The end of July is rapidly approaching, and as August draws ever closer the place to be is… Canada. Or so we’ve been told, anyway, as this month marks the kick-off of the 30th annual Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal.
Just for Laughs, which includes a series of free outdoor performances, parades, gala performances, club shows, and theatre events, prides itself in being the largest and most celebrated comedy event in the world. And considering that this year happens to be the festival’s “dirty thirty” as its been so appropriately deemed, things are about to get even bigger.
Comics such as Joel McHale, Howie Mandel, Wayne Brady, Amy Schumer, as well as Saturday Night Live’s Bill Hader are all lined up to perform at various points in the festival, while Bob Saget is scheduled to host a special segment called JFL XXX. Comedy veterans and newcomers alike will congregate in Montreal until late August, for whats shaping up to be one of the most memorable festivals in Just for Laughs’ history.
It has also been released that Chelsea Handler has been chosen to receive the festival’s 2012 Comedy Person Of The Year. Handler, known for her show Chelsea Lately (very funny), will be honored at an awards luncheon this Friday, July 27.
Family Guy’s Seth MacFarlane will also be recognized, receiving Comedy Director of the Year upon the release of his first feature length film, Ted. Sadly, MacFarlane will not be in attendance at Just for Laughs Fest this year.
Furthermore, Michael Bacall is due to receive the Comedy Writer of the Year Award, for his work in both 21 Jump Street and Project X and it has been announced that the Muppets, also fresh off the big screen, have been selected to host the annual All-Star Comedy Gala.
Coming off a big weekend at the festival, including events such as the Twin Parade, and a Guinness World Record Cheerleading bit, we’re expecting this week to be even wilder than the last.
Check out www.hahaha.com for more information on tours and dates, as well as for some hilarious videos from festivals, both past and present.