The festival kicks off Wednesday and continues through Sunday, August 7.

National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson said it didn’t feel right the last two years to not have the festival, “The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival has grown to become one of the most respected comedy festivals in the country. So if you locally and haven’t gotten tickets yet for this year or haven’t been before, know that it’s a pretty special thing that it takes place in your backyard.”

The festival will feature over 50 live acts with headliners including Margaret Cho on Thursday, August 4 at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and two shows by Jeff Foxworthy at Northwest Arena on Friday, August 5.

Gunderson said the Saturday headlining show featuring Legends of Saturday Night Live, can only be seen in Jamestown. That show at the Northwest Arena will feature David Spade, Rob Schneider, and Kevin Nealon.

Gunderson said another show not to be missed is the Stand-Up Showcase on Wednesday, August 3, “Some people, even if they’re big fans of the big ticket, big name headliners, leave the festival going, ‘That was the best show of the festival!’ because you’re seeing the best club talent from coast to coast descend on Jamestown for a show where each comic gets about a 15-minute set. So nobody leaves the show not having, like, most of it if not all of it, there’s really something for everyone and it’s a really fun evening, and a really affordable ticket and that’s at the Reg Lenna.”

A free kids comedy show featuring Nels Ross will take place Saturday, August 6 at the Reg as well.

For more information, visit comedycenter.org

• LISTEN AT SOUNDCLOUD

FREDONIA – On Saturday, November 12, 1994, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House reopened its doors after more than nine years of restoration work with a grand re-opening variety show – Fredonia On Stage!

Nearly 25 years to the day later – on Sunday, November 10, 2019 – the Opera House celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a special show, Fredonia on Stage! – 25 Years Later.

“This celebratory event is a two-part commemoration,” notes Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis. “It STARTS with a matinee performance reminiscent of our grand re-opening!  Local and regional performers join us for a nod to the past 25 years, while representing all the entertainment that the Opera House has to offer today — from Bach to Broadway, Folk to Family, History to Humor, Drama to Dance and Rock to Ragtime!”

Featured performers include:

• The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet representing live dance and Bolshoi Ballet Live;
• Julie Costantini, Jenn Davis and Katie Ryan representing live music and the Broadway On Screen Series;
• Fr. Sean Duggan, Brian Eckenrode and Brian Walnicki representing the Bach & Beyond Baroque Music Festival;
• Pianist Trevor Napoli representing live classical music;
• The Newton Street Irregulars 2.0 representing the Folk in Fredonia Music Series;
• Actress Christina Rausa representing live theatre and the National Theatre Live Series;
• In Jest’s Nels Ross representing family-focused entertainment;
• The band Big Tone representing live popular music and tribute shows;
• Along with this array of entertainment, there will be a few special announcements and acknowledgements.

The celebration ENDS with FanTableous Fete II, a reception/auction held at the Fredonia Beaver Club that will feature light hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live music. Capping off the celebration will be the live auction of 10 handmade, artist-decorated, three-legged, fan-shaped corner tables during the reception.

Tickets for Fredonia On Stage! – 25 Years Later are $25. Tickets to FanTableous Fete II are $20. Both may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org.