Lucille Ball Comedy Festival brings loads of laughter to Jamestown
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) — The 32nd Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is bringing plenty of laughter to Jamestown, the legendary comedian’s hometown, this weekend.
“She was just such an extraordinary comedic actress, such a gifted performer, and just brought laughter to millions around the world,” said National Comedy Center marketing and communications vice president Gary Hahn. “So we love celebrating Lucy and we love celebrating comedy.”
The City of Jamestown is celebrating comedy in honor of Ball’s birthday on Aug. 6 with four days of laughter, spanning Thursday through Sunday. This year, more than 50 live events, including shows with Nicole Byer and Nate Bargatze, a stand-up showcase and plenty more, are drawing thousands of visitors to the area.
“To see a show like this you would have to go to New York or LA, but you have it right here in Jamestown,” said National Comedy Center communication strategist Kate Welshofer.
Along with the events, the Lucy and Desi Museum allows visitors to walk along the dynamic duo’s innovations and legacy in comedy history. Six years ago, the National Comedy Center opened its doors to continue Ball’s vision as a place to celebrate and preserve the art of comedy.
“When you look at comedy, in this larger context it really is almost the laugh track of history,” Welshofer said. “So you see how it reflects culture throughout the years and what we think is funny and that changes over time.”
The museum provides an immersive experience that lets all ages discover their sense of humor.
“You don’t have to be a comedy expert you don’t have to be a super fan, if you enjoy laughing in any capacity this is a great place for you,” Welshofer said.
To learn more about the events in this year’s comedy festival, click here.
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