You don't have to play an instrument to earn your place on a platz.
Starting tonight, the Lehigh Valley with Love ComedyPlatz will feature back-to-back evenings of homegrown and regionally-sourced comedy at the Charles A. Brown Ice in Bethlehem. More than 30 comedians plucked from up and down the east coast are scheduled to perform over the course of the showcase.
The Lehigh Valley will be represented by comedians Richie Warmkessel, Tyler Rothrock, Dan Fitzpatrick, LeMaire Lee, Kris Fried, Roya Hamadani, Andy Malafarina, Nate Marshall, Ian Webster, Emily Poche, Kirk Griffiths and Jason J. Brown. Warmkessel, Rothrock, Hamadani and Poche will serve as the show's emcees. Additionally, ComedyPlatz will include sets by comedians Blair Socci, of MTV's Ladylike and Guy Code vs. Girl Code, and Dina Hashem, of Comedy Central's Roast Battle.
Tyler Rothrock (Courtesy Photo)
"Getting the Musikfest seal of approval is huge for us. It validates us as quality entertainment, for sure," Rothrock said Thursday. "Also, it allows us to work closely with (ArtsQuest) and make sure people know we are there."
Rothrock said having a space to perform during such a large festival is a huge score for the Valley's comedy scene. "We need something to look forward to and work for," said the Nazareth native. "When I started out, it was the 'Tickle Me Tuesdays' show (at Bethlehem Brew Works). There is great local talent and the sooner the Lehigh Valley notices, the better."
Lehigh Valley with Love Media put on a similar showcase during Musikfest 2016, although that event was not officially affiliated with the festival. More than 200 comedian submissions were received for this year's event, according to Musikfest's website. (ComedyPlatz is being presented by Lehigh Valley with Love Media and Rothrock's Never Again Radio.)
George Wacker, founder of Lehigh Valley with Love Media, said he is pumped to be part of Musikfest. He said ComedyPlatz adds to the growing diversity of the festival's programming. "Musikfest isn't just about music. There is awesome food, performers juggling flaming hockey sticks, and now, two nights of comedy from some of the best comics we could find," Wacker said.
Rothrock echoed Wacker's sentiment. "It's a true test to see if this is something that can be a permanent part of Musikfest. I'm optimistic about where this can go," he said.
Here is the full ComedyPlatz lineup:
TONIGHT
7 p.m.
- Richie Warmkessel
- Sahar Adri
- Katie Jo
- Tommy McNamara
- Patrick Monahan
- Paul Spratt
- Phil Stamato
8:45 p.m.
- Tyler Rothrock (MC)
- Dan Fitzpatrick
- Dina Hashem
- Julia Johns
- LeMaire Lee
- Dan Perlman
- Glen Tickle
10:30 p.m.
- Roya Hamadani (MC)
- Dan Harumi
- Dan Perlman
- Andy Malafarina
- Kristin Manna
- Nate Marshall
- Bret Raybould
SATURDAY
7 p.m.
- Richie Warmkessel
- VIctoria Hoffman
- John Kim
- Patrick Monahan
- Emily Poche
- Stephen Sihelnik
- Ian Webster
8:45 p.m.
- Tyler Rothrock (MC)
- Shane Gillis
- Kirk Griffiths
- Alex Grubard
- Dina Hashem
- Liz Magee
- Patrick Schroeder
10:30 p.m.
- Emily Poche (MC)
- Jason J. Brown
- Kris Fried
- Keele Howard-Stone
- Brendan Jackson
- Blair Socci
- Dee Watson