After producing the American Black Film Festival for more than two decades, Nice Crowd is bringing Because They’re Funny to Washington, D.C. on October 6-8, 2023.
“With the help of our friend Anthony Anderson, we will showcase the diversity that exists in the world of comedy, bringing six talented artists to D.C. for a chance to be launched to stardom,” Nice Crowd Founder Jeff Friday and Nice Crowd President Nicole Friday said in a joint statement.
“Because They’re Funny provides emerging acts with the chance to share the stage with some of the biggest names in comedy, many of whom started their careers right here in Washington, D.C.”
The first night of the three-day event will feature the 2023 Breakout Comedian of The Year Competition. As described by Nice Crowd, the competition will feature “six talented, yet undiscovered stand-up comics” competing for a “$20k grand prize and a chance to be signed by Innovative Artists talent agency.” One day later, Nicole Byer, Ego Nwodim, Aida Rodriguez and Luenell will headline the Hey Ladies Fierce Female Comedy Show. The final day of the festival will consist of Parrish Smith’s premiere of The Mecca of Comedy and the DMV Black Comedy Homecoming Show hosted by Yvonne Orji. DMV natives Anthony Anderson, Donnell Rawlings, Red Grant, Pierre, Joe Clair and Tony Woods are set to perform throughout the weekend.
