New comedy festival revs up laughs

Andrew Grose, on-air personality for 6:30 CHED's Afternoon News, is bouncing off the walls. His voice booms as he slides a stream of one-liners into the conversation.

Grose is also a stand-up comic who has hatched a foolproof plan with CTV reporter Graham Neil to host the area's first big-time comedy festival.

“Graham is an absolute visionary. He's already talking about it 10 to 20 years down the road. Me, I'm taking it one at a time,” Grose laughs.

Their baby, the 1st annual Edmonton Comedy Festival is about to head into the home stretch with a slew of the best and brightest talents in Canada.

Miraculously this newbie festival has attracted a stellar line-up that features international names such as Joe Flaherty, Mike Bullard, Gerry Dee, Debra DiGiovanni, Big Daddy Tazz and yes, the Unknown Comic.

All told, 50 comics are set to deliver the goods in the five-day event running Oct. 19 to 23. They'll be showcasing punch-lines at various Edmonton area stages including the St. Albert Kinsmen Korral.

The idea was born during a variety fundraiser Graham hosted for the Alberta Cancer Foundation after his brother died from the disease.

“We were all sitting having sandwiches and beer. Here we were 10 to 12 guys, known around the country at everyone else's comedy festival talking about our next show. Graham stood watching us and asked, ‘How come there's no comedy festival in Edmonton?'”

It was a light bulb moment. Edmonton, billed as the City of Festivals had a gaping hole in the comedy arena.

Neil went searching for funds and received $25,000 from the City of Edmonton and another $50,000 from the province. Soon big corporate sponsorship such as ATB Financial was lining up to contribute.

With 20 years doing stand-up and a wide network of connections, Grose was the obvious choice to book talent.

“You have to know who has chemistry working together and in what venue. I have a history with each and every one. I know exactly how good they are and I put them where they'd work best.

“We really felt there was a need for a comedy festival in a festival city. We've done everything we can and now it's up to everyone else to support us. If Edmonton and St. Albert support us, there will be more. If not, it's been a beautiful experiment.”

Each of the five days has a different focus.

The Kinsmen Korral hosts shows Friday and Saturday. Emcee Lars Callieou brings out the unbridled fun of Toby Hargrave, John Wing, Debra DiGiovanni and Big Daddy Tazz.

“Toby is a dear friend from Edmonton now living in Vancouver,” said Grose. “He's down to earth and folksy and he will connect with the crowd.”

“John had done seven Tonight Shows including one with Johnny Carson. He's dry and satirical, but he's fabulous to watch. He will turn the crowd upside down.”

“Debra isn't like a lot of female comedians. She doesn't perpetuate stereotypes or do male bashing. She goes into what it's like dating as a large Italian woman.”

“And Big Daddy is one of the best comics in Canada. His versatility is incredible.”

Saturday at the Korral highlights Emcee Tim Koslo and features The Unknown Comic, Doo Wops, Erica Sigurdson and Grose.

Murray Langston, the Unknown Comic who got a start through Rowan and Martin's Laugh-in, sees humour in kids' lives and the Doo Wops layer their comedy act with irreverent songs.

On the other hand, Grose dubs Sigurdson one of the funniest women in the country. “She will take an ordinary situation like going shopping and taking it back to when you were a kid. She's very observational and she's not a dirty comic.”

Grose, a “slice of life” relationship comedian using tongue-in-cheek material gleaned from his wife and four kids, closes the night.

The Wednesday Edmonton Homecoming Gala hosted by Joe Flaherty at the Citadel's Maclab Theatre looks at Edmonton's history in comedy.

“Did you know that the Sidetrack CafĂ© used to host a Sunday Bowl about 25, 30 years ago? There were no comedy venues at that time and every comic in the province came up to it.”

Thursday showcases the talents of The Baby Boomers as they make a beeline for the era of beanbag chairs, eight-track players and drive-ins.

Friday night Gerry Dee, the star of CBC's new sitcom Mr. D. powers up the funny bone with his observations on marriage, fatherhood and his life as a teacher.

Saturday brings in Mike Bullard. “Remember Mike? He was a horrible talk show host. But he has one of the best live shows you'll ever get. It just didn't translate to TV.”