Get ready to laugh, Brantford! The fifth annual Brantford Comedy Festival is coming to our streets from September 18 to 20.
Canadian comedian Jeremy Hotzwill be headlining the gala Saturday night.
“Jeremy Hotzis iconic for our fifth festival,” said festival director Jeremy Stephens. “We’ve been trying to get him for five years.”
Hotz’s delivery and mannerisms will leave a lasting impression on you, and his humour is something everyone can appreciate. This is definitely a night you do not want to miss.
The festival starts off with a free comedy show on Thursday September 18 at The Station, featuring local comedians. This is a great weekly showcase of the amateur talent in our community. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and the show begins at 9:00 p.m. Limited seating is available, so be sure to get there early.
On Friday the 19, is the Rising Stars Finale is taking place at Best Western. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., the final 20 comedians in this competition compete for the right to open for Jeremy Hotz at the gala on Saturday, September 20. Tickets are $15 each or a full table of 10 for $150, and they are expected to sell out, so buy them in advance. You can buy tickets at ticketscene.ca.
The gala takes place at the Sanderson Centre, and is full of amazing comedians. Canadian Gavin Stephens is the emcee, and comedian Frank Spadone will also be performing, among others. And of course, Jeremy Hotz caps off the night with his hilarious comedy. The doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the show starting at 8:00 p.m. There are around 200 balcony seats left at the time of writing for $55, with some VIP packages still available. These include a front seat and a meet and greet with the comedians. Tickets for this can be found on the Sanderson Centre’swebsite and will sell out soon.
When asked what the difference was about this year’s festival, Stephens said it is the first year being partnered with the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation. “All the money we raise goes to the hospital, and they are making the festival one of their signature events,” Stephens said. Stephens used to give money from the festival proceeds to this foundation before, but this new agreement allows him to give way more than ever before. This partnership also makes the festival a non-profit organization, and opens up big opportunities for Stephens going forward. “We now have the chance to get government funding and grants for future years, and with that the chance to bring in bigger names.”
Stephens admits that choosing a charity is hard, but found the hospital to be deserving of the funds. Being born locally, he found the hospital is something him and all people from Brantford can relate to, and something that is a part of everyone’s life. “They are professional fundraisers, they love Brantford, and they approached me. They love the festival,” Stephens said.
The festival promises to give you endless laughs on whichever night you attend, and it is a perfect way to relieve the early school stress. So go get familiar with the featured comedians, and then call up your buddies and go buy some tickets. The fifth annual Brantford Comedy Festival will be the best one yet.
