PIGMEAT MARKHAM, DICK GREGORY, BERT WILLIAMS, MOMS MABLEY, RUDY RAY MOORE, NIPSEY RUSSELL, RICHARD PRYOR, REDD FOXX, TIMMIE ROGERS, HATTIE MCDANIELS…THE LIST GOES ON AND ON…
All these legends have one thing in common… they are African American comedians that made us laugh. Doubled-over, side-cracking, eyes-tearing, cracking up, falling out, in stitches laughing!!! They helped to establish the foundation of Black Comedy in this country. What’s the missing link you ask? – A national platform to preserve the history and solidify the future of African American humor. Only a short time ago, that platform was the vision of Steve Capers, Managing Partner of the annual Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest. After careful research and thoughtful planning with comedian Damon Williams, Black Comedy Month was born. Original and unique, Black Comedy will be celebrated annually in August.
Black humor has a rich history dating back to the ancient Greeks according to some literary critics. In 1940, French writer and poet André Breton coined the term Black humor for his book Anthology of Black Humor (Anthologie de l’humour noir). From then until the present, Black Comedy has taken on a life of its own with hundreds of African American comedians contributing to its growth.
Black Comedy Month will provide a historical perspective of this aspect of the entertainment industry, and present an opportunity to showcase new and established African American comedians. It will provide an outlet through live events and social media outlets to:
• promote tours, shows, movies, plays, and clubs that feature African Americans; and,
• highlight African American comedians, promoters, club owners, writers, actors and fans.
Black Comedy month will officially debut at the 7th annual Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest on August 7, 2017. Information is available via social media outlets.
Check it out at:
• www.blackcomedyfest.com
• Twitter: @blkcomedymonth
• Instagram: BLKComedyMonth
Humor at it’s Best: THIS YEAR’S COMEDY FEST FEATURES A DINNER PACKAGE. BONE TICKLING FUN AND FABULOUS FOOD—WHAT COULD BE BETTER?
By Diane Alter
Don’t be alarmed by the thunderous roars and ground shaking sensations rippling through Oak Bluffs this August. It’s not an earthquake nor is it a Nor’easter. It’s loads of laughter and up-on-you-feet stomping emanating from the seventh annual Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest.
Without question, this event has become one of the island’s premier summer attractions. Indeed, every August for the last seven years, when African- American cultural pride is at its peak, the “Fest” takes center stage on the Vineyard.
This annual event is produced and managed by Knock-Knock Productions, a Chicago-based company that specializes in producing sponsored-driving stand-up comedy events nationwide. Hosting this year’s event is Lola’s Restaurant, located at 15 Island Inn Road in Oak Bluffs.
“On behalf of our staff members, sponsors and comedians of the 7th annual Martha¹s Vineyard Comedy Fest, I would like to welcome everyone to another spectacular comedy showcase, which will feature some of the nation¹s funniest African American comedians,” said Steve Capers of Knock-Knock Productions. “For three weeks straight, beginning on August 7 and ending August 23, the island will be erupting with nonstop fun and laughter.”
Capers said this year line-ups are loaded with such incredible talent that “we are going to have to draw straws to see who will headline each night.” Leading week one are comedians Chastity Washington, Jeremiah (JJ) Williamson, Chris Spencer and Gary Johnson. Week two will feature comedians Melanie Carmarcho, Jay Lamont, Rob Stapleton and Damon Williams. Closing the fest during week three will be comedian Jay Deep, Rodney Perry, Tu Rae and Damon Williams.
“As always, DJ Dolla Bill will open the shows with a variety of old school hip-hop and R&B mixes to get the crowd hyped for our high-octane show,” Case added. New this year is a dinner package that includes a fabulous three course meal and ticket to the “Fest.” Lola’s will be whipping up some of its famous Southern specialties with a twist for the event.
For an appetizer, diners have a choice of Gumbo, Southern Strawberry Sala, Lola’s Cajun Caesar Salad and New England Clam Chowder. Entrée options include: Big Ole’Bowl of Seafood and Chicken Jambalaya; Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles; BBQ Shrimp and Lobster Grits; Mango Glazed Atlantic Salmon; King Paul’s Blackened Catfish; Georgia’s Bank Swordfish; Lola’s Baby Back Rib Dinner. Dessert choices are creamy Key Lime Pie and sweet Peach Cobbler with Cinnamon Ice Cream.
Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait to reserve you place at one of MV’s most sought after events. Additional information and ticket information can be found at www.marthasvineyardcomedy.com
