This night one showcase is piled high with eleven of the Fest's freshest standups. So good you'll want to come back for seconds.

Stand-up

Akudo Ejelonu is a fresh new comedian, sketch comedy writer, and improviser who originally hails from the Afrobeats capital of the world, Nigeria. You can find them performing at coffee shops, bars, theaters, and bus stops across the globe. When Akudo is not telling tales about her encounters with strangers or letting out her inner child on the stage, you can find them hiding from their niece and nephew. Ssh, don't tell her family. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Voted “Best Comedian in Washtenaw County” in 2022 and 2023 by Current Magazine, Andrew Yang is a Michigan comic who runs shows at a punk rock venue in the Blind Pig and is a founder of the Tree Town Comedy Festival. Onstage, Andrew charms audiences with his energetic personality and engrossing stories mostly at his own expense.

Claire Siemietkowski is a stand-up comic based in Brooklyn, New York. She was featured as one of New York Comedy Festival’s 2023 Comics to Watch and her monthly show, Simp Fest, has been featured multiple times in Time Out New York. Claire has performed at New York Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, Stand Up NY, and Gotham Comedy Club, and has produced shows all around the city.

Dr. Holly is a Philly-based 2x award-winning screenwriter. She acts, performs stand-up comedy and improv. She has been performing stand-up in the US and Canada with material speaking to everything from hot-button social issues to her being a therapist. Her comedy is smart, sassy, & always politically incorrect.

Jack Allen is infamous for his original, gloriously absurd and bitingly clever style of comedy. Jack started comedy in Oklahoma at 17 and is now based out of Chicago. He had opened for acts such as Sarah Sherman and Erica Rhodes. Jack currently produces The Clever Comedy Show at Chicago's Lincoln Lodge Theater. He is a founder of the sketch comedy team Both, and is the star of the audiodrama podcast series, "Laird Lindquist Presents One Man's Journey".

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Pete Sakaris is an Omaha, Nebraska based comedian who has overcome many an obstacle in life. From surgeries, to bullying to just plain not understanding the world that he was prematurely born into. He uses his presence on stage, experiences as a Ring Announcer in Pro Wrestling and navigation of this curious and turbulent maelstrom called life to show people that they can achieve anything, follow their dreams and be successful, regardless of their limitations or disabilities.

Quan'darius's act is a wide range. You will Laugh but also learn walking out feeling Fun & Fearless.

Stephen Henry began his stand-up comedy career in Tampa, FL, and has toured throughout Florida and the southeast regularly ever since. Henry’s style of comedy is quick, smart, and dark, yet oddly relatable. “SHARP WRITING IS THE BACKBONE OF [STEPHEN] HENRY’S SET, WITH PLENTY OF LOW-KEY SELF-DEPRECATION SPRINKLED IN.” -CREATIVE LOAFING, 2021"

Steven has an energy like no one else. His charming, energetic, and cynically good-natured persona brings you into his anxiety-filled mishaps and observations. Originally from Maryland, this east coast transplant explores navigating the rat race of success and getting older. He has been featured in SF Sketchfest and World Series of Comedy Top 101 comics.