Leslie Jones & Deon Cole To Headline Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival

Armando Tinoco

10 July 2024 at 6:43 pm·1-min read

EXCLUSIVE: Leslie Jones and Deon Cole have been tapped to headline the second annual Because They’re Funny (BTF) Comedy Festival, which will take place September 27-29 at The Wharf and DC Improv.

Jones, a former Saturday Night Live cast member, will perform on Sunday, September 29. Black-ish alum Cole will host the “Breakout Comedian of the Year” competition, in which up to 16 comedians will be selected from the pool of submissions to perform live in the semifinals in mid-August in Los Angeles.

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The festival from Nice Crowd and Events DC also includes panels, comedy classes, and networking events.

“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.

BTF will kick off on Friday, September 27, with a charity auction benefiting DC Central Kitchen.

“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.”

On Saturday, September 28, six finalists will compete for a $10,000 grand prize and the opportunity to secure representation by the Hollywood talent agency Innovative Artists.

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