Illinois

Nate Armbruster is a Chicago-based stand-up comedian who brings a thoughtful, easygoing approach to everyday humor. Raised in Detroit, his Midwest background shows up in a style that’s approachable, observant, and confidently understated. He performs regularly at comedy clubs around the country and has gained recognition through stand-up clips and live shows. Nate’s debut album, Sorry to Bother You, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Comedy charts, reflecting a style that’s confident, polished, and easy to connect with.

Michigan

Diego Attanasio is a Detroit based comedian originally from Peru who was a semi-finalist in the San Diego Comedy Fest and a finalist in the Laugh Your Bluegrass Off Comedy Fest. Additionally, Diego performed at over 15 comedy festivals including the Cleveland Comedy Fest, Memphis Comedy Fest, and Idaho Laugh Fest. Among others, Diego has featured for national acts like Tig Notaro, Christopher Titus, Jessica Kirson, and many others.

Illinois

Colleen Brennan is a Chicago-based comedian, actor, writer, producer, and podcaster (Defending Indiana). Described as a polished performer, Colleen’s unique, observational angle as a married, visibly stable mother highlights the hilarious details about life as a human. Colleen performs all over the U.S. in theaters, clubs and festivals such as: Snubfest 2016 (*Winner – Audience Favorite), Lady Laughs Festival, Windy City Comedy Festival, The Steppenwolf, Zanies, The Laugh Factory, Funny Bone, The Comedy Bar and The Foundation Room at the House of Blues. She has been a guest on THE KELLY CLARKSON Show, WGN Spotlight Chicago, Fox Good Day Chicago and WCIU’s “The Jam”. Colleen also appears regularly as a cast member of Mom's Unhinged and Bad Momz of Comedy.

Michigan

Ryan Brown is a Detroit-born comedian who blends sharp wit with relatable storytelling, captivating audiences across the country. He was voted “Best Comedian” by the Detroit Metro Times in 2025. He's a teacher, producer and performer of comedy with Planet Ant Theater in Hamtramck, MI.

New York

Rosey Catherine is one of the youngest rising stars in the New York comedy scene. Once a staple in the DC comedy scene, she broke a record as the youngest headliner in the scene when she was 15. She currently tours nationally with Troy Bond. You can see her nightly at Gotham Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, Westside Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club, and Greenwich Village Comedy Club.

New York

Jason Chatfield is an Australian-born New York cartoonist and stand-up comic who’s been performing for 19 years, including at The Comedy Cellar @ Fat Black Pussycat, New York Comedy Club, Gotham, Stand Up New York, Dangerfield’s (Rodney's), and more questionable road gigs with worse food. His cartoons and writing appear regularly in The New Yorker, MAD, Wired, Variety, American Bystander, The Weekly Humorist, and Airmail. His daily comic strip is syndicated internationally through Andrews McMeel Syndication. On screen, he’s popped up in national and international commercials (including Apple iPhone), played “Dan Driff” for Selsun Blue, and appeared as a host and judge on the Food Network (Buddy Vs. Christmas) and NBC's Doodle Wars.

Michigan

Mike Cronin is everything that is good about stand-up comedy. A jovial, intelligent, and stupid man, he has spent the last 19 years traveling the globe giving audience’s the business. Through these years of road work, he has become one of the funniest, most well-respected comedians working today. In addition to headlining clubs all over, Mike also regularly opens for the likes of Tom Segura and Chad Daniels. His first album, “Hot For Too Long”, debuted at #5 on the iTunes comedy charts, and his highly anticipated first comedy special entitled Thick Worm dropped November 30th of 2022. Nobody’s gonna make you laugh harder than Big Poppa Red

Michigan

Marcus Cusic is a Michigan native comedian with a focus on observational humor and making fun of the absurd. He's known for performing and winning comedy contests at nerdy conventions, but his comedy is rooted in raunchy everyday topics. He's showcased at Dr. Grin's Comedy Club, Gilda's Laughfest, and he's even appeared on Comedy Central (as part of a prank). His comedy is sure to bring a fresh, and often spicy, perspective to the stage.

Colorado

Ren Q. Dawe is a trans comedian, activist, and professional silly goose. Dubbed a “queer icon” by Out Magazine, Ren made history as the first trans comic to perform in all 50 states with the Here to Pee tour, raising funds for LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

New York

Janelle Draper is a bicoastal comedian, actress, writer, and producer known for her unapologetic, uncensored style. She began stand-up in Los Angeles while working as an NBC page on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Janelle headlines nationwide and has won the Burbank Comedy Festival and placed runner-up at the Boston Comedy Festival. She performs for troops overseas, shines at corporate events, and has opened for comedy legends including Jay Leno, Arsenio Hall, Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish, and Jeffrey Ross. A regular commentator on SiriusXM Raw Dog Comedy, Janelle is also a producer on the documentary Anxiety Club, featuring Marc Maron, Joe List, and Mark Normand. She’s performed at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre three times, appeared on IFC, and was the first comedian to sign an overall licensing deal with Bumble—creating content that garnered over 4 billion views. Originally from Boston, she only has an accent after chardonnay.

Michigan

Darrick Ervin II is a Detroit-bred stand-up comic who thrives in the uncomfortable, turning hard truths into big laughs. His act feels like a comedic courtroom, where he plays both prosecutor and defendant, using sharp storytelling and bold observations to interrogate modern life. A former college athlete and University of Michigan graduate, Darrick pulls from a résumé of questionable decisions as a globetrotting entrepreneur, professional gambler, and recurring ex-boyfriend. He’s performed across North America including Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Laugh Factory, Zanies, East Austin Comedy Club, and Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy. Darrick has delivered a TEDx talk and earned Best of Fest honors at the Windsor Comedy Festival and Blue Ridge Comedy Fest. The laughs are frequent, the truths are messy, and it’s always Okay To Laugh.

Michigan

Tim Finkel found his comedic voice after losing his older brother. Channeling his grief into stand-up, he has become a master at shining a light on the dark side of modern parenting—those unspoken truths we all secretly relate to. He’ll make you feel totally content about not “crushing it”. He is a two-time TEDx presenter and has performed on as many stages around the country as his wife has given him permission to. With an instantly likable stage presence, Tim feels like your funniest friend who just gets it. He brings warmth and humor to even the toughest topics, including cancer, proving that laughter can be a powerful remedy. Tim leaves audiences roaring with relatable laughter while embracing the beautiful chaos of life.

California

Bri Giger is a comedian, actress, DJ, and musical comedian blending sharp stand-up with music, storytelling, and chaos. An Emmy Award–winning performer for Book of Queer, Bri has been featured at Netflix Is a Joke (2022, 2024), performs regularly at The Hollywood Improv and The Comedy Store, emceed and DJed LA Pride, and opened for headlining comedians around the world. A former UCB Maude head writer and four-time SNL professional auditioner, Bri also has a feature film debut alongside Molly Shannon coming in 2026.

Michigan

Tall, thin, and handsome-ish, Bret Hayden has been making people laugh (sometimes regrettably) since 2013 with airtight joke-writing and dry delivery.  He’s a regular performer at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and has worked with comedy greats including Mark Normand, Gary Gulman, Beth Stelling, Chad Daniels, among others.

Michigan

Jason A. Jamerson is a Detroit Native, comedian, actor, writer, host, and producer. Early in his career, Jamerson embarked on his love for entertainment by pursuing a career as a comedian. Finding the courage to perform on multiple stages across the Metro Detroit area, Jason found his voice, respect for the craft and humility amongst his mentors. To date he has shared stages with Michael Rappaport, Chris Redd, Tony Baker, Mark Curry, Carl Payne, Brandon T. Jackson, Tony Roberts, Finesse Mitchell and many more.
While learning the tricks of the trade, He was offered an opportunity to produce his very own show in 2016 entitled, “This Should Be A Comedy Special” which has been an annual staple for the metro Detroit comedy scene ever since. Jason now travels the country hitting stages and cracking up audiences with his unique, entertaining brand of comedy

Michigan

Sheila has performed at top comedy clubs throughout the Midwest and beyond, including Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, One Night Stans, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, and Chicago’s Laugh Factory. She’s also a regular at McCurdy’s in Sarasota, The Library in Punta Gorda, Visani’s in Port Charlotte, The Villages in Ocala, and numerous clubs across Canada—truly an international sensation. Sheila has shared the stage with Bobby Collins, Rob Little, Rocky LaPorte, John Hefron, and Mary Ellen Hooper, and recently appeared with Showtime’s “Funny Women of a Certain Age” at the Traverse City 2025 Comedy Fest. Her TV credits include NBC’s “So You Think You’re Funny?” and WDIV’s “Live in The D.” She also narrates for DTE, toured with Chrysler, and helped found Michigan’s first Gilda’s House.

Colorado

After years of writing about comedy, Amma decided to take to the stage – on the nudge of a dare set for her by her podcast co-hosts. In the years since, she’s developed an “anxious Black nerd” persona that creates a unique take on current events, life as a thirtysomething, and pop culture. Her debut half hour "Enjoy Your Nachos" was released in February 2023; The Boston Globe named it one of the best specials of the year with Boston roots.
She's currently touring the US with her new hour, fidget. spinster., a standup/slideshow comedy hybrid about the ins and outs of staying single by choice.

Illinois

Mike Maxwell is a Chicago area comedian, writer, and actor. Mike has been a regular guest on WLS-890 and WGN-720 AM and was a featured writer for the Tribune’s RedEye newspaper. Although he performs nationally, Mike is a regular at Zanies and the Chicago Improv while performing at all the major clubs in Chicago. His comedy style is an upbeat level of sarcasm and emotion covering many personal moments the audience may have experienced as well. In 2025, Mike performed at the Boston Comedy Festival and Badgerland Comedy Festival.  Maxwell recorded his debut comedy album ‘Wait it out!’ at Zanies Rosemont in late 2023 and debuted #1 on new releases for Amazon Music charts and hit #3 on the Amazon Music Best Seller chart.

Iowa

Leslie Mitchell is a Midwest-based stand-up whose sharp, relatable comedy has earned her stage time with Dave Attell, Roy Wood Jr., Bobcat Goldthwait, Adrienne Iapalucci, Geoffrey Asmus, Mary Mack, and April Macie. She was named Funniest Person in Iowa in 2023 and won the 21st Annual Amateur Stand-Up Competition at the legendary Jukebox Comedy Club in 2022. Her festival credits include Floodwater, Des Comedié, Last Best, Hell Yes Fest, Tower City, Badgerland, North Carolina, West End and Funny is Female —where she was named Best of the Fest.

Ohio

Kenny Mock is a comedic virtuoso who brilliantly illuminates stages worldwide with his vibrant performances. Kenny’s roots extend to a family of 11 siblings, a testament to his innate ability to stand out and create a lasting impression. His comedy draws inspiration from relatable life experiences, ensuring that his humor resonates deeply with diverse audiences. Mock was recently a Finalist in the Big Sky Comedy Festival and achieved a  remarkable milestone by clinching victory of the renowned World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas. This prestigious win underscores his comic brilliance and his unparalleled capacity to captivate global audiences.

Michigan

Johnny Mocny is a Michigan comic who’s been on the scene since the ripe age of eighteen, combining wry wit with shrewd, satirical edge and a comfortably innocuous demeanor. Johnny has opened for Tom Green, Matt McCusker, Beth Stelling, and Sam Tallent among others. He has performed on the Secret Show in Austin, Texas, and was the 2023 winner of the Comedy Rumble at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. You can listen to him regularly on the podcasts We Are Movies and Chinese Rocket Force.

California

Nthenya Ndunda, known onstage as Nthenya From Kenya, is an LA based comedian, writer and producer whose work is shaped by her immigrant upbringing between Kenya, Canada and the US. Born in Kenya, her family immigrated to Canada when she was a baby. She moved to Charleston, SC when she was 11 years old and that’s when she found out she was black. Just kidding, She’s always been fun. Her comedy blends sharp observations and cultural nuances; exploring identity, family and modern life. She is a two-time winner for JFL’s Standup & Pitch category, has been featured on Netflix is a Joke Radio and New York Comedy Festival. She most recently previewed her half hour at the Yes & Laughter Lab Festival in NYC.

Georgia 

Lisa Rimmert is a standup comedian and award-winning author, a military spouse who wouldn’t hurt a fly, and a childfree champion who looks like a soccer mom. She shines on stage, turning these everyday contradictions into razor-sharp jokes delivered with heartland humility. New to Georgia, Lisa quickly made her mark performing at the Laughing Skull Lounge and other prestigious venues throughout the South. As a host for BARK Entertainment (Skyline Comedy Club, Louisville Comedy Club, etc), she has performed alongside Bobcat Goldthwait, TJ Miller, Moshe Kasher, Zoltan Kaszas, and many others. Lisa’s festival credits include the Traverse City Comedy Festival (2025), Cleveland Comedy Festival (2025), North Carolina Comedy Festival (2025), Seattle International Comedy Competition (2024), and Burbank Comedy Festival (2024, Best of the Fest).

Michigan

Patty Rooney is a Detroit-based comedian and self-proclaimed recovering people pleaser, using her sharp, self-deprecating humor to make light of life’s awkward moments.
She has opened for comedic legends like Tim Meadows (SNL), Alex English (SNL), and some of the finest of the Midwest. She has been featured at the Motor City Comedy Fest, Traverse City Comedy Fest, and Funny is Female Fest. When she's not doing stand-up, Patty is a proud member of the improv troupe Big Fun Murder, a completely improvised murder mystery show, where the audience has a hand in solving the murder. BFM has been featured at the Traverse City Comedy Fest, Grand Rapids Improv Fest, and Detroit Improv Fest, and this year’s iO Fest in Chicago.

Michigan

Cam Rowe is the biggest thing in comedy—literally! Standing 6’9”, Cam has been towering over the comedy scene with his larger-than-life presence and hilarious storytelling. The son of an NBA and college basketball star, Cam grew up surrounded by hoops dreams, sneakers, and sky-high expectations—but instead of dunking basketballs, he’s been dunking on life’s absurdities with his sharp wit and stage presence. His new special “Too Tall to Fail” is a hilarious, heartfelt look at growing up in the shadow of basketball greatness, being constantly reminded he’s “too tall not to play,” and proving that his real gift was never on the court—it was on the mic. Best known as “The Green Mile” security guard on TRU TV’s Storage Hunters and for appearing alongside Aziz Ansari on Comedy Bang Bang, Cam has headlined clubs nationwide and performed internationally, from the Apollo Theater to the Leicester Comedy Festival in the UK.

Wisconsin

The self-proclaimed “Best Bit Machine”, Chris Schmidt is a joke writer of the highest discipline. Witty & whimsical, absurd & angst ridden. Chris has mastered the art of thrilling audiences with warped wordplay and unpredictable punchlines. The Milwaukee native makes a strong impression with wildly imaginative and meticulously crafted material that details the estranged perspective of a perpetual outsider. Chris has performed across the midwest, sharing the stage with such comedy legends as Russel Peters, Michael Ian Black, Todd Barry, Brad Wenzel, Bobcat Goldthwaite, and Joe List.

Michigan

Pat Sievert sees things in a way you’ve never considered, but it’s a perspective you’ll never forget. He’s honed his charmingly quirky, wickedly funny material with diligent road work, appearing at festivals across the country (Alaska B4UDIE, Motor City, and Savage Henry to name a few). In 2024 Pat opened for Gary Gulman and Colin Quinn at theaters in the US and Canada. Whether it’s an indie DIY show or an A-list comedy club, Pat is a refreshing new voice that stands out from the crowd.

Minnesota

Danielle won Miami's Funniest and was runner-up at ACME Comedy Club. A winner of numerous one-liner competitions, she has performed across North America, including the Seattle International Comedy Competition. She has been featured twice on Wisconsin Public Radio and various podcasts, sharing the stage with Janine Garofalo, Nick Griffin, Myq Kaplan, Mary Mack, and ISMO. Danielle is a versatile performer who connects across the political spectrum, entertaining from deep-red rural venues to LGBTQ events. She has performed for church groups, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Fortune 500 companies. She brings a unique background to the stage, having once negotiated a business deal with Mark Zuckerberg.

Michigan

Esteban Touma is a comedian from Ecuador adjusting to life in the US. He was featured in Comedy Central and was part of Clusterfest “Up Next” showcase in San Francisco. His comedy has also been featured on NPR, Sirius XM, The Moth, the NBC Second City Break Out Festival, and the World Comedy Expo. He has opened for comics such as Judd Apatow, Mark Normand, Michelle Wolf, and Roy Wood Jr. The U.S. Government once officially declared him an “authorized legal alien with a reentry permit.”

Michigan

Hailing from a small town that you haven't heard of Wes Ward takes undeniable charm, quick wit, self-reflecting humor, and mashes it all up to create a show that leaves an impression on anyone who has seen him perform.  His debut album "White Forest Whitaker" has amassed over 300,000 streams and has led to Wes working with comedy greats including Mark Normand, Adam Ray, Nick Mullen, Rachel Feinstein, Erica Rhodes, and Kyle Kinane.

Michigan

Brad Wenzel’s offbeat one-liners, dry delivery, and unassuming presence are what set him apart from other comedians. Brad has made 3 stand-up appearances on CONAN and more recently performed on Netflix is a Joke Radio as well as Don't Tell Comedy. His debut comedy album Sweet Nothings was released on Jack White’s rock label, Third Man Records and can be heard on SiriusXM. Paste Magazine described Brad’s 2023 special, joke. joke. joke. as “Watching Wenzel feels like hanging out with your funniest, weirdest friend; it's relaxing and utterly enjoyable" Paste also listed joke. joke. joke. as one of the 20 best comedy specials of the year. Since the age of 17, Brad has toured the country, honing his unique non-sequitur style of joke telling, all while maintaining an original, comedic voice. Simply put, he’s really funny. Other appearances include “New Faces” at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, and Bob & Tom.

Michigan

Having cut his teeth in Chicago's standup scene where he co-founded long-running institutions like Power Hour and Stand Up Stand Up, the boisterous and always unpredictable Ken Witzgall returned to his home state of Michigan where he's been bothering people onstage ever since. He performs regularly at clubs throughout the Midwest, including the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle.

Michigan

Andrew Yang is a Michigan comic who has been a featured performer at festivals across the country including Sketchfest in San Francisco, Let’s Fest in Indianapolis, and many others (no, not that one he was rejected from there). He has been fortunate enough to work with a few of his comedy heroes including Beth Stelling, Joel Kim Booster, the Sklar Brothers, and one time had lunch with Maria Bamford. He has also been featured on NPR and was a Best of Fest winner for the Big Pine Comedy Festival. When he’s not on stage Andrew is probably cooking dinner for his wife and daughter to make up for all the jokes he's written at their expense.

Michigan

Chris Young is able to take real life experiences and turn them into laughs that maintain a clean but funny appearance. Chris’s luck (or lack thereof) have lead him to look at the world through a different set of glasses. Having once been called a pessimist by a fellow classmate "he replied simply “that he is not a pessimist but an optimist, as he believes things could not get any worse!”