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Tree Town Comedy Festival returns to Ann Arbor for second year

Tree Town Comedy Festival at the Blind Pig with Beth Stelling, on Friday, March 3, 2023. (LON HORWEDEL PHOTO)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Tree Town Comedy Festival is back for its second year with a lineup of nationally and locally known comedians at venues across downtown Ann Arbor.

More than 30 comics will be featured during 12 events between Feb. 28 and March 2.

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Tree Town Comedy Festival was born from the funny brains of Ann Arbor comics who wanted to put the city on the map and highlight all of the comedic talent in Michigan.

“Whether they grew up here, performed here, lived here, or studied here, practically all of our featured comedians have a strong bond with Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Michigan,” said festival producer Ella Horwedel in a release. “And that’s what we want to celebrate the most.”

The first event of the festival will be a Comedy Rumble at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase where all 30 comedians will have 90 seconds to get the biggest laughs.

Other venues include the Blind Pig, Blom Meadworks and a secret venue not yet announced.

“We love how much these places are doing for art and expression in the community, each in their own unique way,” Horwedel said “The variety of venues represents the variety of shows that will be part of the festival.”

This year’s comic lineup includes Phil Hanely, Emma Willmann, Irene Tu, Demetrius Fields, Alaina Bamfield, Bret Hayden and Andrew Yang.

“There’s nothing like stand-up in Ann Arbor,” said festival producer Erich Laux. “The crowds are so perceptive and really catch on to little subtleties. It’s really easy to connect with them. It makes for incredible shows, and it’s crazy that people are missing out.”

Stand-up comedy fans can find ticket information and details here.

Here’s the schedule:

Wednesday, Feb. 28

  • 7:15 p.m. | Comedy Rumble at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase | $15

Thursday, Feb. 29

  • 7:15 p.m. | Tree Town Comedy Festival Showcase at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase | $18
  • 8 p.m. | Don’t Tell Comedy at a Secret Location | $25
  • 8:30 p.m. | Demetrius Fields at The Blind Pig | $20

Friday, March 1

  • 7:15 p.m. | Phil Hanley Friday at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase | $25
  • 7:30 p.m. | Bløm Meadworks Comedy Showcase at Bløm Meadworks | $10
  • 8:30 p.m. | Emma Willmann at The Blind Pig | $25

Saturday, March 2

  • 7:15 p.m. | Phil Hanley Friday at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase | $25
  • 7:30 p.m. | Bløm Meadworks Comedy Showcase at Bløm Meadworks | $10
  • 8:30 p.m. | Irene Tu at The Blind Pig | $25
  • 9:45 p.m. | Phil Hanley Friday at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase | $25
  • 11 p.m. | The Dirty Pig Comedy Show at The Blind Pig | $5 (free with proof of purchase of Blind Pig headliner shows)

About the Author
Sarah Parlette headshot

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.

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