Big Laughs: D.C. Comedy Fest

| Print Post This | Like (0) | Comments (0)

NOW IN ITS fourth year, the D.C. Comedy Fest returns with a vengeance this weekend — and possibly with something to prove.

Touting big names from TV shows including "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Flight of the Conchords" and "The Daily Show," and snagging not one or two but nine of D.C.'s prime venues where folks can partake in the laughter, the festival is quickly outgrowing its own fledgling britches.

And the success of what is en route to becoming not only one of D.C.'s but the nation's premier comedy festivals is proof that, on occasion, even the buttoned-up set knows how to loosen their ties.

Public relations manager for the festival Hillary Buckholtz says the folks bringing Washingtonians all the funny couldn't be happier about the direction the festival is taking.

"They're really trying to do something big here, something different," she says of the event's organizers.

Founded in 2003 by executive producer and sponsorships director Blaire Postman, the festival debuted St. Patrick's Day weekend 2005. Postman and crew swiftly learned their first lesson of scheduling — don't interfere with events that encourage Washingtonians' consumption of the happy juice. Still, despite going against the green in its first round, the festival played to sold-out crowds, and organizers had their initial taste of success.

Now with better calendar placement — the festival hits us like a cream pie when most of the summer fun is winding down — the festival is on course to take over the weekend.

Among the featured performers is comedian JB Smoove from HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and Fox's "'Til Death", who takes the stage at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue with his latest stand-up routine, "Ruckus!"

"A lot of people don't know what ruckus is," said Smoove, "but sometimes you have to bring it." Join the commotion as the native New Yorker who sees D.C. as "an extension of [his] own backyard" tries to denounce the "bum rap" he believes the District has as an unfunny town.

Also on tap this weekend is Todd Barry, who you may recognize from "Chappelle's Show" or as the third, bongo-playing Conchord from HBO's "Flight of the Conchords"; he's also at Sixth and I.

And Lizz Winstead, head writer for "The Daily Show" and co-creator of "Air America Radio," brings her political wit to the Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse.

New to the DCCF this year is the Comedy Achievement Awards. Winning entries from the festival's comedy-shorts competition will be screened, and scenes from the comedy-screenplay and TV-pilot competitions will be read. The festival will also honor a "comedy heavyweight" from the D.C. area with a "Midlifetime Achievement Award"

Other don't-miss happenings include "Politics Is Funny," a panel of writers from shows such as "The Colbert Report" and "The Tonight Show" musing over the political influence of confrontational comedy. "Gulf Coast Comedy" features a line up of comedians from the Gulf Coast sharing their experiences in the aftermath of Katrina.

And if you're wondering what happened to the local funny folk, "District of Comedy" showcases all homegrown talent, so take your pick.

» Various venues, through Sun., $5-$25; see dccomedyfest.com for a complete schedule.

Photos courtesy D.C. Comedy Fest