It took long enough, but Oklahoma has an honest-to-God comedy festival. Tulsa’s own Blue Whale Comedy Festival started last year with “World Champion” and 30 Rock star Judah Friedlander, Upright Citizens Brigade veteran Matt Besser and more. The laughing stock (yay, puns!) returns this year with an exceptional lineup that builds on year one, taking place from June 18-21 across downtown Tulsa.
The State alum Michael Ian Black (Ed, Stella) moved effortlessly from time-tested standup troupes to radical sketch concepts and high-concept gags in a frankly dazzling display comedy mastery. He’s penned some acclaimed books and screenplays, and he’ll reprise his role from the ultimate cult classic Wet Hot American Summer with the Netflix reboot due in July. I once shared a hotel elevator post-Fun
I once shared a post-Fun Fun Fun Fest hotel elevator with Natasha Leggero (Chelsea Lately, Neighbors) — one of my favorite celebrity encounters because she happens to be one of my favorite comedians around. Her biting commentary is made all the more effective with her sophisticated delivery, and her recent turns on the Comedy Central Roasts of James Franco and Justin Bieber were the strongest of each night.
Nick Thune’s (The Tonight Show, Comedy Central Presents) relaxed demeanor and warm handle on the guitar make for some unexpectedly punchy nonsequiters, and Aparna Nancherla, Sara Schaefer, Brendon Walsh, Maronzio Vance, Chris Cubas, Randy Liedtke, Alan Starzinski, Byron Bowers, Brody Stevens, Josh Fadem, Dan St. Germain and Johnny Pemberton are some of the brightest names in comedy. Get a sample of the comedians below. Tickets are available now at the Blue Whale Comedy Festival website.
