2008
The First Ever Cleveland Comedy Festival
The Festival was founded by Joe Hannum, J.D. Sidley & John Wellington.
We started things off with a bang in 2008 and announced our arrival on the cover of The Plain Dealer’s FR!DAY magazine. Highlights of the 2008 Festival included:
Four (4) stand-up comedy shows at The Hermit Club featuring the best 40 comedians in Cleveland. Improv & Sketch show at Powerhouse Pub with Last Call Cleveland, FWB, and Point of No Return.
“Cleveland Laughs” TV Special with WVIZ featuring veteran Cleveland comedians:
-
​Jimmy Malone (WMJI, Magic 105.7 FM)
-
Mike Veneman
-
John Rathbone
-
Mike Cheselka
-
Marc Jaffe
-
Quinn Patterson
-
Basil
​Comedy Fan Forum at The Plain Dealer hosted by Mike McIntyre (WKSU, The Plain Dealer) and featuring guest panelists:​
-
​Nick Kostis (Hilarities)
-
Lee Herlands (Cleveland Improv)
-
Ann Elder (Laugh In)
-
Dave Schwensen (Comedy Author)
-
Mike Polk
-
Jim Tews
-
Mike Baker
2009
Ninja Comedy Death Match & Comedy Carnival
We started things off with a bang in 2008 and announced our arrival on the cover of The Plain Dealer’s FR!DAY magazine. Highlights of the 2008 Festival included:
Four (4) stand-up comedy shows at The Hermit Club featuring the best 40 comedians in Cleveland. Improv & Sketch show at Powerhouse Pub with Last Call Cleveland, FWB, and Point of No Return.
“Cleveland Laughs” TV Special with WVIZ featuring veteran Cleveland comedians:
-
​Jimmy Malone (WMJI, Magic 105.7 FM)
-
Mike Veneman
-
John Rathbone
-
Mike Cheselka
-
Marc Jaffe
-
Quinn Patterson
-
Basil
​Comedy Fan Forum at The Plain Dealer hosted by Mike McIntyre (WKSU, The Plain Dealer) and featuring guest panelists:​
-
​Nick Kostis (Hilarities)
-
Lee Herlands (Cleveland Improv)
-
Ann Elder (Laugh In)
-
Dave Schwensen (Comedy Author)
-
Mike Polk
-
Jim Tews
-
Mike Baker
2010
Time Warner Cable TV Contest & National Headliners
The 2010 Festival introduced a new type of comedy contest – the Time Warner Cable “Funny On Demand” contest which featured 24 of the best regional comedians performing in four taped comedy shows which aired on TWC.
The winner – Justin Cash — received $1,000 and headlined a comedy special in February 2011 with Rob Snow (2nd place) and Darrell Dawson (3rd place) which aired on Time Warner Cable.
​
The 2010 Festival also featured national stand-up headliners Al Jackson and Brad Trackman and Chicago improv comedian Susan Messing.
​
Lastly, we were proud and excited to have partnership shows with two fantastic local comedy clubs The Funny Stop (Akron Showcase) and Cleveland Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant (CCF Finale Show) that featured numerous local comedians and headliners John Rathbone, Jeff Blanchard, and Mike Polk.
2011
The Move To PlayhouseSquare and Ryan Stout Headlines
In 2011 the Cleveland Comedy Festival found a new home by forming a partnership with PlayhouseSquare – the premiere theater arts and entertainment organization in Cleveland.
​
Eight different shows were held at PlayhouseSquare Kennedy’s Cabaret and 14th Street Theatre including some amazing contest prelim shows, a Cleveland Favorites show featuring:
​
-
​Bill Boronkay
-
Mike Cheselka
-
Mark Reedy
-
Courtney Gee
-
Two (2) headlining performances by Ryan Stout (Boston Comedy Festival, Chelsea Lately, MTV).
​
The 2011 Cleveland Comedy Festival was won by Cleveland’s own Mike Head. Mike delivered a fantastic set that won over judges and the audience alike. Mike has since gone on to win other comedy contests all over the U.S. and continues to build his resume in clubs and theaters everywhere.
2012
More Shows, Tom Simmons & Tammy Pescatelli
The 2012 Cleveland Comedy Festival featured 22 shows in 8 days and over 60 comedians from all the U.S. participating. The contest field was stronger than ever with more prize money and additional showcases attracting some of the best comedians from the Midwest, New York, Florida, and Canada.
​
Our 2012 CCF champion was Eric Andrews from Toronto. Eric took home $1,500 and had to get across the Canadian border with his giant check. Brent Terhune from Indianapolis was second and Curtis Cook was third.
One of the highlights of the festival was the “Roast of Cleveland” show, hosted by The Plain Dealer and WKSU’s Michael McIntyre. A special appearance by Moses Cleaveland (Joe Hannum) closed out the show, also featuring:
-
​Ryan Dalton
-
Chris Hegedus
-
Michael Heaton (PD’s Minister of Culture)
-
Marc Jaffe
-
Tim Cornett
-
Ray DeVito
-
Jennifer Downey (Ambiance)
Another highlight was the “Out Loud Laughs” LGBT comedy show fundraiser that raised over $800 for the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Big thanks to Carey Callahan, Tamale Sepp, Bill Cruz, and Adam Guerino.
​
National headliner Tom Simmons came to Cleveland for two fantastic shows in 2012 and the festival finale featured Cleveland’s own favorite funny lady Tammy Pescatelli along with Mike Cheselka, Jeff Blanchard, and Dave Arena.
2013
Huge Growth, Todd Barry, Second City, More Prize Money!
The 2013 Cleveland Comedy Festival experienced record numbers of comedians, shows, ticket sales, and fun! Over 100 comedians participated in 2013 and more than 4,000 people saw 50 shows in 7 days.
​
Our Festival headliner was one of the funniest veteran comedians working today — Todd Barry. Todd had a packed crowd in the Allen Theatre in the palm of his hand as he deftly maneuvered between crowd work and his tightly written set. Michael Ivy, Tim Cornett, and Darrell Dawson joined Todd as featured comedians.
The Best of Cleveland Show featuring co-headliners Bill Squire and Mike Polk, Jr. sold out the Allen Theatre and just killed with laughs. Audiences enjoyed the all-Cleveland lineup that also included Chris Clem, Mike Head, Dave Arena.
Brad Wenzel from Michigan took home 1st place in the contest, winning a CCF record payday of $2,000. Brad garnered audience and judges votes with his dry deadpan style.
In addition to our main shows at PlayhouseSquare, satellite venues were added in 2013 all over Northeast Ohio allowing us to provide more stage time to all the comedians and reach even more fans. Notable satellite venues included:
​
-
Hilarities 4th Street Theatre (CLE’s premier comedy club)
-
The Funny Stop (Akron’s premier comedy club).
-
Second City brought the most famous brand name in improv comedy to the 2013 CCF with a fantastic show at the Ohio Theatre and also educated with two (2) classes and a few workshops while they were in town.
2014
New Logo, More Headliners, TV Writers, Cleveland Tonight with Mike Polk Jr. Rocks The House!
In addition to launching our new logo, the 2014 Cleveland Comedy Festival saw huge expansion in satellite venues and shows.
We had a total of 18 satellite venues including Club Velvet at the Hard Rock Rocksino, The Alex Theater at the 9, Nighttown, Vosh, Brothers Lounge and many others with shows all over Northeast Ohio.
​
Marina Franklin from NYC (Trainwreck, Comedy Central, Late Late Show) started things off and rocked the Hanna Theatre.
We kept the laughs rolling with a Cleveland Favorites Show with a powerhouse lineup of:
-
​Chad Zumock
-
Ryan Dalton
-
Joe Howard
-
Mike Polk Jr.
A fantastic Cleveland Homecoming Show featured ​Al Jackson (Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, TruTV), Steve Skrovan (Everybody Loves Raymond, Hot In Cleveland) and Bill Squire (WMMS Alan Cox Show).
A new unique show in 2014 was Cleveland Writes! – An Evening with TV Writers from Northeast Ohio featuring three amazing, accomplished television writers Steve Skrovan, Lisa DeBenedictis (Mad About You) and Marc Jaffe (Seinfeld). The panel discussion was a great celebration of Cleveland writing talent and was hosted by Mike McIntyre (WKSU, The Plain Dealer).
​
The highlight of the 2014 festival was Cleveland Tonight! with Mike Polk Jr. A live comedy variety show featuring Cleveland’s favorite comedic provocateur. The show featured funny interviews with WKYC anchor Kris Pickel, Jennifer Downey (Ambiance, the Store for Lovers), Matt Fish (Melt Bar and Grilled), Dan O’ Shannon (Executive Producer, ABC’s "Modern Family"), music by Erika Lauren and her band Hawkeye, and comedy performances by Al Jackson, Aaron McBride, and Matt Zitelli.
2015
Big Chuck and Lil John Tribute Show, Mike Veneman ALS Fundraiser, and Locals Dominate the Contest!
The theme of the 2015 Cleveland Comedy Festival was “Go Ahead and Laugh” which captured the vibe of a thriving Cleveland comedy scene that basically doesn’t care anymore what anyone thinks of our city and our comedians. We know we’re hilarious.
​
We continued our celebration of the past, present and future of Cleveland comedy with a tribute show to two local comedy TV legends — “Big” Chuck Schodowski and “Lil” John Rinaldi. Their careers in local TV spanned over 40 years and entertained generations of Clevelanders. The show was hosted by the always funny and super-fan Mike Polk, Jr. and included hilarious clips, photos, homage sketches by Chad Zumock, Zachariah Durr, Hot Carl Ferrara, & Chris Clem and fantastic stories of their time with Ernie “Ghoulardi” Andersen and their crazy exploits over the years in local TV.
​
We also paid tribute to our comedy teacher and mentor Mike Veneman with a fundraiser show in his honor for the ALS Foundation. Honoring Mike with their comedy was Bill Squire, Marv Conner, Todd McCune, Christian Hegedus, Mike Scanlon, and Marc Jaffe.
​
Almost all of the 60+ comedians that performed in the 2015 Festival had a great time at the Comedian Happy Hour at Parnell’s in Playhouse Square. Comedians enjoyed free drinks, food and great conversation with each other and industry representatives from the Funny Business Agency, Bonkerz Entertainment and Hilarities 4th Street Theatre.
Things got a little crazy with the Comedy Family Feud Show on Saturday night with a live comedic version of the popular game show. Team Cleveland featuring Dave Arena, Tim Cornett, Bill Squire and Mary Santora took on Team Akron featuring Marv Conner, Devin Conner, Jeremy Sheer and Chris Clem. Team Akron took the honors with the victory, although Team Cleveland scored numerous punch lines, which may have been just as important to the crowd and the comedians. Proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society and Wounded Warriors Project.
​
In the 2015 contest, the story was the performance of Cleveland’s local comedians. Despite being out-numbered in the overall field of 48, Clevelanders placed 5 out of the 10 finalists. Taking 1st place was Clevelander Mike Paramore, who won over the audience and the panel of judges with his sweet smile and sharp wit. Finishing second was another Clevelander Mary Santora, making her the first female comedian to ever place in the Cleveland Comedy Festival. Taking third was Geoffrey Asmus from Wisconsin.
2016
Jason Lawhead & Chris Porter, We Can Be Heroes with Mike Polk Jr. & Diamond Dogs, Jasmyn Carter, First Female CCF Champion
The 2016 Cleveland Comedy Festival featured numerous great shows including a homecoming of sorts for Jason Lawhead. Jason started his comedy career in Cleveland and helped spur the growth of the local scene with his Grimey Ninety show in Lakewood during the mid-2000s. Now he’s a big-time LA comedian touring with Bill Burr. Jason was paired with the always hilarious Chris Porter, best known from Last Comic Standing. They rocked the Sachsenheim Hall in a great show in 2016.
​
One of the most unique and hilarious shows we’ve ever done was We Can Be Heroes with Mike Polk Jr. and Diamond Dogs. It was a David Bowie tribute amalgam of comedy, music, sketches and love interviews. The show featured the incomparable Mike Polk Jr. as host and ringmaster and several musical performances from the amazing Diamond Dogs, a local band that embodies the sound and vision of David Bowie. Radio legend John Gorman from oWOW Radio was interviewed, Jennifer Downey from Ambiance also appeared and taught us about Modern Love and the whole show helped raise money for The Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
​
Cleveland All-Stars of Comedy Jeff Blanchard, Juanda Mayfield, Bill Squire, Bill Boronkay and Dave Arena shared the stage at the Hanna Theatre and brought some serious comedy credentials and laughs to a great show.
​
In addition to the laughs, the comedians also had a chance to learn and ask questions of headliners Jason Lawhead and Chris Porter in a fantastic Q&A session. They also had the opportunity to listen and interact with comedy industry legend Chris DiPetta (Atlanta Punchline owner) at his industry Q&A session as well.
​
We were very proud to have our first ever female Cleveland Comedy Festival female champion in 2016 with Cleveland comedian Jasmyn Carter taking the top honors. Jasmyn owned the crowd during the prelims and the finals and earned the admiration of the industry judges as well. Kansas City comedian Aaron Naylor took second place with his dry wit and clever joke mastery and Chicago comedian Sonal Aggarwal took third place getting laughs and bringing some attitude.
2017
KEEP IT GOIN'
The 2017 Festival opened with storytelling & stand up show with Lou Santini at The Music Box Supper Club.
​
-
Final year for Founder Joe Hannum at the helm and also the final year for the Contest
-
The annual contest was won by Jimmy McNamara, finalists included Pedro Gonzalez.
-
Honored Shaker Heights native, comedic actor Fred Willard, did a live sit-down with Michael McIntyre
-
TV Writer's Panel for Festival attendees and area comics;
-
​Marc Jaffe (Seinfeld)
-
​​Ana Breton (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee)
-
Kate Sidley (Late Show with Stephen Colbert, daughter of Festival founder, the late JD Sidley)
-
-
After party at Harry Buffalo on E. 4th St in downtown Cleveland
2018
A New Venue and Partner
In 2018 we switched the Cleveland Comedy Festival’s format, moving away from an overarching contest in favor of rewarding comics at each of our four (4) spotlight showcases, and offering three (3) Jury Awards at the end of the festival, named for area comedians that passed away too soon and had lasting impact on Cleveland comedy:
JD Sidley Award for Best in Writing
Nate Cockerill Award for Best Stage Performer
Mike Veneman Award for Best Overall Comedian
​
In an unanimous decision by panel and peers, Nathan Hurd was recipient of all three.
The Festival added "Not Your Parents’ Basement" as a new venue started by the Cleveland Comedy Festival in 2018. It was located inside the Superelectric Pinball Parlor at 78th Street Studios. We hosted 34 shows, with over 75 performers from 5 different countries. Superelectric Pinball Parlor became the new home for our "Class Clown" workshops, and regular shows including:
​​
-
"The Ad Hominem Attack Show"
-
A monthly free showcase during "Third Fridays" at the 78th Street Studios
-
UNprofessional Wrestling: Comedy & Commentary to Bad Wrestling Matches with Colt Cabana (All Elite Wrestling on TBS) and Marty DeRosa
-
Headliners included Festival alum Brent Terhune and Mike Paramore (former winner) and Felicia Gillespie. Headlining show welcomed back two NEOhio natives in Kate Quigley and Rick Glassman, took place at Hanna Theater
-
TV Writers Panel with Curits Cook (Jim Jefferies Show) and Kate Sidley
-
Industry Q&A with club owner and talent manager Chris DiPetta
-
After party again graciously hosted by Harry Buffalo on E. 4th St. in downtown Cleveland.
​
We also produced more shows year-round instead outside the Festival, including Jim Flortentine at Sachsenheim Hall.
2019
An Ending and a Beginning
In 2019, over 40 comedians from all over the U.S. and Canada descended on Cleveland and brought the laughter, including festival alumni Curtis Cook, Shane Torres, Brian Kenny, Dave Arena and Juanda Mayfield.
-
Third Friday Showcases and more shows continued at 78th Street Studios
-
Festival favorite, Women & Wine expanded to two (2) regular showcases at both The Bop Stop and Alex Theater (Metropolitan at The9) throughout the year. Alexa Lee of WKYC hosted at the Alex Theater. Cait Hogan hosted at The Bop Stop.
-
We began working with Science Riot to teach standup basics to professionals in scientific fields to improve presentation skills. Classes led by John Wellington & Cait Hogan with performances happening at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
​
JD Sidley Award for Best in Writing: Martin Phillips
Nate Cockerill Award for Best Stage Performer: Eitan Levine
Mike Veneman Award for Best Overall Comedian: Jessica Keenan
​
-
Writers Panel hosted by Curtis Cook and Michael Busch
-
Industry Panel with former Improv manager Lee Herlands and Hilarities manager Sam Klima
​
This was the last year of John Wellington serving as Executive Director of the festival. John now serves as Board Emertitus. His services will always be remembered and appreciated! Steve Guy was named the new Executive Director.
​
We were also happy that our fellow performers and volunteers from Akron started their own Rubber City Comedy Festival that takes place in the spring.
2020
is a Joke
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected just about everyone and everything. Our regular shows at 78th Street Studios were put on hiatus. It looked like there was not going to be a festival at all in 2020.
​
Thankfully, we were able to partner with Hilarities E. 4th Street theatre to showcase a weekend of local talent in a safe, socially distant, and yet hilarious manner for the audience.
​
Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club, “Home to Hilarities 4th Street Theatre,” is a complete entertainment experience. Opened in September 2002, Pickwick features a 185-seat restaurant offering American rustic cuisine made from scratch!
​
Shane Torres returned to the Cleveland Comedy Festival main stage for the second year in a row!
Bill Squire, comedian and the co-host of The Alan Cox Show on 100.7 WMMS The Buzzard in Cleveland, hosted a showcase that featured Festival favorites and new faces when they were not masked up.
Mike Paramore also returned to the Cleveland Comedy Festival where he has headlined in recent years.
Women & Wine had two (2) shows with an all-female lineup of the Cleveland Comedy Festival's funniest ladies!
John Bruton & Bill Squire hosted Jokes On You – Cleveland’s first crowd work comedy show which challenged both local and visiting comedians to think on their feet by skipping their jokes and instead make things funny by talking to the audience directly. Jokes On You made the audience the center of the show by pushing comics to avoid prepared material or written jokes and instead focus on organic interaction with the audience.
2021
Return of the Laugh
In 2021, things were starting to open up again and the 14th annual festival was our chance to #ShowTheWorld that the Cleveland Comedy Festival was back in action.
​
From November 10th through the 13th, our festival took place at the historic Odeon Concert Club in the Flats! Over the last year and a half we had also been working on extending into the Cleveland Comedy Network & Festival. This rebrand of a name, encompasses shows we do throughout the year AND a podcast network and original YouTube series. We also held the first ever Rubber City Comedy Festival in Akron in May of 2021.
​
Matteo Lane headlined the Cleveland Comedy Festival main stage for one of our biggest audiences that Friday night!
WWE Superstar, and native Clevelander, Dolph Ziggler (Nic Nemeth) closed out the festival on Saturday night along with his brother, AEW Star Ryan Nemeth. The festival ended with a special post-show performance by NUNFIST.
​
Jessica Keenan, one of the most original voices on the LA comedy scene, and 2019 Mike Veneman Award for Best Overall Comedian, returned to the 216 for a special showcase for recently released special that is streaming on HBO Max.
​
Happy Hour Showcases and Live Podcast recordings occurred through the festival at “Down the Rabbit Hole” the 2nd stage within the Odeon.
Women & Wine also made its return as one of our staple showcases
The Best of Cleveland hosted by Mike Polk, Jr., was a homecoming of sorts for the biggest names from Cleveland actively performing.
2022
Fifteen Years Strong
The 15th annual Cleveland Comedy Festival was back at it again in the historic Odeon Concert Club in the Flats from November 2nd through the 5th. Specials thanks to Unique Home Solutions for their support!
The festival was co-headlined by Blair Socci from Los Angeles and Ian Fidance from Wilmington, Delaware. Both stars filled the Odeon to capacity on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.
Rob Ward, fresh off his first Drybar comedy special, made a visit home to headline the first night of the festival at the Odeon lounge.
​
Vik Pandya, a nationally touring stand up comic based in Chicago, headlined our Thursday night showcase at the Odeon lounge.
​
CCF alum Martin Phillips (2019 J.D. Sidley Award for Best Writing and Best in Show at the Rubber City Comedy Festival in 2021) did a late & great Friday night performance at the Odeon Lounge.
Satellite shows included the venerable Lakewood Village Tavern, home of the area's longest running open mic night for comics. A special "Not All Saints" showcase was performed by the visiting performers at All Saints Public House. Women & Wine had two (2) shows at the Brother's Lounge and Market Avenue Wine Bar, in partnership with Follow The Crowd Comedy.
​Live podcasts recording of Ten Cent Beer Life & DMST Boyz on Saturday afternoon. Funny Bus Cleveland did special edition tours of Cleveland for fans, picking them up from the Odeon between shows.
Brian Kenny & his Saturday show had such high demand, it was moved from the lounge to the main stage and filled the Odeon to the brim with laughs. Brian is truly a star on the rise. You can check out his podcast "Ten Cent Beer Life".
​
JD Sidley Award for Best in Writing: Chris Cyr & June Dempsey
Nate Cockerill Award for Best Stage Performer: Matthew Jacobsen & Carl Lee
Mike Veneman Award for Best Overall Comedian: Andrew Packer & Anjelica Scannura
Taylor Compton Photography & Design & Every Angle & Golden Ox Studio played a big part in capturing all the great moments!
2023
Back on the Laughin' Wagon!
The 16th annual Cleveland Comedy Festival made its return to 78th Street Studios in Cleveland's Gordon Square neighborhood, from November 8th through the 11th. This also coincided with our return to the former venue for our monthly showcases.
Happy Hour Showcases took place at All Saints Public House. Late night shows and the Ad Hom Attack Show roast battle took place at Spotlight Cleveland. We also had satellite showcases, in partnership with Bill Squire and the East End Tavern, Hi and Dry, & Lakewood Village Tavern, home of the area's longest running open mic night for comics.
​
Wednesday night was headlined by longtime local favorite, Martin Malloy, in his first headlining show.
Big Chevy Terrill headline Thursday night at the Pinball Parlor.
Friday was a double main event with Chris Harvey headlining an early show. Morgan Gallo sold out the room, closing out the late show.
A live podcast recording of Cleveland Comedy Network staple Ten Cent Beer Life kicked off Saturday afternoon. We also brought back popular favorite Your Art Sucks, where comics roasted fine art pieces throughout history.
​
An afternoon showcase took place inside the 1300 Gallery. Festival alum & 2013 winner Brad Wenzel returned to headline an early show. Rising local star John Armstrong closed out the late Saturday show.
​
The comics from across the U.S. & Canada that performed at this year's festival included: Olivia Bailey, Gordon Baker-Bone, Holly Ballantine, Stetson Banks, Hannah Belmont, Lucy Bonino, Ericb Bowens, Joe Briggs, John Brown, Michael Carlson, Marty Cunnie, Dan Donnelly, Cam Godfrey, Joe Graham, Maddie Kelly, James Killius, Bill Lake, Kevin Lamory, Alyx Libby, Flem Love, Robert McClure, Chris Metcalfe, Adam Minnick, Jason Moliterno, Daniel P. Myers, Katie Novotny, Tanner Oliver, Chris Paugh, Rod Paulette, Elyssa Phillips, Logan Rishaw, Christopher Scriva, Drew Shafer, Connor Stout, Raj Suresh, Sami Sutker, Stephen Taylor, Zach Welch, Gray West, Olivia Witt, Tim Wolfe, Andrew Yang
​
Levester Johnson and our volunteers from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission played a big part in capturing all the great moments. A special thanks to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Great Lakes Theater, the Ohio Wine Producers Association, & the Music Box Supper Club for their donations for our fundraiser raffle.
2024
New Venues, New Attitude
Festival Dates: November 6 - 9, 2024
Venues for the 18th annual festival included: Forest City Brewery,Market Ave Wine Bar, Market Garden Brew Pub, Spotlight Cleveland, Collision Bend Brewery, Bright Side, Hi & Dry, East End Tavern & Bistro, & Lakewood Village Tavern
Happy Hour Showcases started each day of the festival. Cleveland’s funniest comic for 2024, Tabitha Jones, headlined the opening night festivities with satellite shows and an open mic afterparty to welcome the incoming performers.
Thursday night had Women & Wine return with headliner Sara Huntington. Rob Stant headlined our Thursday night with a live podcast recording of Two in the Stink afterward.
Friday brought a pickup basketball game among comics, courtesy of Cleveland State University.
​
Anjelica Scannura and Brian Sullivan headlined our Friday night showcases. New showcase NSFW Cleveland brought in the laugh for fans at Spotlight Cleveland before We closed out the night with a special Roast Battle League and afterparty.
Saturday offered brewery tours to comics, courtesy of Market Garden Brewery. Afterward, a brunch showcase at Forest City Brewery. Comics got complimentary headshots from Elton Lytle Photography.
Local favorite, Your Art Sucks - A Roast of Fine Art, entertained audiences, followed by a live podcast recording of Ten Cent Beer Life.
A matinee showcase and a second Women & Wine kicked off the evening laughs. Don’t Tell Comedy Cleveland hosted a showcase of CCF performers. Andrew Packer and Sam Miller closed out the festival on Saturday night.
The comics from across the U.S. & Canada that performed at this year's festival included: Sam Adams, Courtney Albers, Zach Albers, Hannah Belmont, Dar'jon Bentley, Evan Berke, James Earl Brassfield, John Brown, D'jaay Brownjohnson, Charlie Burkley, Nick Charles, Conner Christmas, Darius Daye, Nick Dlouhy, Dezhawn France, Shea Freeman, Adam Freesman, Drew Gigis, Jim Gillespie, Stephanie Ginese, Cam Godfrey, Spencer Gordman, Shelley Gruenberg, Ella Horwedel, Miki Janosi, Elliot Jarrous, James Killius, Flem Love, Martin Malloy, Daniel Myers, Leif Oleson-Cormack, Bruno Oliveira, August O'neal, Kevin Ostapowicz, Chris Paugh, Elyssa Penson, Brandon Petri, Elyssa Phillips, Phil Pointer, Pope, Precious, Sarah Purdum, Nicole Rossa, Sam Rossi, Noah Ryan, Chris Scriva, Dave Shelton, Dennison Sleeper, Max Sorich, Pippa Spindel, Prateek Srivastava, Saralee Steiner, Travis Stevenson, Bill Stone, Tito, Sarah Vulpio, Zach Welch
On July 4, 2023, Boutrous Youssef Barakat better known as “Pete”, the long time co-owner of the Funny Stop in Cuyahoga Falls passed away. Pete gave a lot of comics an opportunity to hone their craft and build up their comedic skills in front of a live audience. Pete loved comedy as much as he loved his family, and was very generous to the local comedy community. The Rubber City Comedy Festival honored Pete with an award for best local comic that was given to John Brown. CCF decided to also honor Pete’s memory to recognize a northeast Ohio comic that is active in the community performing & helping others.
“Pete” Barakat Award for Best Local Comedian: Pope
JD Sidley Award for Best in Writing: Sam Rossi
Nate Cockerill Award for Best Stage Performer: Prateek Srivastava
Mike Veneman Award for Best Overall Comedian: Shelley Gruenberg