NEW YORK — Big comedy names – from Louis C.K. and Demetri Martin to Joel McHale and George Lopez and Russell Peters — are part of the initial lineup of the third annual edition of the comedy festival organized by TBS and Montreal’s Just For Laughs.
The festival, which changed its name and got a title sponsor this year, takes place June 14-18. It is now called Twix Presents: TBS Just For Laughs Chicago, compared with its previous title TBS Presents A “Very Funny” Festival: Just for Laughs.
The Anti-Social Network, featuring Dave Attell, Jim Breuer, Bill Burr and host Jim Norton — will kick off the festival.
Louis C.K., McHale and Martin will host shows and bring some funny special guests and friends, according to organizers.
And Lopez and Peters will combine for a one-time-only performance.
Meanwhile, Roastmaster General Jeffrey Ross will take aim at the host city in a show entitled Jeffrey Ross Roasts Chicago.
Tim Minchin, Whitney Cummings and Jim Jefferies are also among the early talent lineup.
“We’re pulling out all the stops to make this year’s festival the best yet,” said Dennis Adamovich, senior vp of brand and digital activation/general manager of festivals for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies.
“At the beginning stages of every festival booking season, we start with our dream list,” said JFL COO Bruce Hills. “This year we have not only met our dream list, we have exceeded it.”
