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Some of the comedic talent coming out of Canada in the past decades – Kids in the Hall, John Candy, Catherine O’Hara and the entire cast of SCTV, Jim Carrey (his early standup was incredible), and Phil Hartman – just to name a few – are widely known to be the best comics of our time.
So you can imagine the acts The Vancouver Comedy Fest attracts – from standup to sketch, Canadian and International alike – to remain worthy of that pedigree. (Sorry, gushing, can’t help it.)
I personally am freaking out over the lineup for the fest this weekend. The performers who need no introduction are Carol Burnett, Margaret Cho, Betty White, and David Cross.
Some who are not yet household names but should be are Todd Barry, Garfunkel and Oates and Dragon Boy Suede (all performing together with Seattle-based Peoples Republic of Komedy and the Entertainment Show),and (performing on a seperate night) Todd Glass is a caustic powerhouse. I fell in love with Glass when I watched him at an LA club, verbally putting Joe Pesci and his entourage (who were in the audience) in their place. Let’s just say they deserved it.
Additionally, Seattle hometown hero Nick Thune is also in the lineup. He’s a standup and very funny singer/songwriter who’s a favorite of “The Tonight Show” where he has appeared eight times. He’s also performed on “Conan” and is an up-and-coming actor.
I’m also thrilled to see Bob Odenkirk and Paul F. Tompkins, both of “Mr Show.” Doug Bensen, who managed to make pot smoking funny (to stoners and non-stoners alike) with his popular documentary “Super High Me,” and who will be doing a live version of his podcast, “Doug Loves Movies.” at the festival. Marc Maron, a very funny and respected comic who also has a popular comedy podcast on iTunes called “WTF with Marc Maron” where he interviews other comedians, is a can’t-miss as well.
All in all, this is an incredible lineup and worth the relatively easy trip to Vancouver. There are great hotel and show packages to be had, so visit the festival’s website for details, and get in your car now and go!
The Vancouver Comedy Fest runs February 16th through the 26th; go to ComedyFest.com for a full schedule of events.
