Gilda's LaughFest, the nation's first communitywide festival of laughter, announced that Jim Gaffigan is bringing his The Pale Tourist tour to Van Andel Arena on March 5, 2020, at 8 p.m. The event kicks off the 10th year of the festival, taking place March 5 – 15, 2020.
The Pale Tourist marks the third appearance for Gaffigan at LaughFest, with his previous performances selling out.
One of the nation's top touring comedians, Gaffigan is a four-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer and producer. He is a two-time New York Times best-selling author, two-time Emmy-winning top touring performer, and multiplatinum-selling recording artist. Gaffigan's movie credits include the Three Kings, Super Troopers, Drunk Parents and Chappaquiddick. Called the "King of Sundance," he also has roles in three films—Troop Zero with Viola Davis and Alison Janney, Them That Follow, and Light From Light—that premiered during the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, he recently released his seventh stand-up special, Quality Time with Amazon and continues his international arena and theater tour.
LaughFest earlier announced that Cristela Alonzo will participate in a special 10th-anniversary LaughFest "off-season" performance at 7 p.m., November 22, at Wealthy Theatre.
Also announced was the call for amateur and seasoned comic submissions to perform at the LaughFest free showcases.
New for 2020 will be themed showcases including Ladies Night Out, Young at Heart, Cancer Journey and First Timers. Showcases will be made up of mixed levels of talent, with individuals of all ages and groups of any size encouraged to apply early for the opportunity to showcase their talents. Showcase spots are limited and the application deadline is December 15, 2019.
Tickets for The Pale Tourist are available at Ticketmaster and the Van Andel Arena box office and will be included in LaughFest ticket packages, going on sale after the full lineup is released on Tuesday, November 19, 2019.
Proceeds from the festival and donations raised will go to support the free cancer, grief, and emotional health programs offered through Gilda's Club Grand Rapids.
See Gilda's LaughFest for more info and ticket package details, or call 616.735.4242.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of Gilda's LaughFest.
