Second Annual Comedy Festival

By Tiffany Broden
Contributing Writer

No one likes to see summer come to an end. With school starting up again, it is time to hit the books and get serious, but not before one last night of serious fun. It’s time once again for the second annual Fargo Comedy Festival, hosted by Eric Zeis.

Last year was the start of the comedy festival and it was an absolute hit. The Fargo Theatre was filled with an audience ready to bust a gut, and I can reassure you they did with national comics such as Adam Hunter, Erik Griffin and Jeff Allen, along with the always funny and local LineBenders.

This year, Zeis has a show planned that’s even bigger and better. National comic Andy KozeL has performed all over the country and hosted the morning radio talk show for 107.1 The Planet in Chicago, IL. Ben Morrison will also be performing. Morrison has been featured on Last Comic Standing™ and as the lead on the final season of MTV®’s hit Punk’d. Finally, Darren Carter will take the stage as the headliner. Carter has been a regular guest on several late night talk shows, including “The Tonight Show®” with Jay Leno. He appears regularly on “Comics Unleashed”, “Chelsea Lately” on E!®, and “Comics without Borders” on Showtime®. He has been in many films such as “Be Cool” starring John Travolta and Uma Thurman. His string of TV appearances also includes Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” and BET®‘s “Comic View”. Along with the national talent, five local comics will be hitting the stage.

“There’s not very many comedy festivals in the country and the ones there are, they’re huge,” Zeis said. “Like Sundance Film started off as a crappy little film festival and now thousands and thousands of people flock there every year, and same with the comedy festivals. Ideally I think it’d be something awesome for Fargo. The community itself wants comedy and artists here, and I think a lot of people would come here for something like that. It’d also be a great opportunity for local artists to get on stage in front of a big audience along with big name comedians.”

For future years, Zeis has huge plans for the now one night comedy festival. Ideas in the making include workshops instructed by professionals on how to better your stand-up routine or learn how to perform comedy. Another idea includes possible different shows at different times of the day to better suit audiences, such as a family friendly show earlier in the day and an adult-only show in the late evening. “I want to have it so people can pick and choose the shows they want to go to instead of just having a show for everybody,” Zeis said.

The First Annual event created a lot of buzz throughout the community and region. Changes have been made from last year to enhance the event. This year, Zeis Entertainment will be donating a percentage of the ticket sales to a local charity to be announced. “This festival will allow the immense local and regional talent a chance to perform alongside well-known acts. They deserve this and it only furthers their careers. Getting the community involved is very important to me.” Zeis said.

“Last year went pretty well, we had about 800 people show up,” Zeis said. “And overall, everybody had a good time. I’ve worked out some tweaks for this year. I’ve had great feedback so far, and am very excited to do it again.” One thing besides the venue that will be different is that Side Street Grille and Pub will be in charge of the bar at the Civic Center. How many bars they will have set up depend[s] on how many tickets are sold.

The night doesn’t end after the comedy show. Follow the crowd to the Radisson where there will be an after party held on the 16th floor. Here, you’ll be able to indulge in an open bar, dance with your friends, and meet the comedians. If you want to attend, see the VIP booth at the Civic Center before or after the comedy show. “I’m giving a lot of VIP passes away to people to help me out a lot,” Zeis said. “Like people who bring a lot of friends to the event and people who have helped me out. I’m also offering free party buses to people who bring out 15 people or more. We just want to get enough people in there, get the word spread, and get it popular enough so we can make it bigger and better next year. It’d be great for Fargo, local comedians, and people looking for entertainment.”

“Right now, I absolutely don’t care about making a profit whatsoever, I just want to break even so I can keep doing it,” Zeis said. “Last year I took a big hit, like a brand new car hit, which is fine. It’s an investment and it’s something I’m passionate about. I have a couple people interested in sponsoring next year. I just need to build the name up a little bit.”

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Comedy in Fargo is growing at an exponential rate. Every Tuesday night the Red Raven is packed for our local comics. Courtney’s Comedy Club is a hit every time they open their doors, and comedy shows featuring local talent and big names are popping up left and right. Fargo is demanding the scene. Check out the second annual Fargo Comedy Festival and support our community and local talent and watch some big names do their acts.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster online at http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster Venues, and at the Fargo Civic Center. Like the “Fargo Comedy Festival” on facebook® for more information regarding the show and the after party you don’t want to miss.

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IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Second Annual Fargo Comedy Festival
WHEN: Friday Aug. 26
WHERE: Fargo Civic Center
COST: Floor and Lower Balcony: $38.50; Upper Balcony: $28.50