Aziz Ansari, Steven Wright Featured in New Austin Comedy Festival
A little over a month after the indie music and film worlds converge on Austin, Texas for this year’s South By Southwest event, a new festival will be held to celebrate the world of comedy.
“Parks and Recreation” star Aziz Ansari, deadpan legend Steven Wright and “Saturday Night Live” cast member Seth Meyers will headline the Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival, which will be held at the historic Paramount Theater from April 25-28. More than two dozen other comedians will perform at the four-day event, and organizers promise improv, sketch comedy and music comedy in addition to traditional stand-up. Additionally, a film festival will be held. Other comedians currently confirmed for the festival include “Saturday Night Live” writer Hannibal Buress, Maria Banford and Sean Patton.
In a press release, the festival organizers explained why Austin is the city for this festival.
“Because Austin is a little blue oasis in a very red state,” the release read. “Because we live in a college town that knows when to skip class. Because we have a guitar, but never got around to taking lessons. Because comics and their fans are people of night. Because we will cast a beacon of light on the genre of comedy. We’re an anomaly. And we can take a joke like no other city. But more importantly we know funny and we know festivals. We know how to throw a party the world wants to attend. We know how to ignite locals and how to be a destination. So get your ticket. Grab a seat. Silence your damn phone. And remember to tip your bartender.”
The festival has some big-name sponsors lined up, including Funny or Die, the Onion, Esquire magazine and the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel.
In addition to the South By Southwest festival, Austin also is known for the Austin City Limits Music Festival, which will be held in October of this year at the city’s Zilker Park.
