Big laugh: The 2011 Ha!ifax ComedyFest is coming for you

The 2011 Ha!ifax ComedyFest is sixteen years old; a time typically associated with awkward encounters with the opposite sex, problem skin and moodiness. Festival producer Kim Hendrickson says it plans on rebelling and breaking all the rules with the likes of Godfrey, Tim Steeves and Greg Hahn

This year’s festival also introduces you to soon-to-be legend Mark Sawatzky, says Hendrickson. She adds, “recently kicking heroin made Mark alive and funny beyond our imaginations. Prior to the festival, organizers ran a contest where up and coming comedians ran the gauntlet of the judge’s stern faces. Sawatzky knew he had a fighting chance.

I was destined to win. My daughter broke my PS3 and I knew God would get
me some money. Other than winning a spot on stage at the fest and a cash prize, Sawatzky is also excited about seeing some pro comedians in Halifax. Particularly, Mike Wilmot and Stewart Francis. Basically I’m pretty stoked for all of them. I’m going to try and get a picture with them all so I can put it on my Facebook and people will think I am famous and regularly chill with these people. And there’s no reason you can’t do the same on April 13-16. The festival kicks off Wednesday, April 13 with the opening gala at Casino Nova Scotia. For tickets and a complete schedule of events, visit: halifaxcomedyfest.ca

This article appears in Apr 7-13, 2011.