Mayor Mike Bloomberg Endorses the Largest Comedy Festival in New York's History

New York, NY, September 21, 2005 -- Mayor Mike Bloomberg has an issued an official proclamation (see bottom of release) stating that the week of Oct. 2-10, 2005 will be “New York City Underground Comedy Festival Week.” In its 3rd year, the NYCUCF will feature over 300 comedy related events from stand up showcases to writing / comedy workshops which take place in 75 locations across all five boroughs of NY. Due to its growing popularity, this year the festival expands into New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

“We draw over 300 comedians from around the world and give them an opportunity to be seen and heard by their peers and industry,” says George Sarris, Executive Producer of the NYC Underground Comedy Festival. “This is the largest comedy festival in the history of New York.”

Two underlying themes in the NYCUCF are philanthropy and the belief that laugher should be brought to the people in every way, shape or form. Aside from the major comedy clubs, people can see festival shows their local libraries, hospitals, and even homeless shelters. NYCUCF will also continue to raise money for “Operation: Phone Home,” an organization that helps our troops keep in contact with their families. So far, NYCUCF has raised over $20,000 for them. NYCUCF will also sponsor over 13 comedy fundraising shows in one night (Oct. 10) for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. NYCUCF supports 30 additional charities.

In comparison to 2003 and 2004, this year’s festival will be adding the Upright Citizens Brigade, other improve & sketch groups, and a new film division that will exhibit today’s funniest shorts.

For more information or for tickets, visit www.nycundergroundcomedy.com or call (212) 265-5510.

2005 New York City Underground Comedy Festival Venues:
The National Comedy Theatre, Peoples Improv Theater, The Laugh Factory, The Arthur Seelen Theatre, The Stress Factory, Galapagos Art Space, The Gotham Comedy Club, The Comic Strip Live, Pip's Comedy Club, Joe's Pub, Stand-Up NY, The Duplex, The NY Improv, The Brooklyn Comedy Company, The Laugh Lounge and The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. More to come

Some Comedians Who Have Appeared at the Underground Comedy Festival:
Jim Norton (NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno), Jim Gaffigan (Comedy Central) Freddie Roman (Legendary Friars Club Dean) Rich Vos (NBC’s Last Comic Standing) Keith Robinson (Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn), Eddie Helms (Comedy Central’s the Daily Show), Eddie Brill (Head Booker for Late Show with David Letterman) Bill Burr (Comedy Central), Nick Dipaolo (Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn & The Chris Rock Show), Mike Bocchetti (Last Comic Standing). Other include: Bob Nelson, Jim Mendrinos, Basile, The Cast of Chicago City Limits, Sal the Stockbroker, Dean Edwards, Ross Bennett, Scott Blakeman, Ted Alexandro, Wendy Spero, Tasha Space, Jessica Wood, Robert Kelly, and over 100 other emerging and established comedy artists!

About the New York City Underground Comedy Festival:
Produced by Sarris Productions, the New York City Underground Comedy Festival (www.nycundergroundcomedy.com) has emerged-- in the space of only three years-- as New York’s leading showcase for comedy. Officially recognized this year by Mayor Mike Bloomberg, the Festival has become a meeting-ground for leading comedians and industry executives from film and television. This year’s festival (taking place Oct. 2 - 10) deemed by Mayor Bloomberg himself as "Official Comedy Week in NYC" will feature over 300 comedy related events from stand up showcases to writing / comedy workshops which take place in 75 locations across all five boroughs of NY. This will be the biggest comedy festival in the history of New York City.

I, MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG,
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK,
IN RECOGNITION OF THIS IMPORTANT EVENT,
DO HEREBY PROCLAIM OCTOBER 2-10, 2005
IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AS:

“NEW YORK CITY UNDERGROUND COMEDY FESTIVAL WEEK”

Whereas:
From The Days Of Vaudeville To The Era Of Seinfeld, Our City Has Been Widely Recognized As One of The World’s Comedy Capitals. New York’s Raucous Comedy Scene Has Long Been a Fertile Incubator for Aspiring Comics, Many of Whom Have Gone On To Achieve International Renown. This Week, During the New York City Underground Comedy Festival, Comedy Aficionados Will Enjoy an Unprecedented Opportunity to Laugh Along With both Fledgling and Famous Comedians.

Whereas:
For The Third Consecutive Year, This Sprawling Festival Will Take Over New York City, With More Than 300 Comedians Performing In More Than 200 Affordable Events In 75 Venues Throughout The Five Boroughs. Whether You Prefer Improv, Sketch, Film, Or One-Person Shows, Your Funny Bone Is Sure to Be Tickled by some of the World’s Most Acclaimed Comedians. Free Shows Will Be Presented At A Number Of Hospitals, Homeless Shelters, And New York Public Library Branches.

Whereas:
Woody Allen, Who Got His Start In Some Of The Same Venues Currently Hosting Festival Events, Said, “I Am Thankful For Laughter, Except When Milk Comes Out My Nose.” With This In Mind, We Urge New Yorkers To Exercise Caution When Drinking In The Embarrassment Of Comedic Riches That Is The New York City Underground Comedy Festival.

Sincerely,
Michael R. Bloomberg,
Mayor

CONTACT:
Ryan McCormick
Publicity Manager
(516) 901-1103
info@nycundergroundcomedy.com
George Sarris
Underground Comedy Festival
Executive Producer
(212) 265-5510


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Source: theopenpress.com

This release was published on openPR.