: Alex Ortiz.” Dubbed the “Boriqua Beast of Comedy,” Ortiz is one of the fastest rising stars in the comedy world. Along with working at comedy clubs peppered across the globe, as well as many TV appearances, including HBO’s Bad Boyz Of Comedy, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Who Got Jokes, and Winning Showtime At The Apollos TKO Comedy Championship, Ortiz has generously performed for USO Tours in 15 different countries.
This year’s jammed packed “The Fest” runs four weeks and will feature along with Ortiz, comedy’s leading funny men and women. Week 1 at The Lampost in Oak Bluffs features Damon Williams, Rob Stapleton, Gary Johnson and Tony Roberts. Week 2 at Oak Bluff’s Strand Theater highlights the comedic talent of Damon Williams, Marcus Combs, Maija DiGiorgio, Rudy Rush, and DJ Dolla
Bill. Week 3, also at the Strand Theater, are Damon Williams, Myra J, Alex Ortiz, Steve Brown, and DJ Dolla Bill. Week 4, at the fabulous Oak Bluffs restaurant Lola’s features Damon Williams, Marc Henderson, Martini Harris, DJ Dolla Bill, and Howie Bell will close out the event. Dinner is available at Lola’s during Week 4 of The Fest and reservations can be made under the ticket tab on the MV Comedy Fest website, where you will also find what’s on the menu. It is impossible to find a more delicious meal of good ole’ Southern comfort food accompanied by belly-aching good fun while on MV.
This year in addition to The Fest, the Edgartown Diner will host the Best of the Fest: a dinner and comedy show in a smaller and more intimate setting. Tony Roberts stars on August 10 and August 11, Damon Williams headlines on August 17 and 18, DJ Dolla Bill will provide the music. Details and ticket information for all events are available at www.marthasvineyardcomedy.com.
