New York’s Funniest Stand-Up Competition is back in search of the next big name in comedy.
Did you know there was an annual New York Comedy Festival? If you’re living under a rock like me, chances are you are just as surprised as I am. This year, the New York Comedy Festival will take place from Nov 3rd – Nov 12th throughout the five boroughs.
“Launched in 2008, the New York’s Funniest Stand-Up competition is open to any and all comedians who think they have what it takes to be New York’s Funniest,” according to the New York Comedy Festival website. This year, ten finalists will perform ten-minute sets in front of a panel of comedy industry judges and audience members at the Hard Rock Hotel on November 11th.
The winner will receive a cash prize, and of course, bragging rights. Ricky Velez, the 2014 competition winner, will be the host. The ten 2023 finalists are Tre’ Stewart, Paris Sashay, Julio Diaz, Vishnu Vaka, Jake Velazquez, Maddie Wiener, Pat Burtscher, Peng Dang, Matt Koff, and Gavin Matts. Tickets can be purchased here.
While all of the comedians are based in New York, many hail from other states like Detroit and Washington D.C. The comedians who rep New York originally are Julio Diaz (born and raised in Brooklyn) and Jake Velazquez (born and raised in the Bronx).
Past winners of the Funniest Stand Up competition include Ricky Velez (2014) and Michael Che (2012)
The first New York Comedy Festival started in 2003. Its tenth year in 2013 coincided with the 30th anniversary of Caroline’s on Broadway and featured performances by many comedy headliners including Wanda Sykes and the late, great Charlie Murphy.
Celebrating their 20th festival this year, the New York Comedy Festival headliners include comedians like Ziwe, Abby Govindan, Monét X Change, Nate Jackson, Rell Battle, Nicole Byer and more.
Nicole Byer, who you’ve seen on shows like NBC’s Grand Crew and Netflix’s Emmy-nominated competition baking series Nailed It!, will be headlining at the legendary Apollo on Friday, Nov 10th.
Are you planning to attend? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
