WELCOME
Welcome to the National Comedy Center's 32nd Lucille Ball Comedy Festival here in Lucy's hometown — Jamestown, NY. Nowhere else in the world can you take in the best of live comedy by night, and visit the nation’s official museum of the art form by day.
Nate Bargatze first performed in Jamestown during Lucille Ball’s 100th Birthday Celebration in 2011, headlined by the legendary Joan Rivers, and marking the moment we set forth to make Ball’s vision a reality: establishing the first museum and national archive dedicated to comedy’s great story. Bargatze returned to Jamestown to tour the National Comedy Center after hosting Saturday Night Live in October 2023, joined the Center’s Advisory Board of Directors, and donated the SNL cue cards from what has become one of the most viral sketches in the show’s 50-year history (“Washington’s Dream”). 2024 marks the first visit by the genre-leading legend, “Roastmaster General” and one of comedy’s most prolific stand-ups, Jeff Ross. Whether you recently renewed your love of insult comedy with the Roast of Tom Brady, of which Ross was the creative force, co-host and executive producer, or have long appreciated those from Dean Martin to Friar’s Club to Comedy Central to Roast Battle, the Blue Room level of the National Comedy Center offers a chance to relish in the history of roasts, from Rickles to Ross. Get insulted by the Merchant of Venom himself, with never- before-heard audio from the late Don Rickles’ personal archives by day, and then take a seat for Ross’s live solo show Friday night. Nicole Byer has become a widely-known voice in comedy, whether as the host of Nailed It! , the Netflix Emmy-nominated reality-competition baking series, from her multiple popular podcasts, or as a highly-lauded stand-up with an act that is both fresh and fearless. A chance to see Byer live in Jamestown is the envy of the millions who have only adored her via these platforms. This festival is a celebration of comedy’s past, present and future. From honoring the laughs created for us by Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel, to featuring the newest takes from today’s best club talent at the Late Night shows set in Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana Room, you’ve come to the right place for a total immersion in both the presentation and preservation of this art form. Sincerely,
Journey Gunderson / Gurney Manunderson / Bernie Bonderman / Mr. McGunderman / Bashiba Munderman* Executive Director *Courtesy of the Curb Your Enthusiasm series finale
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ComedyCenter.org/Festival
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