BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The joke's on them.
This year, musicians aren't the only main acts at Musikfest.
- Comedy is back at Musikfest
- Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias is among the headliners
- More than 200 local comedians are also scheduled to appear at free shows
The 11-day extravaganza, now in its 40th year, will also include free and ticketed comedy and improv shows with Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias and local jokesters such as Chris Coccia, Evan Stutts and Matt Candio.
Ingenious improv
The laughter begins with a free performance by Lehigh Valley comics and is hosted by comedians Addyson Young and Anthony DeSanctis.
The show, recommended for those 18 and older, will take place at 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way.
Friday also marks the first night of ComedyPlatz at the Ice House, 56 River St.
The standup showcase will featuring comedians from the Lehigh Valley, New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey.
Entry is free and attendees will be seated upon arrival.
The performances take place at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4; 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11; and 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12.
Film-centric laughs
As part of the free fun, DeSanctis directed the "Sequel Show" a film-centric improv set at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.
The set will poke fun at sequels and credit scenes from some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters.
Check it out at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.
Three times the charm
Gabriel Iglesias joins Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan among the comics to headline Musifkest.
It's the third time — and first time in five years — that the festival has had a stand-up performer headline the main stage.
It first occurred with Seinfeld in 2015, and in 2018 with Gaffigan.
Iglesias is known for his Comedy Central specials "I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy" and Netflix's "Stadium Fluffy."
He will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at the Steel Stage. Tickets start at $25.
Twice the giggles
Lehigh Valley improv duo Matt Candio and Evan Stutts will pair up for a night of comedy on Friday, Aug. 11.
Their act, “We’re Good, You’re Great" is a quick-witted bit that focuses on quirky characters and situations.
Joining them will Eric Sylvester, Sam Beedle, Tami Cantilina and Addsion Teal.
The performance starts at 10:30 p.m. at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.
Dating disasters
The comedy concludes with a hilarious spin on love.
"Swipe Right: The Online Dating Show" will feature a team of comedians on a mission to crush people's dating profiles in a Mad-Libs type fashion in front of a panel of judges.
The show's host is Aliya Brown. Entry is free.
It starts at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug 12, at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.
For more info on Musifkest, check out LehighValleyNews.com's Musikfest page for updates.
