'New York's Funniest' set to showcase best comedians at New York Comedy Festival
NEW YORK (WABC) -- In the city that never sleeps, there's always time to stop and laugh. Now in its 21st year, the New York Comedy Festival brings the best of the best to the Big Apple.
"It's very New York, and it's very inside comedy," said Caroline Hirsch, the founder of the festival, and legendary comedy club "Caroline's."
The festival isn't just about the headliners. It's about discovering tomorrow's comedy stars. That happens Wednesday night with "New York's Funniest."
Some big names have won this before.
"Our first one was Nate Bargatze, and that was 2010, with Josh Johnson, Tim Dillon, Ricky Velez. Michael Che won, and we were so excited the night Michael won. He got an agent and manager right there, standing at Caroline's. So, we've had great people come out of this festival," Hirsch said.
As for the festival's most heartfelt night, it's also one of its biggest, "Stand Up for Heroes," raising over $100,000,000 for veterans since its inception.
"Obviously, a very prestigious event, but anything where contribute in some small way to , acknowledge and maybe assist in helping veterans and their families. It's so cool to be in the presence of these brave men and women, and I'm not talking about him," said Jim Gaffigan, comedian.
"Excuse me. I'm very brave. I got a haircut two hours ago," said Alex Edelman, a comedian.
"Now it's a little dark. It's a little dark. So you take something normal every day and then put a really, really dark dirt dark twist on it," said Jaye McBride, Comedian.
As for the acts...
"It really is the best of New York. It's the best of New York Comedy Festival," McBride said.
"It's the stamp of approval. When you're in the New York Comedy Festival, you're onto something," Hirsch said.
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