Leslie Jones and Deon Cole Named as Headliners for Second Annual Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival, Tickets Now on Sale
From September 27-29, The Festival Will Spotlight BIPOC Comedic Talent and Celebrate DC as a Comedy Hub
WASHINGTON, DC, (July 9, 2024) – NICE CROWD, in partnership with Events DC, is thrilled to announce Leslie Jones and Deon Cole as headliners for the second annual Because They’re Funny (BTF) Comedy Festival, taking place from September 27-29, 2024 at The Wharf and DC Improv. Created for anyone who likes to laugh, BTF’s lineup includes headline shows, the “Breakout Comedian of the Year Competition,” panels, comedy classes, networking events and the “BTF Cares” Charity Fundraiser.
BTF’s flagship “Breakout Comedian of the Year” competition will be hosted by award-winning actor and comedian Deon Cole, best known for his roles in Black-ish, The Color Purple, The Harder They Fall and Average Joe. Up to 16 comedians will be selected from the pool of submissions to perform live at the semifinals in mid-August in Los Angeles. On Saturday, September 28, the six finalists will compete for a $10,000 grand prize and the opportunity to secure representation by Hollywood talent agency Innovative Artists.
On Sunday, September 29, comedy lovers can attend a performance by acclaimed three-time Primetime Emmy Award-nominated comedian and actress Leslie Jones. Jones is known for Saturday Night Live, Our Flag Means Death, Coming 2 America and The Daily Show. In addition to her national tour, Leslie Jones will join the NBC team as chief superfan commentator for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“We’re thrilled to have Leslie and Deon headline the festival and are thankful to our partners at Events DC for supporting this event, which showcases BIPOC artists and brings diverse communities together through levity, camaraderie and culture,” said NICE CROWD CEO Jeff Friday and President Nicole Friday.
This year’s festival will kick off on Friday, September 27, with a charity auction and gala benefiting DC Central Kitchen, a nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and creation, embodying BTF’s commitment to using comedy as a force for good.
“I am so excited for the return of the Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival to the nation’s capital,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “This special event showcases the wonderful talent right here in Washington, DC, while giving back to our local community. I am thrilled that major acts, including Leslie Jones and Deon Cole, will join us this year to deliver a world-class festival to comedy fans from around the world.”
Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival is a property of NICE CROWD, a leading entertainment company in the live events arena founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday. The event is presented in partnership with Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia. Festival Passes and individual tickets are available for purchase now at becausetheyrefunny.com.
About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a pioneering entertainment company at the forefront of the live events industry. Its passion lies in curating and promoting immersive festivals and live experiences that celebrate the rich diversity of BIPOC talent. By spotlighting exceptional artists and cultural innovators, the company aims to create vibrant and inclusive spaces that resonate with audiences globally.
To learn more about NICE CROWD, visit www.nicecrowd.com.
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, D.C., delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the LEED Gold-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C.. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC) — and on our hub for on-demand event programming on GATHER by Events DC at www.gatherbyeventsdc.com.
Media Contacts:
McKenzie Pickett
[email protected]
(804) 244-1175
