Just For Laughs Returns For 8th Annual Edition

The annual comedy event Just For Laughs is set to return to Bermuda once again, for its eighth year, in 2014. This 8th annual edition brings together American comedian Wil Sylvince, Just For Laughs alumni Robert Kelly, Canadian funnyman Steve Patterson, local Bermudian Jonathan Young, and host Alonzo Bodden.

A spokesperson said, “Alonzo Bodden is a man who needs no introduction in Bermuda. An international headliner, Alonzo has performed worldwide including Just For Laughs in Montreal; Kilkenny Ireland Comedy fest; Sydney, Australia; Brighton Beach in the UK; and he’s entertained the troops everywhere from Iraq to Greenland.

“His brand new one-hour comedy special, “Who’s Paying Attention?” premiered on Showtime and he can be seen as a host of the new ITV show “Inside the Vault.”

“This year, in addition to being our host on the Fairmont shows, he will also return to share the stage with Robert Kelly for Double Bill at City Hall, where both comedians will perform extended sets. Different material will be presented for the shows at the Fairmont Southampton.

“Wil Sylvince is one of the most explosive comedians performing around the world today. His comedic performances on BET’s “Comic View”, HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam”, and “Showtime at the Apollo” all garnered standing ovations by the audiences, a feat rarely seen accomplished by many performers.

“Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, Wil has honed his act in New York’s top comedy clubs – the Comedy Cellar, Comic Strip Live, Caroline’s on Broadway, Stand-Up NY and the Gotham Comedy Club. His unique perspective on political and social issues, with a twist of his West Indian Haitian culture makes Wil a comedian in high demand.

“He has been handpicked by comedian heavyweights Damon Wayans, D.L. Hughley, Chris Tucker, Kat Williams and Bill Bellamy to tour the US. His writing has been used and featured on The Fugees’ album The Score and Wyclef’s The Carnival. He was also a contributor to sketch shows such as “The Chapelle Show” on Comedy Central and Damon Wayan’s “The Underground”.

“Robert Kelly has been winning over audiences for the last 18 years. In addition to clubs and colleges nationwide, Kelly has traveled across the US in the “Tourgasm Live” tour with Dane Cook and Gary Gulman, has just finished a cross-Canada Just For Laughs tour, and has performed at the Just For Laughs Festival [Montreal 2010 & 2013].

“He was recently seen as Louie CK’s brother Robbie on FX’s “Louie” and on CBS’s drama “NYC 22” produced by Robert DeNiro. His other credits include Comedy Central Special “Comics Anonymous,” “Comedy Central Presents Robert Kelly,” “Tourgasm” on HBO and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on ABC. His movie credits include Ghost Town and Good Luck Chuck.

“He produced and starred in his first short film “Cheat” which debuted at The Tribeca Film Festival in New York. He has a book published by Simon & Schuster based on the movie, and a top rated podcast called “You Know What Dude?” that can be found on iTunes or riotcast.com.

“Steve Patterson is one of Canada’s best loved comedians, having just won the prestigious “Best Male Stand Up” category at the Canadian Comedy Awards. As host of CBC Radio One’s wildly successful “The Debaters” since 2007, Patterson has become a household name, with more than half a million weekly listeners.

“In 2010, steady accolades for his work on that show earned him a third invitation to perform on one of Just For Laughs’ prestigious televised galas, hosted by Steve Martin.

“Considered to be the highlight of the show by the audience and critics alike, Patterson’s performance prompted the legendary Martin himself to quip, “If I’d known he was going to be THAT good, I would have cancelled him.”

“He has also headlined in Ireland, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates leaving audiences everywhere united in their praise.Steve has toured across Canada with Just For Laughs, and most recently launched his first solo theatre tour show entitled “This is Not Debatable”.

“Jonathan Young first appeared at Just for Laughs Bermuda by winning the inaugural “Fresh Faces of Comedy” contest in Bermuda. This will now be his 5th appearance.

“Jonathan’s take on all things Bermudian, particularly politics, keeps the audience in stitches. The amazing thing is that Jonathan creates his material from scratch for Just for Laughs every year and is performing it for the first time when he steps on our stage.”

Show Schedule:

Double Bill! Alonzo Bodden and Robert Kelly with opening act Jonathan Young:

• Wednesday January 8, 8:00pm, Earl Cameron Theatre, City Hall. Tickets: $45. Reserved Seating.

Gala Shows hosted by Alonzo Bodden, featuring Robert Kelly, Wil Syvince, Steve Patterson and Jonathan
Young:

• Thursday January 9, 8:00pm, Fairmont Southampton’s Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre. Tickets $87. Reserved cabaret seating.
• Friday January 10, 8:30pm, Fairmont Southampton’s Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre. Tickets: $77 & $87. Reserved seating.
• Saturday, January 11, 7:00pm & 10:00pm, Fairmont Southampton’s Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre. Tickets: $77 & $87. Reserved seating.

Tickets will be available on November 4th online at bdatix, in person at Sportseller [Washington Mall] and Fabulous Fashions [Heron Bay Plaza]. Order by phone at 232-2255 [$3 extra charge per ticket applies for phone orders].

For additional event information, visit the comedy event website or call 232-8499. For more information on Just For Laughs events, visit their website.

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