We can all agree that this has been one of the coldest winters in the Twin Cities since the “Polar Vortex” of 2013. After all, on New Year’s Day it was warmer on Mars than in the Twin Cities. So, what do we do to survive? We laugh! And the Minnesota JCC’s Twin Cities Jewish Humor Fest is just the ticket.
This years’ event will be held virtually, featuring an eclectic group of presenters representing both local and national talent. Now in its 13th season, the Fest celebrates humor and storytelling as a central part of Jewish culture.
The Fest opens on Thursday evening, February 17, with Good Timing, a film screening followed by a live conversation with Jo Firestone and Alicia Eler of the Star Tribune. During her weekly class at the Greenwich House Senior Center, comedian Jo Firestone teaches a group of seniors who prove to be more provocative, political and unfiltered on-stage than off. Firestone’s film was nominated this year for a Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Special. Alicia Eler is an arts journalist, critic and novelist and will be moderating the conversation live on Zoom.
Queer Comedy Night is on Saturday, February 19, with four outstanding comedians from across the country. Guy Branum is an alum of Chelsea Lately, The Mindy Project, and the creator and host of truTV’s talk show, The Game Night. Robby Hoffman is a small, ex-Hasidic, queer, Jewish, stand-up comedian and she was named on of Vulture’s “Top Comedians to Watch.” Also featured will be Jared Goldstein and Geulah Finman, two queer, Jewish comedians sure to bring the laughs. The evening will be hosted by two hilarious and warm local community members, Daniel Goldschmidt and Sparkles du Jour.
Back by popular demand on Sunday February 20 is a Night of Jewish Storytelling, an evening of true stories, featuring Jonathan Gershberg, Max Hornstein, Steve Mintz, Amy Salloway, Jonathan Savitt, and Riv Shapiro. Each year, beloved members of our community reveal themselves through their stories – an encounter with a 50-foot Jesus, sitting next to a Nazi on the plane, a family RV trip gone terribly wrong and more. Storytellers were coached by Amy Salloway, an actor, writer and teaching artist of Story Club Minneapolis.
“Jewish humor has a long tradition of healing and creating community,” said Riv Shapiro, the festival’s producer. “We hope that this year’s Humor Fest will feed your soul and give you a little boost of much-deserved joy.”
For more information and to reserve your tickets, click here.
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