Comedians Deon Cole & Leslie Jones have been tapped as headliners for the second annual Because They’re Funny (BTF) Comedy Festival. The knee-slapping event is scheduled from September 27-29, 2024 taking place at The Wharf and DC Improv.
Hosted by NICE CROWD, BTF’s lineup includes headline shows, the “Breakout Comedian of the Year Competition,” panels, comedy classes, networking events and the “BTF Cares” Charity Fundraiser.
Cole is slated to host BTF’s flagship “Breakout Comedian of the Year” competition. Up to 16 comedians will be selected from the pool of submissions to perform live at the semifinals in mid-August in Los Angeles.
On Saturday, September 28, six finalists will compete for a $10,000 grand prize and the opportunity to secure representation by the Hollywood talent agency Innovative Artists.
On the following day, comedy lovers have the chance to attend a performance by Jones. She is an NAACP Image Award winner, and a three-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee for her work as a cast member on Saturday Night Live between 2014-19. She recently had movie roles in Goodburger 2, The Daily Show, and Coming 2 America. In 2017, Jones hosted the BET Awards and was included on TIME magazine’s list of 100 most influential people.
In addition to her national tour, Jones will join the NBC team as chief superfan commentator for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Leslie Jones on The Daily Show
Cole is a comedian, writer, and actor who can currently be seen in the critically acclaimed drama series Average Joe for BET+. He has had memorable performances on Black-ish and Grown-ish and his recurring role as Dante in the Barbershop film franchise.
Cole honed his joke-writing chops as an Emmy-nominated writer on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and Conan and countless appearances at clubs and venues nationwide. Take advantage of his latest round of hilarious new material.
Deon Cole on Netflix Is A Joke
Festival passes and individual tickets are available for purchase now at becausetheyrefunny.com.