He has been called one of the most original stand-up comics in the country and his performances leave audiences laughing in tears. Michael Blackson aka ‘The African King of Comedy' has been entertaining audiences all across the country and around the globe for more than a decade. Inspired by the stand up comedy of Eddie Murphy Blackson began to develop his comedic talent in 1992 in the unkind comedy clubs of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Blackson’s comedic appeal grew from his involvement with BET’s ComicView series HBO’s Def Comedy Jam Showtime at Harlem and Live in Hollywood. However it was in a Los Angeles comedy club where Blackson got his big break. Blackson was performing at the Comedy Store where actor/director Ice Cube was in attendance to see comedian Mike Epps perform. But after experiencing Blackson’s performance Ice Cube invited the young comic for a reading…and the rest is smash hit history! Blackson’s outstanding and unforgettable performance in the smash hit comedy Next Friday drew praise and a fan following like no other. After his scene stealing performance in Next Friday fans wanted more and in 2005 Blackson would not disappoint. He released his top-selling sketch comedy CD entitled Modasucka Welcome to America. With Blackson the work never stops. Along with special guest appearances on some of the hottest music videos Blackson stole the stage on P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy on HBO and starred in a commercial for the Chappelle Show on Comedy Central. There’s no mistaking Blackson for any other comedian when he takes the stage. And what about those Dashikis? When he takes the stage clad in the finest Dashikis the Motherland has to offer “The African King of Comedy? is born! Along with his film and television endeavors Blackson continues to entertain his fans as the headliner for live shows at comedy clubs universities and special events bringing his one-of-a kind must-see stand-up performance to audiences all across the country and around the world.

The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) stands as the unrivaled pinnacle of comedic celebration in the United States. Established in 2004 by Caroline Hirsch, founder and owner of the iconic Carolines comedy venue, the festival has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, becoming the largest and longest-running comedy festival in the nation. Over its illustrious 20-year history, the NYCF has graced New York City’s most prestigious venues, transforming hallowed spaces like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Apollo, BAM, the Beacon Theatre, Madison Square Garden, and Town Hall into arenas of uproarious merriment. The festival has played host to an unparalleled roster of comedy luminaries, including Judd Apatow, Aziz Ansari, Roseanne Barr, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., Jimmy Carr, Margaret Cho, Dane Cook, Billy Crystal, Larry David, Jim Gaffigan, Ricky Gervais, Kathy Griffin, Kevin Hart, Jo Koy, Artie Lange, Denis Leary, Norm Macdonald, Bill Maher, Marc Maron, Tracy Morgan, Conan O’Brien, Patton Oswalt, Ray Romano, Brian Regan, Adam Sandler, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Robin Williams, Steven Wright, and many more. Beyond showcasing the industry’s top-tier talent, the NYCF has been a launchpad for emerging comedians. Events like New York’s Funniest Stand-Up competition and Comics To Watch have become platforms for the industry’s rising stars, offering not only recognition but also a chance to share the spotlight with established headliners. Past winners of New York’s Funniest Stand-Up include Nate Bargatze, Michael Che, Ricky Velez, and Tim Dillon. Among those who have performed on Comics To Watch are Michael Longfellow, Jaboukie Young-White and Ali Wong. In 2006, the festival expanded its impact by partnering with Bob and Lee Woodruff for Stand-Up for Heroes, a benevolent endeavor benefiting the Bob Woodruff Foundation. This noble cause ensures stable and successful futures for our nation’s veterans, service members, and their families. Stand Up for Heroes has presented stellar performances from comedians such as Nate Bargatze, Ronny Chieng, Stephen Colbert, Jim Gaffigan, Ricky Gervais, Seth Meyers, Conan O’Brien, John Oliver, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Iliza Shlesinger, Jon Stewart, and Robin Williams. The event has also featured musical talents like Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, John Mellencamp, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruce Springsteen, and Rita Wilson, raising nearly $100 million to date. The NYCF is not just about stand-up performances; it’s an immersive experience. The festival presents a diverse array of programming, including conversations, panel discussions, live podcast tapings, improv and sketch shows, film premieres, screenings, engaging partner activations, and much more. Evolving with each passing year, the festival expanded from seven to ten days in 2023, now featuring over 200 comedians in more than 300 shows annually. The NYCF continues to transcend borders and boundaries, attracting comedy fans from across the nation and around the world. As it enters its milestone 20th year, the New York Comedy Festival has firmly etched its place in the heart of New York City’s cultural landscape. The 21st annual New York Comedy Festival will take place November 7– 16.