Jeff Ross is a respected comedian, writer, director, and producer also known as “The Roastmaster General.” Currently, his wildly popular live show “Bumping Mics with Jeff Ross and Dave Attell” is streaming on Netflix as a three-part comedy special event. The show, which was shot over three nights at the iconic Village Underground in New York, showcases the kinship that exists between these two veteran comics and highlights special guests including Amy Schumer, Bob Saget, Paul Rudd and Michael Che. As a regular on the Comedy Central Roasts, Jeff has roasted many stars including Justin Bieber, Roseanne Barr, Joan Rivers, Charlie Sheen, and The President of The United States, Donald Drumpf. Jeff's most recent Comedy Central Roast victim was none other than Bruce Willis. These celebrity roasts have become a mainstay in popular culture and propelled roasting into the public eye. Building on their success, Jeff launched “Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle” in 2016, a competition show in which comics go mic to mic in a battle of wits. Judged by some of the best comedy minds of our generation including Jimmy Kimmel, Kevin Hart, and Seth Rogen, Roast Battle, has introduced new stars and started a movement. Comedy Central has since taken the format international, producing versions of the show in Britain, Mexico and South Africa, with more international markets to come. This past fall, Jeff took roasting back in time with the forthcoming Netflix show “Historical Roasts” where Abe Lincoln, Cleopatra, Freddie Mercury and many others took their turns being roasted. The series will premiere in the spring of 2019. Jeff's comedy specials also turn roasting into social commentary. With “Jeff Ross Roasts Criminals,” “Jeff Ross Roasts Cops,” and “Jeff Ross Roasts The Border,” Jeff has used roasting to shed light on some of the more polarizing political issues of our time. These specials have taken him to a maximum-security prison, the Boston Police Department, and both sides of the Mexican border. He also hosts the podcast “Thick Skin with Jeff Ross,” which can be found on iTunes. Jeff regularly tours with the USO to perform for our troops overseas. Most recently he traveled to Iraq with The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, and performed holiday shows for the soldiers stationed there.  ​Jeff has also lent his voice to many animated projects, with performances in “Future Worm, Penn Zero: Part Time Hero,” “The Emoji Movie,” “Happy!” and as series regular “Hook Foot” on the popular Disney show “Tangled.” Jeff also recently wrapped a four-episode arc on Amazon’s “Sneaky Pete.”

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.