Just For Laughs marks their milestone 35th edition with a comedy cavalcade of stars

JFL marks a momentous anniversary presenting comedic legends, to the hottest stars of today including Jerry Seinfeld & Gad Elmaleh, Kevin Hart, Trevor Noah, Sugar Sammy, Judd Apatow, Ali Wong, Laverne Cox, Rick Mercer, David Spade, Howie Mandel,  Danny McBride and the cast of Vice Principals, John Mulaney and many more!

Montréal, May 3, 2017 – The Just For Laughs Festival, presented by Videotron in association with Loto-Québec is excited to announce the first slate of this year’s unrivaled, extraordinary line up of comedians who will descend upon Montreal, turning the city into the epicenter of comedy for its annual celebration. The diversity and quality of performers is unsurpassable, deserving the title of the best-curated festival in the world. 

From stand up Galas and concert shows to intimate club series, live TV tapings, cast panels and live podcast recordings, Just For Laughs gives comedy enthusiasts the opportunity to get up close and personal to the top comedic titans of today. 

HOMETOWN BOY’S TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO JUST FOR LAUGHS TO HOST SUGAR SAMMY’S INTERNATIONAL GALA

On one of the most electric nights of last year’s Festival, Sugar Sammy capped off his 420-show tour with one last performance of his hit show You’re Gonna Rire in front of crowd of 115,000.

After performing 1,500 shows in 29 countries and in 4 different languages, Sugar Sammy has teamed up with Just For Laughs to select the best stand-up acts from around the world for his Gala, each performer a star in their own country. 

Sugar Sammy’s International Gala promises to be one of the most original nights you’ll experience at the Festival. Comedic perspectives from around the world will converge on Montreal for a night of cultural exchange you won’t want to miss!

“In hosting a Just For Laughs gala, Sugar Sammy joins legends and comedy stars such as Don Rickles, Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Bill Maher and Bill Burr. We couldn’t be happier to add to the fold, a homegrown star who is making a name for himself around the world ", said Bruce Hills, JFL's Chief Operating Officer.

Sugar Sammy’s International Videotron Gala presented by Air Canada will feature some of the best international stand-ups on the planet on Friday, July 28 at 9:45 pm at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts. 

ONE NIGHT, ONE STAGE TWO OF COMEDY’S BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL COMEDIC TITANS

Just For Laughs and JS Touring are thrilled to announce that America’s premier comedian Jerry Seinfeld and France’s biggest and most loved comedic star Gad Elmaleh will share the stage for the first time as co-headliners with an exclusive one night only event to commemorate JFL’s 35th Anniversary.

This exceptional concert will mark Seinfeld’s return to Montreal Just For Laughs Festival since first performing back in 1989; and Gad’s second English appearance at the festival following sold out performances and rave reviews for the premier of his first English one person show run at last year’s festival.

These two international icons and friends will come together Wednesday, July 26, at 8:00 PM at the Bell Centre for one night of guaranteed laughter from beginning to end. 

THE BIGGEST COMEDIANS PERFORMING LIVE IN CONCERT

Trevor Noah is the most successful comedian in Africa and is the host of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning The Daily Show on Comedy Central. Trevor Noah released his 9th new comedy special Afraid of The Dark in February on Netflix and in November 2016, he released his first book, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, which was an instant New York Times bestseller. His Born a Crime audiobook is Audible’s highest rated since its release in 2016. He brings his standup show live to Montreal for one night only on Friday, July 28 with two performances at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm at Maison Symphonique at Place des Arts.

In addition to his concerts, JFL ComedyPRO will host In Conversation with Trevor Noah. Join Trevor for a conversation touching on his life and experiences, and whatever else comes to the mind of this brilliant comedian, on Saturday, July 29 at 12:00 pm (noon) at the Grand Salon Opera, Level 4, Hyatt Regency Montreal.

Judd Apatow returns to his stand-up comedy roots. The prolific writer/director of such films as Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and the director of Trainwreck, as well as executive producer of HBO’s Girls and Crashing and Netflix’s Love, is considered one of the most sought-after comedy minds in the business. Don’t miss your chance to see the one and only Judd Apatow perform his new stand-up show being recorded live for Netflix with four performances this summer on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29 at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm at 5ieme Salle at Place des Arts.

Ali Wong is a stand-up comic from San Francisco, now living in Los Angeles. Her Netflix stand-up special Baby Cobra was filmed when she was 7 months pregnant and according to the New York Magazine, "The special’s arrival on Netflix is the sort of star-making moment that unites the tastes of the unlikeliest fans.” Catch Ali Wong live on Thursday, July 27 at 7:00 pm at Maison Symphonique at Place des Arts. Act fast, her headlining live shows are now known to sell out within two minutes!

John Mulaney, Emmy Award-winning writer and comedian, adds a second performance to his previously announced return to the festival due to popular demand. Mulaney recently starred in the Broadway hit, Oh, Hello on Broadway alongside Nick Kroll. In 2015, he released his Netflix Original special titled The Comeback Kid preceding a very successful stint at Saturday Night Live where he wrote and appeared as a Weekend Update correspondent and co-created characters such as “Stefon” with Bill Hader.  He brings his new standup comedy tour, John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous to Montreal for one night only, Saturday, July 29, 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm at L’Olympia. 

Chris D’Elia continues to cement his status as a comedic force of nature. From his role as Danny on NBC’s Undateable, to the countless sold-out shows he absolutely muuuurders, and his hilarious Youtube videos, Chris D’Elia is without a doubt one of the funniest men in the world. Performing this special concert show live Thursday, July 27 at 9:30 pm at L’Olympia.

You know Tom Segura from his Netflix specials Completely Normal and Mostly Stories, or from one of his many appearances on the biggest podcasts in comedy, including The Joe Rogan Experience and WTF with Marc Maron. We’re thrilled to announce he’s coming to Montreal with his No Teeth, No Entry Tour on Wednesday, July 26 at 7:00 pm at L’Olympia.

VIDEOTRON GALAS PRESENTED BY AIR CANADA SOAR WITH STAR-STUDDED TALENT

Videotron Galas presented by Air Canada return with this high-distinguished series of special Galas taking place over six evenings at the prestigious Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts.

This year’s superlative lineup kicks off with Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominee, comedian/actor David Spade. One of the funniest men to burst onto the comedy scene with a 5-year run on NBC’s iconic Saturday Night Live, Spade went on to star in some of the top tent pole comedies as Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and most recently Grown Ups. Spade is sure to bring his signature sarcastic style as host of The David Spade Gala, featuring a line up of hilarious comedians and special guests on Wednesday July 26 at 7:00 pm at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts.

Emmy-Award-nominee, Laverne Cox didn’t have any problem standing out in the cast of Netlfix’s Orange is the New Black. That’s not the last time she’ll shine as part of an ensemble of super talented performers as we’re welcoming Laverne to Montreal as the host of her own gala! She will channel her years of hosting reality television on VH1 when she hosts The Laverne Cox Gala, a multi-comic line-up of some of the best stand-up comedians in the world on Saturday, July 29, 9:45 pm at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts.

Canadian television personality and political satirist, luminary Rick Mercer will once again take his rightful place in the spotlight of Canadian comedy to host this night of top class stand-up comedy featuring a lineup of some of the best comedians. One of the creators, performers, and writers of CBC’s seminal This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Mercer keeps the flame of healthy skepticism alive with his hugely popular show The Rick Mercer Report. The Rick Mercer Gala will take place Thursday, July 27 at 7:00 pm at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts.

Canadian celebrity, television personality and host, Howie Mandel, returns this summer for his third installment of his highly-rated, multi-comic Gala featuring a lineup of some of the best comedians and unbelievable special guests for an exclusive 90-minute special being filmed for The CW Network. Mandel thrives in the spotlight, from TV hits Deal or No Deal to America’s Got Talent; he’s been an unstoppable force in show business for over 30 years. The Howie Mandel Gala will channel that magnetic energy into this one-of-a-kind evening on Saturday, July 29 at 6:30 pm at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts.

More than just traditional stand-up, the Just For Laughs Galas are hilariously inclusive evenings of comedy and theatrics packed with uproarious surprises from start to finish.

Additional Galas will be announced in the coming weeks.

KEVIN HART’S LAUGH OUT LOUD PRESENTS: JUST FOR LAUGHS EAT MY SHORTS

Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network and Just For Laughs have joined forces in search of the funniest short films from the US and Canada with Laugh Out Loud Network Presents: Just For Laughs Eat My Shorts, a new initiative between the world’s biggest comedy star and the world’s biggest comedy festival.

From submissions received, twenty films that speak to a diverse, multicultural audience will be selected to stream on the LOL website when it launches this summer, where fans will have the chance to vote on their favorites. The top five films selected and more will be screened at the Just For Laughs Festival on Thursday, July 27 at 7:00 pm at Imperial, where Kevin Hart will present a development deal to one lucky winner followed by a post Q&A.

JACK ASTOR’S SERVES UP THE COOLEST SOLO AND CLUB SERIES OF THE SUMMER 

Looking for great comedy, up close? Join the club! Just For Laughs is delighted to bring back the ever-so-popular solo and club series presented by Jack Astor’s, sure to bring any room to raucous laughter with this unprecedented lineup of audience favourites and impulsive drop-by sets by some of the best in the industry.

One of the industry more unrestrained, bold comedians Jim Norton returns to Montreal bringing a brand-new hour of his refreshingly unapologetic stand-up with him.

Following up on Mouthful of Shame (now streaming on Netflix), Norton’s new show Far from Delightful is sure to be an audience hit with his sharp transgressive wit he’s loved for, on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29 at 9:30 pm at Gesù.

A must-see (so we film it for The Comedy Network!), All Access Live is back and brings a killer line-up of hosts this year taking over Club Soda for four consecutive nights. Every night, audiences are guaranteed laughter with comedic juggernaut hosts, and lineups of stacked comedians guaranteed to delight.

Selling out tours across North America, the charismatic comedic storyteller Mike Birbiglia is sure to mix it up when he hosts Wednesday, July 26. Moshe Kasher, comedian, actor and host of the Comedy Central popular show Problematic, will be overseeing hosting duties Thursday, July 27; and Natasha Leggero, writer, actor and comedian, and a regular on the Comedy Central Roast series, will take the stage as host to charm and spar with the room on Friday, July 28. The host will change each night. The lineup changes each show. The nightly show times 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm at Club Soda stay the same.

We knew you would want more of him…. tickets have been in demand since announcing Montreal would be treated to the hilarious, clever wit and skillful observational humour of Mike Birbiglia’s latest solo show, The New One. In The New One, the award-winning comedian approaches an entirely new subject in a new way with the same heart and humor we’ve come to expect. Do not miss The New One. It may be the best one. Shows runs Monday, July 24, Tuesday, July 25 and Thursday, July 27 through to Saturday, July 29, nightly show times at 7:00 pm at Le Gesù Theatre.

Brexit may have some people up in arms, but we’re unifying audiences with Brit(ish) hosted by Gina Yashere, starring Aisling Bea, Joe Lycett, James Acaster, Seann Walsh, and featuring special guest Sarah Millican. You’ll laugh so hard, the Queen on your money will silently judge you for being so improper when you catch this club series Wednesday, July 26 at 7:00 pm, Thursday, July 27 at 9:30 pm, and Friday, July 28 at 7:00 pm, at L’Astral.

Elon Gold will be making his 11th appearance at Just For Laughs this summer, performing his new solo show Elon Gold: Pro-Semite. A favoured son in the proud tradition of Jewish-American comedy, Gold has never stopped being one of the funniest, most charming guys in the room. Audiences can see for themselves starting Monday, July 24 through to Thursday, July 27, one performance each night at 7:00 pm at Maison Theatre.

I wouldn’t mention that it’s a live performance of the podcast, since it’s not being recorded – it’s just a live show. Maybe something like this: Make sure you catch The Fighter & the Kid: LIVE, starring former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub and actor/comedian Bryan Callen. Brendan and Bryan’s unbelievable chemistry and rich conversational style busts out of the speakers on their hit podcast, making this a show that was born to be seen LIVE! Just don’t let Brendan invite you out for a steak… join us on Thursday, July 27 at 9:30 pm at Maison Theatre.

Don’t miss this recording of Jake Hurwitz and Amir Blumenfeld’s hit podcast If I Were You, performed LIVE just for you! If I Were You offers up advice to its listeners in areas Jake and Amir are qualified to talk about... also quite a few areas they're not at all. If you’re really lucky they might even have some advice for you when you can catch them LIVE on Tuesday, July 25 at 9:30 pm at Maison Theatre. They didn’t stop there! Jake and Amir founded the podcast network HeadGum to produce and promote the best podcasting talent in the world. Join the pair as they host a night featuring live recordings of 3 of their favourite HeadGum podcasts: High and Mighty with Jon Gabrus, Twinnovation with Jeff Rosenberg, Dave Rosenberg and Mike Karnell, and Black Men Can’t Jump with Jerah Milligan, Jon Braylock, and James III on Wednesday, July 26 at 9:30 pm at Maison Theatre. 

WHEN THE CONVERSATION TURNS TO FUNNY BUSINESS

The Just For Laughs ComedyPRO conference is back, bringing the best of the industry together for a 4-day event, attracting everyone from leaders to groundbreakers, to explore all facets of humour at the foreground of entertainment. Amongst Kevin Hart and Trevor Noah, this year’s JFL ComedyPRO will also include some of the hottest cast panels, podcasts and showcases of the best up-and-coming comedians.

HBO PRESENTS VICE PRINCIPALS LIVE AT JUST FOR LAUGHS

HBO’s Vice Principals tells the story of two school administrators locked in an epic struggle to ascend to their rightful place at North Jackson High School – to be school principal. Sit down with the stars and creators of Vice Principals as they discuss the darkest comedy on television and talk to us about what’s in store for Season 2! The cast panel will feature Danny McBride, Jody Hill, Walton Goggins, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Georgia King and Edi Patterson on Friday, July 28 at 1:00 pm at the Grand Salon Opera, Level 4, Hyatt Regency Montreal.

CNN PRESENTS THE HISTORY OF COMEDY LIVE AT JUST FOR LAUGHS

Join us for a special screening of the “Spark of Madness” episode from the CNN Original Series, The History of Comedy.  “Spark of Madness” explores the fascinating mind of comedians, as well as the difficult road of mental illness and substance abuse that so many seemed destined to take. Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Kliph Nesteroff with executive producers Mark Herzog and Todd Milliner and comedian W. Kamau Bell on Thursday, July 27 at 4:00 pm at Grand Salon Opera, Level 4, Hyatt Regency Montreal.

The stand-up megastars that have been born at Just For Laughs’ New Faces of Comedy include Amy Schumer, Hannibal Buress, Demetri Martin, Ali Wong and Kevin Hart. Not a bad list, if we do say so ourselves. Come see the genuinely thrilling moment a young comic steps up and becomes a star with our New Faces of Comedy, New Faces: Characters, and New Faces: Unrepped showcases taking place on Wednesday, July 26; and Thursday July 27 at Ludger-Duvernay at Monument National. The best of the next generation of comedians and solo sketch acts will give you a serious dose of comedic street cred by catching them now before they are household names.

Speaking of new, this year, JFL is adding New Faces: Creators, a showcase of the up-and-coming influencers and creators who, through digital content creation, are contributing to the evolution of the comedy landscape on Thursday, July 27 at 1:45 pm at the Hyatt Grand Salon Opera, Level 4.

Mark Critch is returning this fall to co-star in the 25th season of the venerable Canadian comedy institution This Hour Has 22 Minutes, so who better to host a celebration of the future of Canadian comedy? See the next generation of great Canadian comics as they strut their stuff in a showcase of the best talent, hand-picked from across The Great White North in our 19th edition of Homegrown Comics, with special guest, comedian K. Trevor Wilson, presented by Sirius XM, taking place on Friday, July 28 at 7:00 pm at Ludger-Duvernay at Monument National.

Save-the Date: one of the biggest events in the comedy world each year is the unveiling of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” which recognizes stand-up, sketch artists and web content creators making the most impact in the industry this year. Catch the best and brightest “10 Comics To Watch” as they hit the stage and show you why they made the 2017 list, on Friday, July 28, 9:30 pm, at Ludger-Duvernay at Monument National.

BREAKING DOWN STEREOTYPES AND BOUNDARIES IS WHAT WE DO BEST 

JFL’s tradition continues with The Ethnic Show, returning for its 9th Edition presented as part of the Jack Astor’s Club Series. This cultural melting pot for comedy features today’s buzz worthy comics, hosted by outspoken comedian Iranian-American Maz Jobrani. Maz is best known for numerous appearances on the late night talk show circuit, many movies and television appearances. Joining Maz, sharing the humorous side of their diverse backgrounds, Jewish-American Jessica Kirson returning after highly praised performances in 2016; international comedian and one of the most sought-after performers, Korean Irish-American Steve Byrne; their return to the Festival, audience favourite Italian-Canadians The Doo Wops, comprised of John Catucci and David Mesiano; rising star Portuguese-Canadian Mike Rita; and staple of the New York comedy scene Dominican-American Vlad Caamaño. We’re tearing down barriers to speak forthright while laughing at our differences and similarities, starting Wednesday, July 12 through to Thursday, July 27 with 19 performances at Club Soda and Metropolis.

One of the most talked about series in the fest, The Nasty Show returns with a masterful line-up of outspoken, candid and daring standup comics guaranteed to push the boundaries of what is taboo to joke about. The series features heavy hitters such as Jimmy Carr with his mastery of amusing deadpan, edgy-one liner deliveries; unfiltered comedian Godfrey with his high-energy range of voices and personas and hilarious expletive-studded tirades. Big Jay Oakerson dubbed recently by the New York Times as a "Master of the Dirty Joke," most notable with fans as the co-host of The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Dan Soder; along with his keen eye for the life’s absurdities, Robert Kelly's honest, abrasively funny, yet refreshingly vulnerable take on life has been winning over audiences for years. Audiences will need to relinquish judgment at the door to enjoy this uncensored night of indulgent laughs starting Wednesday, July 19 through to Friday, July 28 with 10 performances at Métropolis.

VIDEOTRON PRESENTS OFF-JFL & ZOOFEST IN COLLABORATION WITH PABST BLUE RIBBON

Sometimes your alternative, edgy sibling can be a great influence…. at least that’s the case with OFF-JFL & Zoofest this year. This series features 60 + distinctive shows spanning intimate venues around Montreal, appealing to a young, vibrant demographic thanks to its risqué nature and affordability. Some of the biggest names in comedy made surprise appearances in the past from Louis C.K. and Bill Burr; to Judd Apatow and Dave Chappelle. This year will be no exception with some of the hippest acts planning to take the stage.

Notables from their recent TV appearances include HBO’s Flight of the Conchords, comedian Arj Barker; FXX famed-animated hit Lucas Bros Moving Co., comedians The Lucas Bros; NBC’s Powerless comedian/actor Ron Funches; to Canada’s own Sabrina Jalees who recently guest-starred on Amazon’s Transparent; and comedian, writer, actor and TV host on the BBC Katherine Ryan. Comedian, screenwriter, actor, seen on Netflix and E!’s Chelsea Lately, Jen Kirkman joins; as well, Socio-Political Comedian and TV host of FXX’s Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, W. Kamau Bell. Comedian and actor, most recently seen as everyone’s favourite brash coach on ABC’s The Goldbergs, podcast legend Bryan Callen shares his no holds barred approach to standup.

The hottest comedians and shows emerging on the circuit will be featured in this series, including Cristela Alonzo, Kate Berlant, Vir Das, Mark Forward, Erik Griffin, Dan Soder, Barry Rothbart, Emily Heller, James Adomian, K. Trevor Wilson, Orny Adams, Debra DiGiovanni, Sasheer Zamata, Krystyna Hutchinson, Corinne Fisher, Wil Anderson, Ian Karmel, Big Jay Oakersons’ What’s Your F*cking Deal?, Best of the Fest, Hosts with the Most and the insanely popular Midnight Surprise.  

Oh one more thing…. we can’t forget the quintessential comic’s comic Andy Kindler returns to OFF-JFL to host the beloved Alternative Show for five nights.

Just For Laughs continues to draw the biggest talent in the industry, putting the audience in the middle of the action. Many comedians got their “big break” in Montreal over the last 35 years. In a span of 20 days, audiences will have the opportunity to see everyone from their stand up idols, while also having the ability to discover the industry’s next breakout star.

Be prepared for more the premium lineups to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Pre-sale tickets will be available starting today, Wednesday May 3, 2017 as of 12:00 pm; and to the general public Friday, May 5, 2017 at 10:00 am at www.hahaha.com

Looking for the best way to experience the Just For Laughs Festival? Get a JFLMTL Pass! Passes available include: the JFL 2-Show Pass for $99.99, 3-Show Pass for $139.99 and 5-Show Pass for $215. Each pass includes one free ticket every day from July 25-29 (some restrictions apply).

The Just For Laughs Festival runs from July 12 - 31, 2017 in Montréal, Canada.

Find us on social #JFLMTL  #JFL35

Facebook: @justforlaughs
Twitter: @justforlaughs
Instagram: @justforlaughs

The Just For Laughs Festival would like to thank its public partners: Government of Canada, Gouvernement du Québec, City of Montréal and Tourisme Montréal for their support.

 

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THE 2017 EDITION OF THE JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY VIDEOTRON
IN ASSOCIATION WITH LOTO-QUÉBEC

For tickets by phone, online or in person:
The Just For Laughs Box Office, 514-845-2322, hahaha.com presented by Videotron

 

Press contact:                       

Charlene Coy
Just For Laughs
Charlene@c2ccommunications.com

 

About the Just For Laughs Group

Founded in 1983, the Just For Laughs Group has had but one goal in its 30-plus years of operation: make people happy. To achieve this goal, the Just For Laughs Group has focused on four major products: festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Sydney; television production including Gags seen in over 130 countries and on over 75 airlines and stand-up specials; live shows, such as Canadian tour dates for Jerry Seinfeld, Louis C.K., Jim Gaffigan and the Just For Laughs Comedy Tour; and talent management. The Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival is the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy event welcoming on average 1.35 million visitors to Montreal each summer and generating approximately $80 million for the city’s economy. The Group has offices in Montreal, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, London and are all connected to each other via the Internet.