Leslie Jones and Deon Cole are set to headline the second annual Because They’re Funny (BTF) Comedy Festival, happening from September 27-29 at The Wharf and DC Improv.
Jones, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live, will perform on Sunday, September 29. Deon Cole, a standout from Black-ish, will host the “Breakout Comedian of the Year” competition, featuring up to 16 comedians chosen from a pool of submissions. These semifinalists will perform live in mid-August in Los Angeles.
Organized by Nice Crowd and Events DC, the festival offers more than just laughs. It includes panels, comedy classes, and networking events, designed to support and showcase BIPOC comedic talent.
“We’re thrilled to have Leslie and Deon headline the festival and are thankful to our partners at Events DC for supporting this event, which showcases BIPOC artists and brings diverse communities together through levity, camaraderie, and culture,” said Nice Crowd CEO Jeff Friday and President Nicole Friday.
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The festival kicks off on Friday, September 27, with a charity auction benefiting DC Central Kitchen. “I am so excited for the return of the Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival to the nation’s capital,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “This special event showcases the wonderful talent right here in Washington, DC, while giving back to our local community. I am thrilled that major acts, including Leslie Jones and Deon Cole, will join us this year to deliver a world-class festival to comedy fans from around the world.”
Saturday, September 28, will see six finalists compete for a $10,000 grand prize and the opportunity to secure representation by the Hollywood talent agency Innovative Artists.
Because They’re Funny, created by the producers of the American Black Film Festival, is dedicated to promoting BIPOC comedic talent and diverse content in the comedy genre. The festival aims to elevate a new generation of stand-up comedians, featuring headline shows, spotlights on emerging comics, films, panels, and master classes.
The festival will begin with “BTF Cares,” a gala fundraiser supporting Washington DC-based organizations that positively impact diverse communities. Proceeds will benefit DC Central Kitchen, a nonprofit combatting hunger and poverty through job training and creation.
The “Breakout Comedian of the Year” competition is BTF’s flagship event, serving as a platform for discovering new BIPOC stand-up talent. The competition attracts hundreds of entries from across the country, with the top six finalists competing for a $10,000 grand prize and the chance for representation by a leading Hollywood talent agency.
Recognized as one of USA Today’s top 10 new events and drawing over 5,200 attendees in its inaugural year, BTF returns to Washington, DC, from September 27-29, with events held at The Anthem at the Wharf and other city venues.
Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival is a Nice Crowd event, presented in partnership with Events DC. For more information, click here.