ALL JOKES ASIDE LIVE

“All Jokes Aside Festival Restores Some Respect To Standup.” -Allan Johnson, Tribune Staff Writer August 07, 1994

All Jokes Aside past performers have included Steve Harvey, Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Cedric The Entertainer, Dave Chappelle, Craig Robinson, D.L. Hughley, MoNique, JB Smoove, Carlos Mencia, Adele Givens, George Willborn, Sheryl Underwood, Deon Cole, Don DC Curry, Mike Epps, Jonathan Slocumb, DeRay Davis, Earthquake, Mike Bonner, CoCo, Tony Roberts, Melanie Comarcho, Michael Colyar, Damon Williams, and George Wallace, to name a few.

THE NEW VISION: We will get a whole bunch of much-loved comedians to make the public laugh, while raising funding and awareness to assist organizations that excel and in helping those people who are in desperate need. We are inspired by organizations like Global Citizen, BET’s Black Girls Rock, Chime For Change, Hilarity For Charity, and Red Nose Day. The high profile talents of the nation’s best veterans mixed in with the spirit of the best up- and -coming talent; add a touch of music, film, and tech, and this mix is sure to create sought-after knock out events. Events like; Hunger Is No Joke, Black Laughs Matter: Healing The Hurt Through Humor, Education Is No Joke, and the annual A Mic And A Stool Comedy Festival. Proceeds from the event(s) will benefit the A MIC AND A STOOL FUND.

INTERNS: One of the most notable features of ALL JOKES ASIDE LIVE is that students, ages 14-22, play a significant role in event planning and execution. Our aim is to use the events as an avenue of change and empowerment for youth. In partnership with local high schools and colleges, our interns will receive valuable training, development, and tactical experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, finance, public relations and event planning. This hands-on training will provide invaluable experience for prepare them for careers in business, media, and the arts.


ALL JOKES ASIDE PRIZE

The ALL JOKES ASIDE PRIZE for humor and humanitarianism is awarded annually to an individual whose career has made an exceptional contribution to stand up comedy and whose social advocacy has had an immense impact on underserved and disadvantaged communities. Proceeds from the GALA will benefit the MIC AND A STOOL FUND. (MASF)