BTL Staff
DEARBORN – On March 11 over 1,500 people attended the 10th Annual Michigan Lesbian & Gay ComedyFest hosted by Triangle Foundation. Not only is the ComedyFest Michigan's largest comedy event, but it is also the largest LGBT comedy event in the country, according to Triangle Foundation Director of Policy Sean Kosofsky.
With two back-to-back shows to accommodate the crowds, this year's lineup of five national comedians included Poppy Champlin from Los Angeles, Ronn Vigh from San Francisco, Dana Goldberg from Albuquerque, Dewey Chaffee from Orlando, and Rene Hicks from San Francisco. Crowds were also entertained with a 1960s Les Vegas theme throughout the evening.
After the show, Rene Hicks, the top comedian, said, "Thank you for everything… I appreciate it, greatly. I'm glad that everything worked out… It appeared that you had a very successful event. All the best with the work that your organization is doing. Take care!"
A "very successful event," indeed – Triangle raised approximately $20,000 from the event, according to Director of Development Kevin McAlpine.
Kosofsky urged the audience to join Triangle, which is now the fourth-largest statewide pro-LGBT organization in the country.
"The only way we can match the letter writing and other campaigns of the religious right is with members. Our events do well, but we need people to join," he told BTL.
ASL interpreters were present for both shows and did an amazing job at the event, according McAlpine.
"This is an important event that bridges our political and legislative work with community building," said McAlpine, "I am happy that we are able to produce it."
After the ComedyFest, BACKSTREET hosted the event's official After Party.
Mark your calendars for next year's event on Saturday, March 10, 2007.
