Damon Williams

AUGUST 11-13 AND AUGUST 18-20THE LAMPOST NIGHT CLUB

LIFE JUST GOT FUNNIER!

FOR MORE INFO:

featuring some of the best comics on the circuitLAMPOST NIGHT CLUB in OAK BLUFFS

AUG 11-13 and AUG 18-20

PRESENT THE FOURTH ANNUAL

COMEDY WITH A BITE!

Produced by

STARRING

MarthasVineyardComedyFest.comFOR MORE INFO:

DamonWilliams

KeithJackson

HowieBell

ChasityWashington

SeanLarkins

MarkSimmons

MarcusCombs

KevinSimpson

Laughter Awaits: Letter From Founder

Staff

Travel Tips

Comedy Fashion

6 Styles of Comedy

Bios

CONTENTS4

6

8

10

18

20

We live in such a fast pace oriented world where the vast majority of our attentions are focused on bottom-lined issues. It’s no surprise that much of society and corporate America have forgotten how essential “laughter” is to life and business respectively. Unquestionably, most of us have become so accustomed to meeting deadlines and expectations that we don’t really take time out of our busy schedule to laugh and have fun.

The results obtained through good humor allows us to meet our challenges, take a fresh look at what we face, and discover pathways that we have not seen before. Laughter awaits us in August so put down the cell phone and step away from the lap-top for just a moment to enjoy great comedy, food and drinks during our 4th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest.

As always, we will present side-splitting, profanity-free comedy, from some of the best and brightest comics at The Lampost Night Club on Circuit Ave in Oak Bluffs. Leading off week one (Aug. 11th-13th) will be comedians Keith “Big Keef” Jackson, Chastity Washington, Sean Larkins and Damon Williams. The following week’s (Aug. 18th-19th) performers will be comedians, Mark Simmons, Kevin “Damn Fool” Simpson, Howie Belle, and Marcus Combs. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance at www.marthasvineyardcomedyfest.com.

Steve CapersPresident & FounderKnock-Knock Productions

Laughter Awaits: The 4th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest

A Proud Sponsor of Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest

Steve CapersFounder/President

Dorothy CapersDirector of Operations & Logistics

Carolyn BrantonEvents Coordinator

Marcellus MooreLegal Advisor

Clint EvansDirector of Strategic Partnership & New Media

Stephanie BrantonCustomer Service Manger

Charles WhiteGraphics & Art Editor

Savarra AndersonWeb Site Developer

Mariah MatthewsSummer Intern

STAFF

Damon Williams

A Proud Sponsor of Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest

Getting to Martha’s Vineyard is challenging, but with information and planning, your trip can go without a hitch!

First of all, remember that martha’s vineyard is an island, which means it is surrounded by water, and you cannot drive to the island.

There are several ways to get on to the island -- by car ferry from Woods Hole, MA; by fast ferry from Quonset Point RI (near Providence Airport and Kingston Amtrak station); or fly directly to the island.

Upon arrival by ferry, you will disembark at one of the two port towns, Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven. Within a few steps of the ferry, you will find taxis, public transportation, rental cars, scooters and bicycles to help you get around.

If you are flying , you have several choices, including fly into Boston, take the Peter Pan Bus from Boston Airport to the Woods Hole Steamship Authority Ferry to the island.

You may also fly into Providence RI and take 20- minute shuttle to Quonset Point where you board the Vineyard Fast Ferry to the island.

Amtrak offers train service into Boston, from which you can take the bus to Woods Hole, or Amtrak to Kingston RI, with shuttle transfer to the Vineyard Fast Ferry.

There are flights directly to MVY. You will in most cases have to take a small plane onto the island as the last leg. There are summer flights on larger planes from Washington and New York.

If you intend to bring a car, Steamship Authority Ferry (Woods Hole) reservations should be made very early. Car ferry reservations for upcoming year open around the middle of January. Ferry reservations for cars, especially during the month of August, can be extremely hard to book if not done early.

TRAVEL TIPS

TRAVEL WITHOUT A CAR

TRAVEL WITH A CAR

Martha’s Vineyard has six towns, each with its own distinct character - Oak Bluffs, Tisbury ( Vineyard Haven) , West Tisbury, Edgartown, Chilmark and Aquinnah (Gay Head). You should first become familiar with each town in order to narrow your search for accommodations.

House rentals are the most common form of accommodations on Martha’s Vineyard. There are many websites that offer information on houses for rent. Most rentals in the summer are weeklong, usually beginning on Saturday or Sunday.

If you prefer to not do so much work on your own, there are numerous real estate companies on the island which can assist with house rentals. Your housing choices are greater the earlier you begin this process. Once you secure a house rental, you can then book your car ferry reservation if one is needed.

There are hotels, inns, and bed and breakfast inns on the island. Many rentals in August are two to three- day minimum, and fill up fast.

Steamshipauthority.comVineyardfastferry.comPeterpanbus.comCapeair.comHomeaway.comVrbo.comWeneedavacation.com

HAVE A GOOD TIME!

ACCOMMODATIONS

HELPFUL WEBSITES

FINAL TIP

COMEDYFASHIONWhen it comes to first impressions, of course people

will judge you by what you are wearing. It’s a part

of life and everyone makes judgments no matter who you

are or what you do. Like several professional sports star,

politician, corporate folks, and actors, the veteran comedians

know how important it is to look their best on stage. In

some instances, these comics will hire a fashion consultant

to assist them with hair, make-up, clothing and accessories

to establish the “right look” for their set. Take a look at the

following pictures to get a snap shot of some of the unique

styles on the comedy circuit.

Photographed by Steve Capers

Mark Curry

DA

PP

ER

B. Phlat

BO

LD &

SU

ITE

D

BO

LD &

Damon Williams

SU

ITE

D

FULL

Y

VEST

ED

Tony Tone

Steve Brown

Leon Rogers

CA

SU

AL

&

CA

SU

AL

&

Tony Sculfield

COOL

Do you know what are the 6 styles of comedy?

BLACK COMEDY is a style when comedians make fun of serious situations like sickness, terror, rape, war, death and the likes. In the early form of theaters, such style was greatly appreciated by audiences. Nowadays, some people find it distasteful.

SATIRE is a style of comedy that is somehow profound and is making a serious statement beyond the hilarious antics and dialogues. Political satires are common forms of this style. People surely love to laugh about the funny mannerisms and features of a political personality they love to hate.

SARCASM is one element always present in this comedy style. Spoofs of personalities also fall under the category satire. When a comedy act is executed to ridicule another work, a novel, movie or television show, the style ceases to be satire but is termed parody.

AN ADAGE is a style of comedy that is hard to pull off. Usually, adages contain jargon and are aimed to make fun of ethical guidelines, principles, folk wisdom, proverbs and culture.

The fifth style would be IRONY. Usually, irony is depicted when a character intends one result and then ends up doing something else. For example, the story of Romeo and Juliet, can be spoofed and made hilarious, but the irony there is evident.

Lastly, you should know about ALTERNATIVE COMEDY, which is undoubtedly the most popular style of comedy. It is this style of comedy that defines the modern comedy antics popularized by sitcoms and movies.

Alternative comedy makes use of comic situations and languages to be able to tickle the audience’s senses. Slapstick also branches out from this style of comedy.

THIS WEEK ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD

A Proud Sponsor of Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest

Howie Bell is an 18 year “stand-up comedian” and actor, born and raised in Detroit, MI. From the start, Bell has taken the comedy game to the “next level”. He’s appeared on several stand-up specials such as,”Comedy After Dark” (Comedy Central 2013), 6 seasons of “Comic View” (BET) including the most recent edition “One Mic Stand” hosted by Kevin Hart. “Jamie Foxx’s LAFFAPALOOZA!” (Comedy Central), 2 seasons on “ P. Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy” (HBO), “Byron Allan’s Comics Unleashed”, and 2 seasons on “Black Men Revealed” (TV 1). In 2007, Bell was nominated for “Best Comedic Performance” by the

“NAMIC” Awards, for his performance on “Robert Townsend Presents: Partner’s in Crime “The next Generation”.

Howie Bell has also enjoyed “road” success as well. Performing on the National “BAD BOYS of COMEDY TOUR”, Laffapalooza festivals in Atlanta, GA, JAMIE FOXX’s “Y2K tour” & “Unpredictable”, as well as THE IMPROV, Funny Bone, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy store, andcomedy clubs across the country. Bell has also opened for several “A-list” Comics such as JAMIE FOXX, KATT WILLIAMS, ARNEZ J, RICKY SMILEY and EARTHQUAKE to name a few.

Howie Bell has also had the opportunity to be a part of some film projects such as “Busted”, “Hollywon’t”, “Gangsta Rap: The Glockumentary” (ILL VILLE Films), and recent critically acclaimed film “DETROIT UNLEADED”.

Howie Bell has also been in the “writing arena” as well. Creatively contributing to the sketches that landed his improv/sketch group the “Otha Level” a spot at the “Bumpershoot” festival (Seattle, WA) anda slot at the HBO Aspen Comedy festival (2000). As well as a personal writer for P. Diddy when he hosted the “MTV VMA’s” in 2005 where one of Bell’s “sketches” made the cut.

THE BIOSHOWIE BELL

Hailing from the windy city of Chicago, IL. he will have you rolling out of your seats from the time he hits the stage until he says goodnight. You can catch Marcus on the DVD Series P.Diddy presents “The Bad Boys of Comedy”, Russell Simmons “Def Comedy Jam”, and “Cut’n it up: Chicago”.

Through the years Marcus has continued the tradition of other great comedians that hail from Chicago as well as appearing on stage with some of the best such as Bernie Mac, Tony Roberts, and Earthquake.

From the start of his career Marcus was destined to be one of the best comedians that has ever dawned a stage. His comedic style can only be surpassed by his undaunting charisma that he is known for while on stage.

Early in life, faced with personal tragedy Marcus has responded with unparalleled character and motivation. He is now revered by his successors for many reasons, and he continues to pave the way for new comedic talent.

For the past 15 years Marcus has performed across the country in comedy clubs, colleges, and concerts making him a household name. The one, the only, Mr. Marcus Combs.

Keith “Big Keef” Jackson embodies life, laughter, and love. Big Keef, an only child, was raised on the south side of Chicago by a no non-sense mother and grandmother. He was a class clown, so it’s no wonder that becoming a comedian was a natural fit for his vivacious character.

Big Keef hit the Chicago comic scene as the most energetic, animated, in your face comic in town. His quick wit, motivation, advice, and spin on life are serious yet funny and are sure to leave you laughing uncontrollably.

He has toured and performed with many of the country’s and Chicago’s most popular comedians. He has performed at countless comedy clubs, theaters, high schools, universities and churches.

Big Keef credits include winning 1st place in the Chicago Brown Sugar Comedy Competition, performing on Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand Up on Starz and Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes on TV One. He was a finalist in the WGCI “Most

MARCUS COMBS

KEITH JACKSON

Let’s get ready to rumble!!!!!!!Entering the ring is America’s newest star, Sean Larkins.

Sean’s style is inspired by real life experience. With more than 15 years of standup comedy under his belt and 11 years improv experience, Mr. Larkins uses versatility and wit to entertain audiences with his main stream flavor. He focuses on action, skit writing, impersonations, and developing many original characters, including his famous ‘Roach Man.’ A student enrolled in Atlanta’s prestigious Alliance Theatre, Mr. Larkins’ Television appearances include BET’S COMIC VIEW” (1998-

2000), NBC’S MINI SERIES “MAMA FLORA’S FAMILY”, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam with award winning Cicely Tyson; not to mention numerous national commercials and radio advertisements. This native of Detroit, MI. has settled in Atlanta. A newcomer to the television ring is ready to go toe to toe with any opponent.

Interesting Comedian” competition and was the 1st place winner of Power 92’s Comedy Search. He is a headliner, host, sketch and improv comedian. He’s also an actor, poet, singer, songwriter, screen play writer, and a joke ghost writer for comedians.

Big Keef’s ultimate goal is to be the most memorable, fun and exciting performer in entertainment anywhere and to change the world by making people laugh!

Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Mark Simmons knew early in life that he possessed the gift of humor, but more importantly, he enjoyed the feeling he derived from making people laugh. Following graduation from Illinois State University and a successful stint proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Air Force, Mark returned to his native Chicago. On a dare from a friend, Mark auditioned for the Miller Lite Comedy Search, a high profile marketing initiative from the Miller Brewing Company designed to locate and cultivate new comedy talent. In spite of his limited experience at the time, Mark

made an instant impression on the judges, making it to the semi finals of the competition. While he didn’t win the championship, the experience was enough to present Mark with his true calling.

SEAN LARKINS

MARK SIMMONS

Mark concentrated all of his efforts into becoming a world class entertainer. He honed his craft playing clubs, colleges and venues throughout Chicago and across the United States. Mark has developed a following around the world through stand out performances in several countries including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 1998, he made his first national television debut appearing on B.E.T.’s Comicview and has remained an audience favorite appearing on the show every season since.

2000 proved to be a defining year for Mark’s career. In 2000, Mark won the prestigious Miller Genuine Draft Comedy Search and the Mid-West Finalist in the National Salem ORB-E Emerging Artist Contest. As a founding cast member and writer for the sketch comedy troupe “Forgotten City”, Mark and his fellow performers enjoyed an extended run on one of the stages of “The Second City Theater” in Chicago, one of comedy’s most celebrated venues.

Mark continues to grow as an artist while expanding his talent and experience. He followed the success of 2000 by landing a role in MGM’s breakaway hit Barbershop and can be currently seen reprising his role in Barbershop 2: Back in Business. The year 2005 looks to be a busy year for Mark starting with his third role in a major studio motion picture, in the soon to be released 20th Century Fox film Roll Bounce, a feature comedy spot on the new television comedy show P.Diddy’s Bad Boys Of Comedy, slated to air on HBO, and he is currently starring and touring in the multi media play Real Men Talking.

In a search for entertainers, the characteristics most people are seeking are professionalism, energy, integrity, a high recognition factor and most of all original talent. All of these attributes can be summed up in one name... Mark Simmons, one of the most promising new faces on today’s comedy scene.

His Mom always said “You’ll never make it in life being a damn fool,” but it being a Damn Fool got him a shot at performing on a very well known comedy show six months into being a Stand Up Comedian. Usually mothers’ are right, but “Damn Fool” has long since proved her wrong. He plans to show the world, one stage at a time, that anyone can learn something from someone - even a “Damn Fool”.

Born Kevin Simpson, as an only child, he surrounded himself with strange friends such as the winos and street hustlers of his Chicago neighborhood, leaving him with plenty to talk about.

His fiery onstage energy and visual stories have earned him spots on some of television’s most prestigious comedy shows; including appearances BET Comicview, BET’s One

KEVIN SIMPSON

Comedian Chastity Washington has a performance history of nearly twenty years. In that time she has performed in Clubs & College’s across the nation. She has appeared on BET Comic View, Coming to the Stage, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam.

Chastity was featured at the TBS Just For Laughs Festival – Montreal, 2013 and titled as one of the 50 Hot Women of Comedy to Watch by After Ellen.com. For fun she has dabbled in Radio and by trade she is a Middle School teacher.

Williams a former Subway sandwich shop owner from Chicago began his career at All Jokes Aside Comedy club. Damon’s numerous television appearances include BET’s Comicview annually since ‘94 including his own one hour special. He’s been featured on BET LIVE, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, The Tom Joyner Skyshow on TV ONE and HBO’s P Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy. Williams even hosted several episodes of the legendary Showtime at the Apollo formerly hosted by TV star Steve Harvey.

In 1999 Damon performed for over 300,000 fans as the opening act for the highly successful Kings of Comedy Tour establishing him as one of the elite Comics in the nation. Damon is a veteran of The Us Comedy Arts festival in Aspen Damon headlined the Cedric the Entertainer Comedy Revue. Damon is a crowd favorite on the college, club and concert circuit Damon also performs internationally with regular appearances in Canada with stops in Vancouver, Montreal and in Edmonton.

His material is universal and there’s something for all ages. His popularity has provided him the opportunity to work with some of the biggest stars in the business and also as host for a campaign brunch for then US Senator Obama. Some of these stars include Aretha Franklin, Pattie Labelle, Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, Harry Belafonte, Chris Rock, James Brown, Jamie Foxx and even Little Richard.

Mic Stand, Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza on Comedy Central, P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy on HBO, Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes on TVOne and just recently on Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment on Starz. Prefacing the adage, “I Just Think Different,” he shares his unique views with audiences, bringing each character to life in a way that only Damn Fool can. Dedicated to spreading his brand of humor across the country and abroad, Damn Fool is destine to become a household name in the entertainment world and join the ranks of comedians such as Kevin Hart.

CHASTITY WASHINGTON

HOWIE BELL

DJ Dolla Bill, also known as the “Human Mix-Tape”, possess an appetite for many musical genres to include Hip-Hop and Reggae, old and new school R&B, and much more. His unique style has been noted to include a hybrid of musical fusion and cultures. With decades of solid experience, DJ Dolla Bill has graced the nation’s top cities and maintains a steady following and reputation for getting any party started. Dolla Bill’s talent expands further than the typical DJ with and extensive background in performing with celebrity acts, such as Chubb Rock, J. Anthony Brown and Damon Williams. he is the creator of

the “SUper 80’s Dance Party” and the “Ultimate Old School Dance Party”. Click the link to listen to one of his mixes.

DJ Dolla Bill

THE STAGE IS SETMARTHAS VINEYARD COMEDY FEST:THE ONLY PROFANITY-FREE COMEDY FEST IN THE NATION

The stage is set for Centric and Uptown Magazine to present the 4th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest, a series of comedy shows featuring the hottest comic on the circuit. With an all-star cast of comedians each night at the Lampost in Oak Bluffs - Martha’s Vineyard’s Premier Night Spot. Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest promises to set a new and higher standard for stand-up comedy.

The festival will offer a fresh brand of humor, building on the legacy of laughter

established by great comedians, such as Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory, Nipsey Russell, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Paul Mooney, Whoopie Goldberg, and Eddie Murphy, all of whom blazed the trails for future comedians. Come experience the fun, excitement and laughter as we present first-class comedic entertainment.