Flagship City Comedy Fest Builds a Community Around Comedy in Erie

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The Flagship City Comedy Fest will feature four days of comedy scheduled at a variety of local venues. Five headlining out-of-town acts including Luke Null, Derek Sheen, Reena Calm, Steve Wrigley, and Sean Patton will perform alongside local talent.

BEGINNING THURSDAY, APR. 25

Get ready to have your sides split during the Flagship City Comedy Fest, taking place in a number of local venues across the Erie area from April 25 through 28. Over the span of four days, this uproarious event is set to showcase some of the nation's top comedic talent while celebrating Erie's vibrant comedy culture and community spirit.

"The Flagship City Comedy Fest was created to bring in talented comics from all over the country and show them how awesome Erie can be," says co-founder and organizer Anthony Morelli (Erie's 40 Under 40 Class of 2022). And of talented comics, we have plenty; headlining this year's fest are Reena Calm, Steve Wrigley, Derek Sheen, Sean Patton, and Luke Null. Embracing Erie's diversity, the fest will feature shows in various venues including Room 33, Calamari's, 10/20 Collective, the Erie Playhouse, and The Zone, among others.

In addition to well-known comedians like Sean Patton headlining at the Erie Playhouse, the festival has several one-of-a-kind shows planned for the festival, like a brunch set hosted by local drag queen Rebecca Mae at The Zone and a wild Sunday afternoon at Andromeda Studios where select comics will be getting tattooed during their act.

Celebrating local talent is a key focus, with rising stars like Amanda Daniels, Gabi Catrabone, Jim Franks, Brian Bailey, Nicole Benedi, and Jamie Benedi taking the stage.

"Having the Flagship City Comedy Fest really brings light to the art of comedy and how Erie is building [its own community]," continues Morelli. But more than anything, he is filled with gratitude.

"We are blown away by the local support. You can grab tickets off our website and enjoy discounts and special offers from our generous sponsors," says Morelli. Since its debut last year, the festival has received overwhelming support from the local community, with businesses like A Compassionate Hart Massage Therapy, the Erie SeaWolves, and others stepping up to sponsor and collaborate.

You won't want to miss out on the unique laughter, camaraderie, and sheer hilarity of this year's Flagship City Comedy Fest. 

Thursday, Apr. 25 through Sunday, Apr. 28 // Various times and venues // Free-$30 // For tickets and info: tickets.eriereader.com or flagshipcitycomedyfest.com