Comic Roster

Josh Blue will perform on April 10 at 7PM at the City Opera House.

What began as a way for Carole Montgomery to work with her friends has exploded as a phenomenon on the comedy scene. When Carole (a veteran of the stand-up scene for over 40 years) started, you would never see two female comics on the same show. Fast forward to today’s comedy scene and nothing has changed, even though there are far more women in comedy now. Frustrated with how women are portrayed on television once they hit 50, Carole decided to do something about it.  “Funny Women” – also known as WOACA (Women of a Certain Age) – was created to give older women comics a chance to be seen and heard. Carole is fighting ageism AND sexism one joke at a time. The women who appear in WOACA are all funny, vibrant, and brilliant – they just happen to be of a certain age. These women paved the way for the female comics you see today.

The first WOACA TV special for the Showtime Network featured Fran Drescher, Carole Montgomery, Luenell, Lynne Koplitz, Vanessa Hollingshead, and Kerri Louise. The special premiered on March 23, 2019 and made TV history as the first comedy special to feature six women over the age of 50. The special was the network’s highest-rated premiere of a stand-up show for 2019.

The second Showtime special, “More Funny Women Of A Certain Age,” premiered in March 2020 to huge viewership. The third special premiered in November 2021. All three specials prove that indeed #FunnyNeverGetsOld.

The Traverse City Comedy Festival performance of Funny Women of a Certain Age will feature creator Carole Montgomery, Julia Scotti, and Leighann Lord.

Funny Women Of A Certain Age will perform on April 12 at 3:00PM at the City Opera House. Each of the individual members performing will also headline a separate show at the Traverse City Comedy Club during the festival. Carole Montgomery will perform on April 11 at 8:30PM, Julia Scotti will perform on April 11 at 6PM, and Leighann Lord will perform on April 12 at 7PM.

Natasha Leggero is an accomplished actress, writer, and standup comedian. Most recently, she starred in the CBS sitcom “Broke” and released “The Honeymoon Stand Up Special” on Netflix, which she shot along with her husband and fellow comedian Moshe Kasher. In the TV space, Natasha created, executive produced, and starred in the Comedy Central hit show “Another Period” as well as Showtime’s “Dice” opposite Andrew Dice Clay. She was a popular character in the Emmy-nominated series “Burning Love” and had a recurring guest arc on ABC’s “Suburgatory,” and has appeared on “Modern Family,” “Key and Peele,” “Comedy Bang Bang,” and Fox’s “Mulaney.” She has also voiced the main characters for “Ugly Americans” and “Brickleberry.” On the film side, Natasha can be seen in comedy smashes such as “Neighbors” and “Let’s Be Cops.” She is also the co-host of the popular comedy podcast “The Endless Honeymoon Podcast,” in which she and her husband Moshe give out relationship advice with a hilarious spin.

Natasha Leggero will perform on Friday, April 11 at 9:00PM at the Park Place Hotel.

Marc Maron has released five hit stand-up comedy specials throughout his career. His most recent, “From Bleak to Dark” premiered on HBO February 11, 2023 and received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Maron’s other specials include “End Times Fun”; (2020) on Netflix, “Marc Maron: Too Real” (2017), “More Later” (2015) on Epix, and “Thinky Pain” (2013). Maron has an incredible reputation in the podcasting world through his landmark podcast “WTF with Marc Maron”. Launched in 2009, this interview-style podcast receives over 100 million listeners every year and has become a phenomenon in the podcasting space, with over 1,400 episodes to date. Over the years, Maron has interviewed icons such as US President Barack Obama, Keith Richards, Kate Winslet, and Robin Williams.

Marc Maron will perform two shows on Saturday, April 12, at 6:00PM and 8:30PM at the City Opera House.

Jay Pharoah will perform on Friday, April 11 at 6:30PM at the Park Place Hotel.

Camila Ballario is an Argentine-born comedian from Michigan. She was voted “Best Comedian in Michigan” by Current Magazine, winner of “Best of Fest” at both The Big Pine Comedy Fest and Laugh After Dark Comedy Fest, and is a TedX Detroit speaker. Ballario has been entertaining crowds far and wide with her fresh brand of stand-up, where she often joins her ideas with songs, and has performed with notable comedians such as Nikki Glaser, Rory Scovel, Fahim Anwar, Mike Cannon, and Ryan Sickler. Ballario released her first comedy special “Real Love” in 2024!

Hailing from Warren, Michigan, Peggy Beattie brings sharp wit and self-deprecating humor to the stage, offering irreverent insights on life’s chaos with a playful, honest delivery. With seven years of comedy experience—including a brief hiatus—she has made a name for herself in the Midwest comedy scene.

Beattie has performed alongside Rocky LaPorte, Dave Landau, and Cam Bertrand and was a finalist in the Detroit to LA Comedy Competition (2023). She has graced the stages of Motor City Women’s Comedy Festival and Windsor Comedy Fest and is most proud of her weekend and New Year’s Eve performances with Dave Landau at One Night Stan’s and Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.

Whether sharing her wisdom or laughing at life’s absurdities, Beattie’s humor is as relatable as it is hilarious.

Dan Brittain began his comedy career in improv, training at Second City Detroit and performing with GO! Comedy, The Improv Inferno, and as a resident cast member at ComedySportz Detroit. Since transitioning to stand-up in 2018, he has earned accolades including 3rd place in Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle Detroit to LA contest (2019), a win at the Comedy Rumble (2024), and a quarterfinalist spot at the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas (Top 14 out of 500+).

He has performed at LaughFest, the Detroit Improv Festival, and the Rubber City Comedy Festival (2023). A Midwest headliner, Brittain has been producing shows under Dan Brittain Comedy for the past two years. In 2024, he headlined a weekend at One Night Stans Comedy Club and is set to headline Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle on Thanksgiving weekend 2025.

Brittain has shared the stage with Matthew Broussard, Caitlin Peluffo, Steve McGrew, Greg Behrendt, and frequently performs with Rob Little.

Ryan Brown is a stand-up comedian from Detroit who uses “his little comedy thing” as an excuse to amuse and annoy his family, especially his two teenagers. He’s headlined and featured at clubs across the Midwest including Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and the Funny Farm in Ohio. He’s been a featured comic in festivals such as the Motor City Comedy Festival and Traverse City Comedy Fest. Catch Brown delivering laughs in a city near you. Nothing is off limits and everything is funny.

Vivian Burgett started doing comedy to cope with having the most boring job ever: grant writing. Yuck. She’s performed her blend of dark and nerdy comedy all over Chicago and the area that many call Chicago’s largest suburb – the state of Michigan. In 2023, she started “Femme Feedback,” a successful open mic for female and trans comedians, which has drawn comedians from even the furthest reaches of Michigan. She has appeared in the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival and the Lass Laughs festival in Grand Rapids and shared the stage with Katherine Blanford and DJ Sandhu among others. Burgett can frequently be found performing at friends’ weddings because, that’s right, she’s the only one who’s still single!

Asia Chardonay, better known as All Asia Body, is a bold and bodacious woman with a comedic style to match. She was a finalist in Helium’s Indiana’s Funniest and the only woman finalist in the 2024 World Series of Comedy. Chadonay’s stage presence and ability to captivate audiences has earned her spots in popular festivals, such as Laughing Skull Comedy Festival. She has opened for comedy veterans like Jay Anthony Brown and recently featured for Maddy Smith of *Wild ‘N Out*. Chardonay has performed in iconic venues like the Laugh Factory, Hollywood Improv, and the World Famous Comedy Store. Her unique relatable humor makes her an exciting fit for TCCF, where she’s ready to connect with new audiences and bring her bold and bodacious energy to the stage.

A veteran of the Michigan comedy scene, Adam Degi has headlined nearly every club in the state and performs regularly across the Midwest. He has been a staple at LaughFest for over a decade, both as a performer and producer, and has taken the stage at major festivals including the Boston Comedy Festival, Asheville Comedy Festival, and Comedy 10K.

Degi is a frequent opener for Michael Kosta of “The Daily Show” and helps produce “Don’t Tell Comedy” in Grand Rapids, MI.

Ann Duke is a favorite of “women of a certain age” who can relate to the trials and tribulations of being single and navigating middle age. Her observations on generational differences and relationships are clever and poignant. For younger audiences she’s your Mom’s sassy, sexy best friend. Duke has performed at comedy shows and clubs across the region including Sound Board at Motor City Casino, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Detroit House of Comedy, One Night Stan’s, and the Traverse City Comedy Club. She has appeared with national headliners Tom Papa, Joe List, Vic Dibitetto, Eric D’Alessandro, Nathan Timmell, Lynne Koplitz, Dave Landau, and more. Duke is a co-producer of the Traverse City Comedy Fest. She is a member of “Eyes Up Here”, which features five of Michigan’s top female comics and recently toured with Showtime’s Funny Women of a Certain Age. In 2023, she was a featured speaker at TedXDetroit.

Mike Geeter is a unique comedian who hails from Pontiac, MI. Despite being a dropout from an Ivy League, he is a proud graduate of a community college. His humor is an insightful take on current events, family, and relationships. Growing up in a family with 17 siblings and being a father himself, Geeter’s comedy is a blend of sharp wit and a smooth delivery. He has performed at some of the most prestigious comedy venues in the U.S. and Canada and has had the opportunity to work with Kevin Hart, Tom Papa, Maria Bamford, Hannibal Burress, Natasha Leggero, Jim Norton, and Rickey Smiley, among others.

For more than a dozen years, Geeter has been a versatile artist who has been featured on Fox Television and Hulu’s comedy showcase “Laughs,” and on the Detroit episode of “Kevin Hart Presents: Hart Of The City 2” on Comedy Central. He has also moderated and hosted at national conferences, played Santa in a national OnStar commercial, and portrayed a casino bartender in a regional commercial. Additionally, he delivered a TEDTalk in October 2022 and can now be heard on SiriusXM on Kevin Hart’s LOL Radio. Geeter’s company, SamRose Entertainment, produces comedy events around Michigan, including the Traverse City Comedy Fest!

Geeter’s first full-length comedy CD, “The Charm Offensive,” is available on all digital platforms. His new “Put It On Tape: Detroit” mini-special can be seen on YouTube.

Drew Harmon is a comedian and former TV weatherman currently based near Detroit. He has performed at clubs and festivals all over the country including the San Francisco Punch Line, the Seattle International Comedy Competition, the Asheville Comedy Festival, The Ha-Ha Harvest Festival in Portland, Oregon, the Motor City Comedy Festival, the Seattle Comedy Underground, and Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. Harmon has worked with comics including Dan Soder, Emo Phillips, Steve Byrne, and Nicole Byer.

A regular at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Bret Hayden is the host/creator of the popular show Comedy Rumble and has worked with some of comedy’s biggest names including Mark Normand, Gary Gulman, and Andrew Schulz.

Often described as raunchy, irreverent, and a disappointment by her mother, Ella Horwedel has been an energetic force in the Midwest comedy scene for the past seven years. She has featured at clubs and festivals all over the country, where she explores the difficulties of being a 26-year-old woman through bawdy stories and intimate self-reflection. She has opened for Kyle Kinane, Ron Funches, Eddie Pepitone, Yamaneika Saunders, Jordan Jensen, and Beth Stelling, and was a featured performer at Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, Let’s Fest, West End Comedy Festival, Blue Whale Comedy Festival, Altercation Comedy Festival, and Skankfest. Horwedel is the producer for Don’t Tell Comedy Ann Arbor and a producer for Tree Town Comedy Festival.

Nora Jefferies is a Brooklyn-based queer comedian—just like the rest of your friends. She co-hosts Sounds Great, a monthly stand-up showcase featured in Bushwick Daily, and has performed at Detroit House of Comedy, Don’t Tell Ann Arbor, and Dyketopia in Denver. She has also opened for Nico Carney and toured across the country bringing her sharp, witty comedy to festivals like Motor City Comedy Fest, San Francisco Sketchfest, and Omaha Comedy Festival.

With a keen eye for the absurd and a style that’s both smart and self-deprecating, Jefferies keeps audiences laughing in clubs, dive bars, and, most likely, a basement near you.

Robert Jenkins combines his quick wit and sharp words with a disarming delivery to leave you wondering if you just heard what you thought you heard. A Detroit native and resident of Lansing, Michigan, he has performed at the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, and Laughfest where he was a participant in the Best of the Midwest Comedy Competition. Jenkins’ comedy albums, “Achievement Unlocked” and “Attempted Salvation,” are available on Apple Music, Google Play, and Amazon. “Attempted Salvation” can also be heard on SiriusXM Radio.

Kevin Johnson is a native Detroiter who uses his urban upbringing to express his unique perspective on the world and everything in it. For the last 11 years he has enjoyed traveling coast to coast spreading smiles to audiences. From dating to work life, he finds a hilarious way to tell stories using wit and physical comedy. Whether right or wrong, he will entertain you with his views…just one man’s opinion.

Nick Kelley is a Detroit based comedian who quickly wins over audiences with a playful, off-color likability. He was the winner of the 2022 Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle’s Detroit to L.A. Competition, was a finalist in the 2023 Burbank Comedy Festival, and has featured for nationally recognized acts such as Bobcat Goldthwait, Chris Porter, Graham Kay, Akaash Singh, and Ron Taylor. On stage, Kelley discusses an array of both trivial and philosophical observations as well as confessional personal experiences. Mixing a classic observational style with a modern edge, he takes the “disruptive behavior” his teachers regularly complained about and puts it to good use.

Jeff Koehn is a hilariously awkward comedian from Denver, Colorado. He has been touring the country with his brand of zaniness and has performed in many festivals, including the Plano Comedy Festival and the Red Clay Comedy Festival. He was also a finalist in the 2023 Comedy Works Denver New Faces Competition. Koehn recently won the Sacramento and Phoenix regionals of the World Series of Comedy competition. He has opened for Big Irish Jay Hollingsworth and featured for A.J. Finney, Troy Baxley, D.J. Sandhu, and Curt Fletcher. His quirky self-deprecating style has delighted audiences and prematurely ended many relationships.

Carl Lee tours all over the U.S performing in major comedy clubs, casinos, colleges, and comedy festivals. He won Best Stage Performance at the Cleveland Comedy Festival in 2022. Lee has worked with famous comedians such as Gary Owen, Ron White, Bill Bellamy, Earthquake, Lewis Black, Alonzo Bodden, and Mo’Nique. He has been featured on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and “The Bob and Tom Show.”

Nick Leydorf is a fun-loving comedian with a quick wit and a third nipple. When he’s not on stage, you can find him in his office being a lawyer, paying off his student loans. Described as “funny, adorable, and non-threatening” by one writer, Leydorf talks about his unrelatable profession in such a relatable way that audiences can’t help but laugh. So far, he has performed in festivals around the country including Cleveland Comedy Festival, Crossroads Comedy Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, the Motor City Comedy Festival, Savage Henry Comedy Festival, Traverse City Comedy Fest, Border City Comedy Festival, Middle Ground Comedy Festival, Big Time Garbage Festival, What a Joke Comedy Festival, Stoop Fest, and the Elsie Dairy Festival. Okay, the last one was because Whitesnake had to cancel. Leydorf has also had the opportunity to work with some of his favorite comedians, including Kyle Kinane, Nate Bargatze, Todd Barry, and Robert Kelly.

Sharp, sarcastic and just plain silly, Sheila Lovely has performed at virtually every comedy club in and around the Midwest. She is a favorite at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, One Night Stans, and Chicago’s Laugh factory.  Lovely performs at McCurdy’s Comedy in Sarasota and Visani’s in Punta Gorda, as well as venues in Canada – an international sensation! She has shared the stage with the likes of Bobby Collins, Rob Little, Rocky LaPorte, and Mary Ellen Hooper and was featured on NBC’s “So You Think You’re Funny?” A definite crowd pleaser, Lovely is also happy to give back – so you can count on her to do her part for various benefits, such as Comedy for a Cause, Gilda’s House, and the American Red Cross. She was a founding member of the nation’s first Gilda’s House.

Born and raised in Battle Creek, MI, Rich Mathis brings a classic stand-up style with an urban twist, blending sharp setups and punchlines with a fresh, modern edge. He began his comedy journey at Crackers Comedy Club in Indianapolis, honing his craft and developing a stage presence that commands attention.

Mathis’ hard-hitting yet relatable humor has earned him several competition wins, including Detroit to LA, Demented Peach, and the Detroit Comedy Rumble. Whether he’s performing in clubs, theaters, or high-energy competitions, he delivers laughs with the precision of a seasoned pro.

A true student of the game, Mathis’ old-school approach mixed with contemporary storytelling keeps audiences engaged and coming back for more. Catch him on stage, where his quick wit and dynamic delivery guarantee a night of unforgettable comedy.

A longtime favorite on Michigan’s comedy scene, Tom McCarthy has had a standout year. In May, he had the honor of opening for Patton Oswalt at The Fillmore Detroit and is now part of Live Nation’s rotation of local openers. Known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, McCarthy continues to make waves with his unique comedic voice.

In 2025, he will headline Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle for the third time, where he’ll record his second album featuring all-new material. Whether performing in packed theaters or intimate clubs, McCarthy brings an infectious energy and a fresh perspective to every set. He remains jazzed and grateful for every opportunity to do what he loves—making people laugh.

Bryan McCree is a nationally recognized comedian, seen on “Mad TV,” Comedy Central, and “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen.” In 2006, he was named a finalist in NBC’s “Stand Up for Diversity,” selected as one of ten comedians from across the country.

A featured performer in LaughFest’s Best of the Midwest competition and Michigan Legends of Comedy, McCree has shared the stage with icons like Sinbad, George Wallace, and Robert Schimmel. His natural charm, infectious laugh, and effortless stage presence make him a crowd favorite. Blending sharp comedy with a knack for storytelling, he brings his funniest character to life—himself.

Detroit native Michael McDaniel has performed for capacity crowds across the country for nearly two decades. His unique comedic style consistently brings audiences to their feet. He appeared in the movie “Pawn Shop” and has over 100 commercial and film credits. McDaniel was also featured on Comedy Central’s “The Detroiters.”

His live performances showcase impeccable timing and sharp yet clean and creative material. He has shared the stage with celebrated comedians such as Lewis Black, John Heffron, Brandon T. Jackson, Dave Coulier, Mike Epps, Tony Roberts, David Alan Grier, and Donnell Rawlings (“Chappelle’s Show”), among others.

A student of Second City, McDaniel has a passion for sketch and improv. His vast range of celebrity impressions adds even more fun for any audience.

Johanna Medranda is a standout in the comedy scene, a finalist in the Gilda Radner LaughFest Roast Battle, and a fan favorite of LaughFest’s Dirty Show. She has performed at Bricks & Bridges Comedy Festival, StoopFest, 12 Days of Grizmas, NPR’s What’s So Funny About Detroit?, and was the first comedian to perform for So Far Sounds Detroit. She has also produced and performed for the Motor City Comedy Festival.

Medranda has opened for Dave Attell, Brody Stevens, Liza Treyger, Stavros Halkias, Akaash Singh, Robert Kelly, Krystyna Hutchinson, Sean Patton, and more. She was set to perform at Bonnaroo 2020 before its cancellation.

She’s been featured in Hour Detroit Magazine and performed at Milwaukee Comedy Festival, Hell Yes Fest, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, The Lincoln Lodge, and Laugh Factory Chicago. She also co-founded Honorary Mentions Comedy and produces for The Independent Comedy Club and Don’t Tell Comedy Detroit.

Brett Mercer has been a staple of the Michigan comedy scene for over a decade, delivering sharp, absurdist, and observational comedy anywhere he can. He is a fixture at the Independent Comedy Club in Hamtramck, MI, but has performed nationwide. His comedy has been featured on Detroit’s NPR affiliate, WDET, as well as Detroit Public Television. Mercer has had the pleasure of performing at the Motor City Comedy Festival, Whiskey Bear Comedy Festival, and Let’s Fest. He has shared the stage with Andy Kindler, Rory Scovel, Neil Hamburger, and Paul F. Thompkins. Mercer released his debut special “Not Special” in December 2024.

Johnny Mocny is a Michigan comic who’s been on the scene since the ripe age of eighteen. For seven years, he’s been honing an interesting and original act combining wry wit with a shrewd, satirical edge and a comfortably innocuous demeanor. Mocny has opened for Tom Green, Beth Stelling, Joe Machi, Mike Cannon, and Matthew Broussard among others, and he was the 2023 winner of the Comedy Rumble at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. You can listen to him every week on the podcasts “We Are Movies” and “Chinese Rocket Force.”

Based in San Francisco, Annette Mullaney has performed across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, with appearances at San Francisco Sketchfest, Motor City Comedy Festival, Oakland Comedy Festival, Portland Comedy Festival, Detroit Women of Comedy Festival, Out of Bounds Festival, and Don’t Tell shows in San Francisco, Portland, and Paris. Named one of six “Comics to Catch” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Mullaney also regularly opens for Third Eye Blind and performs standup in Arabic.

Raised in the American Midwest (with a stint in the Netherlands) by an Irish father and American mother, she later lived in Syria for several years. A former software engineer, translator, and magazine writer, Mullaney once unknowingly worked for a money-laundering front tied to a dictator’s cousin.

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Tonya Murray discovered her love for making people laugh early on. Once she started stand-up, she knew she was on the right path. She has opened for national headliners like Dave Attell, Jim Norton, Chris Porter, and RoastMaster General Jeff Ross and has performed at Gilda’s LaughFest.

Murray’s sharp wit and sarcastic humor offer a hilarious take on single life and the modern dating jungle. With a unique style and delivery, her comedy resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. She has performed at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, the Milwaukee Improv, the Dow Event Center, and theaters including the State Theatre (Bay City), Pix Theatre, and Lexington Village Theatre.

NYC-based and Minnesota-bred performer Jonah Nigh has appeared in a variety of roles for NBC (“Baking It,” produced by Amy Poehler and hosted by Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg), Peacock, ABC, WNYC, NYC Pride March, France TV, TripAdvisor, and the Museum of the City of New York, among other venues. He has performed live in New York City, Washington D.C., Aspen, San Francisco, Boston, Milwaukee, Iowa, Minnesota, and on TV and film. He was recently a semi-finalist in Laughing Buddha’s Comedy Festival in NYC and named on their “Hot 100” list (2024). Nigh made festival debuts in Amsterdam, NYC, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Ontario, Maine, Denver, Portland, Boulder, New Orleans, Ithaca, and Iowa City in 2024. He will be headlining in LA, Colorado, and New York later this fall.

Nigh began his career as a classical musician and has been involved in the production side of live events as a booking agent and concert coordinator. He earned his undergraduate degree in vocal performance at Lawrence University and a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory. Performance credits include roles at the Aspen Music Festival, Boston Lyric Opera, Dorian Opera Theatre, Opera Boston, and on TV and film.

Day Peace is a North Iowa-based comedian with over 13 years of experience. He has released two independent comedy albums, with “Peace of Mind Side B” debuting at #1 on the Amazon and iTunes charts in 2022.

Originally from Detroit, MI, Day began his comedy career in Phoenix, AZ, and has appeared on Bravo TV. He was a monthly radio personality on Iowa’s classic rock station 103.7 The Fox and hosts the podcast “Hey, Real Quick.”

He has performed at top venues including The Laugh Factory, Tempe Improv, Stand Up Live, Funny Bone, Flappers Comedy Club, and House of Comedy. Day has shared the stage with Marlon Wayans, Joey “Coco” Diaz, Brandon T. Jackson, Shang Forbes, Rain Pryor, and Ms. Pat.

Born and raised in Detroit, Justin Pedick fell in love with comedy at a young age and pursued his dream in New York City, quickly working his way into clubs across the state. After returning to Detroit, he was named Best Local Comedian by the Detroit Metro Times in 2021.

He has performed at the Windsor Comedy Festival’s Next Best Comic Competition, Chatham Comedy Festival, Laughter on the Lakeshore, and Vans Warped Tour. A producer for the Motor City Comedy Festival and Brewing For Comedy Festival, Pedick delivers raw, no-holds-barred observational comedy.

Pedick has shared the stage with Tom Green, Tim Meadows, Chris Porter, David Koechner, Bobcat Goldthwait, Vicki Barbolak, and more. Notable venues include Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, Capitol Theatre, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, and Traverse City Comedy Club.

Lisa Rimmert is that rare find: a standup comedian with an optimistic streak. She loves people…and the feeling’s mutual. Rimmert has performed with giants like Bobcat Goldthwait, TJ Miller, Steve Hofstetter, and Lisa Ann Walter. She regularly hosts weekends at Tacoma Comedy Club and performs at all three of Seattle’s top comedy clubs: Capitol Hill Comedy/Bar, Club Comedy, and Laughs Comedy Club.

Rimmert was a selected performer in the 2024 Seattle International Comedy Competition, and her growing roster of festivals includes the Tower City Comedy Festival (Paris TX, 2025), Ha Ha Harvest Comedy Festival in Portland (2022, 2023); the Winter Park Comedy Festival (2023); and the Burbank Comedy Festival, (2024) at which she made the list for “Best of the Fest.”

A confident storyteller, Rimmert knows her craft like the back of a bar napkin. She easily charms audiences with well-honed yet natural stories, punchlines, and snarky asides. Her playful style ranges from the silly to the subversive. Her comedy skews clean as she shares her lighthearted views on married life, being child-free, loving animals, and (note the Oxford comma) proper grammar.

Patty Rooney is a Detroit-area comedian, filmmaker, and recovering people-pleaser. Her self-effacing humor stems from years of taking herself too seriously, her funny family, and the general discomfort of being a woman.

She has shared the stage with SNL’s Tim Meadows, Alex English, Keith Alberstadt, and some of Michigan’s best while performing across the Midwest and Canada. Rooney has also appeared at the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival and, with her improv troupe BIG FUN MURDER, at the Traverse City Comedy Festival, Grand Rapids Improv Fest, and Detroit Improv Fest.

Cam Rowe is the biggest thing in comedy—literally! Standing 6’9″, he has quickly made a name for himself as a fresh, dynamic performer. He was a regular on TRU TV’s “Storage Hunters” as “The Green Mile” and appeared on “Comedy Bang Bang” alongside Aziz Ansari.

Rowe’s comedy draws from real-life experiences that audiences easily relate to. He won first place in the Uncle Clyde Comedy Contest at Flappers Comedy Club and The Next Comic Standing Contest at HaHa Comedy Club in Los Angeles. He has also performed at the world-renowned Leicester Comedy Festival in the U.K. and recently completed a 25-show stand-up tour across England with two of his “Storage Hunters” castmates.

Keep an eye out for this big guy—he’s hard to miss!

Born on 4/20, Christian Royce began his comedy career at a vegan pizza shop in Ann Arbor, MI. His sharp wit and relatable humor quickly made an impression on the local scene.

In 2019, he moved to Chicago, becoming a regular at the Chicago Laugh Factory, Zanies, and Comedy Bar. Known for tackling social norms and current events, Royce strikes a balance between humor and introspection. At times controversial but always thought-provoking, his goal is to make audiences laugh, cry, and maybe even question their own beliefs.

With over 30 years of comedy experience, Steve Sabo has seen it all. His act is edgy, honest, and unapologetically hilarious. He has released seven full-length comedy albums and performed for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait.

Sabo has appeared at the Detroit International Comedy Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, Calgary’s Funny Fest, and the Great Plains Comedy Festival. In addition to his stand-up career, he is a published author of six books, including the Amazon bestseller “How to FAIL at Stand-Up Comedy.”

Anjelica Scannura is the 2024 winner of the Boston Comedy Festival, making history as the first Canadian woman to claim the title. You can stream her “JFL Originals” EP on all major platforms and hear it on SiriusXM’s “Comedy Club.” She has performed at top venues like Massey Hall and The Wilbur, splits her time between NYC and Toronto, and has created improvised woman-on-the-street content for Just For Laughs Toronto. Scannura also produces the Haymaker Comedy Festival, now entering its fourth year in Ontario’s wine country.

She has opened for Shane Gillis, Joe List, Krystyna Hutchinson, Stavros Halkias, and Rachel Feinstein. Festival credits include Cleveland Comedy Festival (Best Overall Comedian 2022), Limestone Comedy Festival, Edmonton Comedy Festival, 10,000 Laughs, West End Comedy Festival, and Laughing Skull.

Recent headlining appearances include Rogue Island Comedy Festival, Cleveland Comedy Festival, and Comedy Corner Underground (Minneapolis). Also an actress, Scannura has appeared in Disney’s “Camp Rock,” “Little Italy” (alongside Hayden Christensen and Emma Roberts), and PBS’ “Frankie Drake Mysteries.”

Greg Sharp is a stand-up comedian from Ann Arbor, Michigan and has performed in bars, bowling alleys, and comedy clubs across the country. He is the producer of the “I’m Glad You’re Here” Podcast and has appeared at the North Carolina Comedy Festival and the Traverse City Comedy Fest.  He blends a quirky combination of deconstructionist absurdism and offbeat observations that have audiences giggling all the way home. Sharp will impress you with his quick wit and sneaky innuendos. Pay attention or you might miss a chance for a big laugh from his creative word play.

Pat Sievert is a rising force in comedy, known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling. He has been a featured performer at the first two Traverse City Comedy Festivals and won the Comedy Rumble in 2023. In 2024, he had the honor of opening for comedy legends Gary Gulman and Colin Quinn, further cementing his reputation as a standout performer.

Sievert has headlined top venues such as the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and the Traverse City Comedy Club, earning praise for his relatable humor and keen observations. With a style that blends intelligence and authenticity, he continues to captivate audiences across the Midwest and beyond.

Whether performing at major festivals or intimate club shows, Sievert delivers a unique comedic voice that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

Shelly Smith is a dynamic comedian, producer, and host with a passion for bringing people together through laughter. She produced and hosted Firefly Funnies for five years and Om of Medicine Comedy Night for a decade. For the past nine years, she has produced and hosted 50 First Jokes Ann Arbor, and for 18 years, she has been the beloved host of the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show.

Beyond stand-up, Smith founded and ran the Ann Arbor Civic Theater Improv Program for three years and currently produces and hosts the “Reads and Weeds” podcast. With years of experience, a fearless stage presence, and a love for comedy, she’s always ready to travel, perform, and have fun.

Mary Spencer is a Detroit-based stand-up comedian known for her sharp wit and unassuming style. With performances at the Motor City Comedy Festival, the inaugural Tree Town Comedy Festival, and the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival, she has shared the stage with comedy heavyweights like Beth Stelling, SNL’s James Austin Johnson, and Carmen Lynch. In her free time, she loves grocery shopping.

Alexa Stanton is a powerhouse with quick wit and a knack for turning life’s quirks—like her hilariously “short” butt crack—into gut-busting punchlines. Known for her charisma and unforgettable stage presence, Stanton has quickly made a name for herself in the comedy world.

Stanton’s talents aren’t limited to stand-up. She earned recognition for her performance in the play “POTUS,” which garnered her a nomination for Best Supporting Performer in the 2024 Broadway World Michigan Awards. She has a viral sketch comedy series “Barefoot and Pregnant” that has reached millions. Whether on stage delivering punchlines or embodying a theatrical role, Stanton’s dynamic presence always leaves a lasting impression.

She’s appeared on Kill Tony and has worked her way up to producing for Don’t Tell Comedy, one of the hottest underground stand-up shows around that is currently being featured on Hulu. Alexa has also shared the stage with comedy heavyweights like Dean Edwards and Ricky Velez, proving she’s more than funny—she’s exceptional. With a magnetic personality and sharp comedic edge, Stanton is a rising star taking over the comedy scene with laughter, wit, and undeniable charm.

Hailing from a small town in Michigan, Wes Ward brings sharp humor and quick wit to the stage with undeniable charm. Known for his album “White Forest Whitaker,” which has amassed over 300,000 streams, Ward has made his mark in stand-up comedy performing at festivals like Skankfest in New York City, Motor City Comedy Festival, Laughfest, and the Tree Town Comedy Festival. This led him to opening for acts like Mark Normand, Colin Quinn, Kyle Kinane, and Rachel Feinstein. His performances strike a perfect balance of clever relatability and razor-sharp timing, leaving a lasting impression on every audience.

Tam White is a stand-up comic and improv actor from Detroit. She is currently a resident cast member at Go Comedy Improv Theatre in Ferndale MI and creator/producer/host of the improv game show Hip-Prov, seen at comedy clubs and theaters throughout Michigan, including the Traverse City Comedy Fest and Hip-Hop Theatre Fest. She’s Talent Director of the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival and was mentioned in Hour Detroit Magazine as one of Mark Ridley’s favorite local comics.

White has performed at Royal Oak Music Theatre, Garden Theatre, Gem Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Detroit House of Comedy, One Night Stan’s Comedy Club, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, and other venues. She has worked with Tim Meadows, Pauly Shore, Chris Kattan, BET’s Ms. Pat, Pinky Patel, Tony Roberts, The Daily Show’s Al Madrigal, and many more.

When she’s not producing shows or performing stand-up, White’s teaching her Rhyming in Improv workshops or performing with the women in her all-female improv troupe And Still I Improvise.

Ricarlo Winston has been tickling funny bones across the nation for over a decade. With a comedic style that’s as sharp as it is relatable, Winston has shared the stage with comedy heavyweights like Doug Stanhope, Gary Owen, Donnell Rawlings, Dean Edwards, and Brent Morin.

His humor is observational with a hint of old man anger, making everyday situations hilariously absurd. Winston’s performances have lit up some of the most iconic comedy venues, including The Laugh Factory, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, and Dr. Grins. His talent has also been showcased at the Traverse City Comedy Festival, and he is the proud founder of the Laughter On The Lakeshore Comedy Festival.

Whether he’s performing in a packed theater or an intimate club, Winston’s humor and charisma leave audiences in stitches. Get ready to laugh until it hurts with Winston!

Originally from Fenton, Michigan, Matt Wolf has taken his unique brand of comedy to stages across the Midwest, Las Vegas, and even Canada. A former firefighter, wounded combat veteran, and lawyer, Wolf has worn more hats than most—though he’s also lost a few jobs along the way. Seriously, are you hiring?

Known for his sharp wit and self-deprecating humor, Matt has performed at top venues like Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, where he opened for Tom Green, and has headlined the Windsor Comedy Club. Whether commanding a comedy club stage or making the most of a dive bar microphone, he delivers a performance that’s both hilarious and relatable.

The Taliban didn’t miss him, and you shouldn’t either. Catch Wolf live—before he finds another job to get fired from.

What is Big Fun Murder?
A ghost has one final chance to solve their murder! Help them remember what happened and guess who did it as they re-live their last day in this completely improvised murder mystery. With the help of audience suggestions, six improvisers act out a completely improvised murder mystery- never the same show twice! Recently featured at Go Comedy!, Planet Ant Theatre, the Detroit Women of Comedy Fest, Grand Rapids Improv Fest, Detroit Improv Fest, and last year’s Traverse City Comedy Festival.

Directed by: Keenan Mullaney. Starring: Lola Ahearn, Chris Fortin, Steve Grain, Keenan Mullaney, Jared Simard, and Patty Rooney.

Big Fun Murder will perform on April 12 at 5:30pm at the Old Town Playhouse.

Full Tilt Comedy (formerly Tilt Think Improv) is based in Traverse City with a loyal and expansive local fan base. They proudly sold-out shows at the TC Comedy Festival two years in a row. Full Tilt has grown not only in their audience size but also their player numbers, with 20 consistent performers getting on stage every month. Full Tilt Comedy has two regular shows a month at The Workshop Brewery, and also has regular engagements at The Alluvion. Most recently Full Tilt played with guest improvisers Jaime Moyer (Bob’s Burgers, Modern Family) and Tim McKendrick (The Annoyance) at a special all-improv show at The Alluvion in November. They are happy to bring their “Best Of” Mixtape Variety Show back to the TC Comedy Fest this year, with new sketches, stand-up storytelling, and never-the-same improv formats and genres.

Full Tilt Comedy will perform on April 11 at 5pm at The Alluvion.

Traverse City’s Good on Paper Improv, established in 2010, is a six-member troupe that transforms audience suggestions into spontaneous comedy scenes. Their high-energy performances, reminiscent of “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?”, have entertained audiences for over a decade. Each show is a unique blend of quick wit and unpredictable humor, ensuring no two performances are alike. As Traverse City’s longest-running improv group, Good on Paper continues to be a cornerstone of the local comedy scene, delivering laughter and creativity with every act.

Good on Paper will perform on April 11 at 9PM at The Alluvion.

Founded in 2000, The Planet Ant Home Team is the resident improv troupe at Planet Ant Theatre in Hamtramck, Michigan. With 40+ members past and present, they are a staple of the Detroit improv scene and the host of Monday Night Improv, the longest running improv show in Detroit. They also produce a season full of original scripted comedies. The Home Team’s improv focuses on long form character driven scenes. They performed in the 2024 Traverse City Comedy Fest and had an absolute blast. The Home Team has also performed at the Chicago Improv Festival and Detroit Improv Festival.

The list of members, past and present, includes some of the best improvisers in the Detroit area. Alumni include: Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson of “I Think You Should Leave” and “Detroiters” and Jaime Moyer of “Bob’s Burgers” and “A.P. Bio.”

Planet Ant will perform on April 11 at 7:15pm at The Alluvion.

Traverse City’s Kamikaze Comedy incorporates the city’s funniest comics! With a mix of ages and backgrounds, these performers deliver one-of-a-kind “Northern Michigan” humor, guaranteeing a fun, laughter-packed show every time!

Kamikaze Comedy will perform on April 10 at 6:30pm and on April 12 at 3:30pm at the Traverse City Comedy Club.