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Live From New York: Schumer, Tomlin Headline the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival coincides with opening of National Comedy Center
July 18, 2018 at 11:15 AM
THURSDAY, Aug. 2 - 4
With a packed schedule, comedy fans are in for a treat for this year's Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. The National Comedy Center will be opening its doors on August 1, making the city of Jamestown a veritable epicenter of the humorous arts. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Lucille Ball, or a just a fan of laughter, there's an insane amount to see and hear, and not just at the Comedy Center.
Taking place in locations across Jamestown, events will be going on day and night. Every evening will feature "Comedy Late Night at the Tropicana Room" (a recreation of Ricky's Manhattan venue from I Love Lucy), where you can catch some rising stars (for example, Michelle Wolf performed there in 2015). Catch the Lucy and Ethel show with Diane Vincent and Rhonda Medina, or go on
Thursday will feature the '50s themed "Lucille Ball" masquerade dance, improv lessons, "Comedy and the First Amendment — How far is too far and who decides?" featuring Kitty Bruce and Lewis Black, and more. The main event on the first day is impressive (so impressive that it sold out weeks ahead of time), featuring two of the original Not Ready For Prime Time Players. Aykroyd and Laraine Newman will discuss the early days of Saturday Night Live, along with SNL writer Alan Zweibel at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.
Friday starts off with a Lucy and Ethel photo session and a Lucy trivia contest. The Nanny's Fran Drescher will speak at the Willow Bay Theater. At the Northwest Arena (directly across from the National Comedy Center), headliner Amy Schumer will perform, along with Bridget Everett, Rachel Feinstein, and Mia Jackson.
Saturday will see a Desi Arnaz-inspired conga workshop, a panel with Violet Ramis, daughter of director/Ghostbuster Harold Ramis, and a musical performance from Lucie Arnaz. To close out the festival, Lily Tomlin will perform at the Reg Lenna. — Nick Warren
Aug. 2 - 4, various times and locations // Jamestown, NY // For tickets and more information, go to comedycenter.org